Easy Basil Sauce – A Fresh, Freezer-Friendly Burst of Herb Flavor

Easy Basil Sauce – Herbaceous, Garlicky Goodness in Every Jar

Introduction

This Easy Basil Sauce is the kind of kitchen essential that keeps on giving. Packed with bold garlic and fresh basil, and suspended in silky olive oil, it’s an all-purpose flavor booster. Whether drizzled on roasted veggies, swirled into pasta, or spooned over grilled meats, this emerald sauce transforms any dish from good to absolutely craveable.

Even better? It freezes beautifully, letting you preserve that garden-fresh flavor for months.


Why I Love This Recipe

When basil is in abundance, I love making batches of this versatile sauce to freeze and use all year long. It’s simple, vibrant, and endlessly useful. Think of it as pesto’s unfussy cousin—no nuts, no cheese, just pure herby flavor with a garlicky punch.

It pairs beautifully with comforting dishes like Instant Pot Lasagna or okra and sausage skillet, and adds a gourmet touch to sheet pan quesadillas.


Ingredients

  • 200 gm fresh basil tips (top 2–3 inches of the plant)
  • 12 garlic cloves
  • 430 gm olive oil (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes & Tips

  • Basil: Use just-picked basil for best flavor. If rinsed, pat it dry thoroughly to avoid water content in the sauce.
  • Olive oil: Go with a high-quality extra virgin for maximum richness and preservation.
  • Garlic: Use fresh, firm cloves. You’ll split them between batches for balanced flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances the basil’s brightness and helps stabilize the mixture.

How to Make Easy Basil Sauce

Step 1: Harvest Your Basil

Pick the tender top 2–3 inches of your basil plants in the morning when the oils are most concentrated. You’ll need about 200 gm total.

Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients

Peel all 12 garlic cloves and measure out your olive oil. Divide the basil and garlic into two batches—this makes blending easier and keeps the consistency smooth.

Step 3: Start Blending

To your blender, add:

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 of the basil (100 gm)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 garlic cloves

Pulse to break down the leaves, then puree for 20–30 seconds until smooth.

Step 4: Jar It Up

Pour the mixture into 4 oz jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Top each jar with a thin layer of olive oil to seal in freshness.

Step 5: Repeat & Freeze

Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. Once filled, label the jars and freeze them. These will keep for 8–12 months.


Tips for Success

  • Use clean, dry jars to prevent spoilage.
  • Don’t skip the oil topping—it acts as a seal and prevents oxidation.
  • Blend in small batches for best texture and even distribution.
  • Label your jars with the date for easy tracking.

How to Use Basil Sauce

This basil sauce is incredibly versatile. Here’s how I love to use it:

  • Drizzle over Instant Pot Lasagna
  • Spoon onto grilled chicken, steak, or seafood
  • Mix into soups or gumbo for a bright pop
  • Use as a base for pizza or flatbread
  • Swirl into eggs, polenta, or creamy pasta
  • Serve alongside sheet pan quesadillas as a dipping sauce

Storage & Freezer Tips

  • Fridge: Use within 5–7 days. Always top with a layer of oil to preserve freshness.
  • Freezer: Store for 8–12 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before using.
  • Portion tip: Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to a bag for easy single-use servings.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If this sauce gets your creative kitchen juices flowing, check these out:


Final Thoughts

This Easy Basil Sauce is one of those low-effort, high-reward recipes that turns seasonal herbs into year-round flavor. Whether you’re a gardener with a basil surplus or just someone who loves a good sauce, this one’s for you.

Let it become your go-to secret weapon in the kitchen—and don’t forget to tag @ChefManiac when you give it a try! For more freezer-friendly recipes and culinary upgrades, head to ChefManiac.com.