How to Make Best Basil Flavored Olive Oil at Home

 

In this post you will learn how to make basil flavored olive oil at home.

If summer had a scent, it would be basil. Fresh, vibrant, and just a little bit peppery, basil pairs beautifully with extra virgin olive oil—and if you've just brought home some golden, fragrant olive oil from Greece (like I did!), you're in for a treat. Today I’ll show you exactly how to make basil flavored olive oil at home, using fresh basil and high-quality olive oil for a flavor-packed infusion.

Whether you're drizzling it on salads, dipping fresh bread, or adding a final touch to pasta, this flavor infused olive oil will become your kitchen favorite in no time.

Why Make Basil Flavored Olive Oil?

Basil and olive oil are a match made in Mediterranean heaven. Infusing oil with basil isn’t just about the taste—it’s about preserving that garden-fresh aroma and creating something that feels a little special every time you use it.

Plus, making olive oil infused with basil is incredibly easy and satisfying. It's a perfect DIY gift idea, a great way to use up fresh herbs from the garden, and a flavorful twist for your everyday cooking.

Can Olive Oil Store Flavor from Food?

Yes, absolutely! Olive oil can store flavor from food—especially herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, or garlic. The key is knowing how to do it safely and in a way that keeps the flavor bright and the oil shelf-stable.

When infused properly, olive oil stores flavor from food longer, especially when refrigerated. Just remember: oil doesn’t preserve the food itself, so using dried or quickly blanched herbs is safer for longer storage.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into how to infuse olive oil with basil, gather your ingredients and tools:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (washed and patted dry)

• 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil (the fresher, the better)

Optional:

• A pinch of sea salt

• A garlic clove (for a more savory flavor)

Tools:

• Saucepan

• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

• Clean glass jar or bottle with lid

• Funnel (optional but helpful)

Basil Infused Olive Oil: Cold vs. Warm Infusion

Method	Flavor Intensity	Shelf Life	Storage	Best For
Warm Infusion	Strong	2–3 weeks (refrigerated)	Refrigerator	Longer-lasting oil, better safety
Cold Infusion	Moderate to strong (short-term)	Up to 5 days (refrigerated)	Refrigerator	Quick use, salad dressings
Dried Basil Infusion	Mild	1–2 months (cool, dark place)	Pantry or fridge	Gift giving, pantry storage

Storage Guide: How Long Does Basil Flavored Olive Oil Last?

Type of Infusion	Storage Location	Estimated Shelf Life
Fresh Basil (Warm Infused)	Refrigerator	2–3 weeks
Fresh Basil (Cold Blended)	Refrigerator	3–5 days
Dried Basil	Cool pantry or fridge	1–2 months

Step-by-Step: How to Make Basil Flavored Olive Oil

Let’s get into the method. There are two main techniques to infuse olive oil with basil: cold infusion and warm infusion. I recommend the warm method—it helps extract more basil flavor and makes the oil safer to store.

Step 1: Wash and Dry the Basil

 

Fresh basil can carry moisture and bacteria, which isn’t ideal for oil storage. So, rinse the leaves and pat them completely dry with a clean towel. You can even leave them out for a few hours to air dry further. The drier, the better!

Step 2: Lightly Wilt the Basil (Optional)

To deepen the flavor, lightly wilt the basil in a dry pan for a minute or two. This step helps release the essential oils and removes extra moisture.

Step 3: Heat the Olive Oil Gently

In a small saucepan, pour in your olive oil and warm it over low heat. Don’t let it boil—just warm it enough to release flavors (about 150°F / 65°C). Once warmed, remove from heat.

Step 4: Add the Basil

Add the basil (and garlic, if using) into the warm oil. Let it steep for 5–10 minutes, gently swirling now and then. The oil will take on a rich, green tint and that unmistakable basil aroma.

Step 5: Strain the Oil

Pour the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar or bottle. This removes any basil bits that could spoil later. For an ultra-clear finish, double strain.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let your infused basil olive oil cool completely before sealing the container. Store in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and safe. Use within 2–3 weeks for best flavor and quality.

Tips for Long-Lasting Basil Infused Olive Oil 

• Always refrigerate: Because basil has moisture, refrigerating your oil prevents bacteria and extends shelf life.

• Label it: Write the date on your jar so you know when it was made.

• Use dried basil for longer storage: If you want to skip refrigeration, use dried basil instead of fresh. The flavor will be milder, but the oil will keep longer (up to 1–2 months).

How to Use Your Basil Flavored Olive Oil

Now that you’ve got your beautiful basil flavored olive oil, what can you do with it?

Here are some delicious ideas:

• Drizzle over caprese salad or fresh tomatoes

• Add to pasta or pizza just before serving

• Use in salad dressings or marinades

• Dip warm sourdough bread

• Brush onto grilled veggies or chicken

 

The options are endless—and that little bottle of olive oil flavoring might just become your new obsession.

🍓 Summer Treat You’ll Love!

Cool down with my Strawberry Sherbet (Sorbet) recipe – sweet, light, and made with love. No ice cream maker needed!

🍧 See the Recipe

FAQ: Basil and Olive Oil Infusion

Can I use a blender to make basil olive oil?

Yes, for a cold (and super green) version, blend fresh basil with olive oil and strain. But use it within a few days and keep it refrigerated—it spoils faster.

Is it safe to leave basil in the oil?

Not for long. For safety, always strain out herbs. Leaving fresh basil in oil at room temperature can promote bacterial growth.

What’s the best oil to use?

A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is ideal. Its bold flavor pairs beautifully with basil and enhances the infusion.

Final Thoughts: Homemade Flavor Infused Olive Oil Is Easier Than You Think

If you’ve ever wondered how to make basil flavored olive oil, now you know it’s not only easy—it’s incredibly rewarding. With just two ingredients and 20 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant, homemade flavor infused olive oil that brings summer’s garden right into your kitchen.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it to a friend, or looking to elevate your cooking, basil and olive oil are a duo that never fails to impress.

Try it today—and let your kitchen smell (and taste!) like summer all year round.

 In this post you have learned how to make basil flavored olive oil at home