How to Freeze Herbs

Throughout the summer I pluck fresh herbs from my herb garden to add flavor to just about everything I cook. I also love to make easy flavored herb butter recipes.

After learning how to store fresh herbs the right way, I always keep some handy in the kitchen during the season. For years, though, as I forlornly watched the herb garden shrivel up under the cold fall nights, I would dig up my rosemary bush with the hope of getting it to overwinter inside. Alas, I could only make it to February before throwing a brown, shedding stick out the back door into the snow. Now that I know how to freeze herbs, I look forward to having that fresh-picked taste anytime.

What’s the Best Way to Freeze Herbs?

Fortunately, there isn’t just one right way to freeze herbs. Any of the easy methods below will work. But one process is always standard: Before freezing, rinse herbs in clean water to remove any dirt and pat them dry or dry them in a salad spinner.

Freezing Herbs in Air-Tight Containers

Hardier herbs like rosemary, dill, thyme, bay or sage can be frozen right on the stem. Spread the herbs in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once the herbs are frozen, loosely place them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. Then remove the sprigs one at a time as needed.

Pro Tip: If you must use a plastic bag, choose a designated freezer bag. The plastic is thicker and resists moisture better than a regular plastic bag. Press out as much excess air as possible or use a straw to suck the air out of the bag before sealing. You can do this by rolling the bag and securing it with butcher’s twine or a rubber band. A vacuum sealer works, too. And don’t forget to label the bag or container with the type of herb and the date. Once frozen, many herbs look alike. You wouldn’t want to accidentally put basil in your rosemary sweet potato fries recipe.

Freezing Herbs in Water

For tender herbs like parsley and cilantro, remove the leaves from the stems. Pack them by tablespoonfuls into ice cube trays (a handy way to know how much you’re adding when cooking). Cover the herbs with water and place in the freezer. Once the herbs are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag and label them.

Pro Tip: For an easy way to strip leaves from stems, bunch several stems together and run the tines of a fork through from end to top several times.

Freezing Herbs in Oil

For recipes like soups, sauces, pastas and others that can handle a touch of oil, freezing herbs like basil, mint, oregano and tarragon in a bit of olive oil works beautifully. First, remove the leaves from the stems. Chopping the leaves results in a rough, paste-like texture. If desired, pulse 2 cups of herb leaves with 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Add the chopped herbs to a freezer bag and lay flat to freeze. (This saves a ton of freezer space!) Once frozen, you can break off sections to use as needed. If you don’t have a food processor, here’s a helpful guide on how to chop herbs.

How long can you keep fresh herbs in the freezer?

Using the methods above, frozen fresh herbs can last in the freezer up to 12 months. Frozen herbs taste much closer to fresh than dried herbs and retain more of their nutrients. (But if you want to dry your herbs, here’s a handy how-to.)

Pro Tip: While frozen herbs taste delicious, their texture and appearance will be mushy and soft, so they aren’t pretty. Plan to use them to flavor soups, stews, gravies and cooked dishes rather than using them in salads or as a garnish.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the middle of fresh herb season, here are some delicious ways to use them up. If not, look for those recipes where frozen herbs can work just as well.

57 Ways to Use Fresh Herbs

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Strawberry-Rosemary Yogurt Pops

We planted strawberries a few years ago and these tangy-sweet frozen yogurt pops are my very favorite treats to make with them! The options are endless. Try using other yogurt flavors like lemon, raspberry or blueberry. You may also substitute your favorite herb for the rosemary—or simply omit it. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah

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Cheese and Fresh Herb Quiche

With herbs from the garden to use, I created a quiche with basil, parsley and dill along with feta, Swiss, Gruyere and mozzarella. Goat cheese is also yummy. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

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Cherry Tomato Salad

This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It's one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida

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Basil Corn on the Cob

Steaming the basil under the husks adds lots of flavor to these fantastic ears. Lime makes their sweet taste pop even more. —Diane Eaton, Campbell, California

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Rosemary Lemonade

A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California

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Herbed Vinegar

This herb vinegar would be a great addition to your favorite salad dressing or could be used in place of vinegar in any recipe. The terrific flavors of tarragon and basil really shine through. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Seafood Cakes with Herb Sauce

Living near the ocean, I have a wide variety of seafood available to experiment with in recipes. This one uses salmon and scallops, but shrimp, crab, lobster, or any firm white fish, such as halibut or even cod, would work equally as well. — Elizabeth Truesdell, Petaluma, California

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Creamy Dilled Cucumber Salad

This creamy cucumber salad, a Norwegian favorite, was a staple at all of our family holidays. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan

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Portobello Bruschetta with Rosemary Aioli

Caramelizing onions, broiling peppers and whipping up a homemade aioli with fresh herbs adds dimensions of flavor you won't find in a store-bough bruschetta. —Stephanie Kalina-Metzger, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

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Minty Watermelon-Cucumber Salad

Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario

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Rosemary-Lemon Sea Salt

Making flavored sea salt is so easy. Mix in grated lemon peel and minced rosemary for a delicious way to enhance chicken, fish and salads. —Shelley Holman, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Shrimp on Rosemary Skewers

Fresh springs of rosemary are the clever skewers for these shrimp kabobs. You can serve this as an appetizer or as a main course. —Amber Joy Newport, Hampton, Virginia

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Basil Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato Mayonnaise

I often end up with a bumper crop of basil—here's a favorite way to use some of it. These burgers feature great Italian flavor. The gooey, cheesy centers and scrumptious topping are irresistible. —Virginia Kochis, Springfield, Virginia

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Herby Potatoes with Sour Cream

Colorful potatoes, a fun farmers market find, are flecked with home-grown herbs and have a peppery bite tamed by cool sour cream. Red potatoes will work in this recipe you won’t be able to stop eating! —Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California

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Lemon-Rosemary Layer Cake

Tall and impressive, this unique dessert is a treat for the senses with flecks of lemon zest and fresh rosemary. Just wait till you taste it! —Mary Fraser, Surprise, Arizona

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Basil and Parsley Pesto

Toss this herby pesto with pasta, spread it over sandwiches or stir it into an Italian-style soup, like minestrone. —Lorraine Fina Stevenski, Land O’ Lakes, Florida

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Savory Bean & Tomato Salad

Garlic and blue cheese in the dressing really perk up green beans and tomatoes. Carol Gano sends this recipe from her home in Ballwin, Missouri.

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Broiled Fish with Tarragon Sauce

The delicate flavor of this fish pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce. A yummy hint of honey comes through. Serve it with crusty bread, mixed vegetables or rice to help soak up the sauce.—Robin Pratt, Athens, Georgia

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Basil Corn & Tomato Bake

I think this is the ultimate dish to make when sweet Jersey corn is in season. Combined with tomatoes, zucchini and basil, it makes for a spectacular side for brunch, lunch or dinner. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York

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Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus Salad

I created this colorful salad when I was invited to a friend's Easter egg hunt and potluck picnic. The guests were begging to get my recipe. Let the flavors infuse overnight for the best taste. —Cheryl Magnuson, Apple Valley, California

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Chive Mascarpone Dip with Herbed Pita Chips

I have a massive herb garden in the summer, with an abundance of chives. This cream-cheesy dip helps use them up. Make it a few days in advance for best flavor. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire

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Potato-Bean Salad with Herb Dressing

My veggie garden inspired this creamy combo of beans, potatoes and fresh herbs. I toss them with a ranch-style dressing sparked up with Creole mustard. —Chris Cummer, Bayonne, New Jersey

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Mojito Slush

Whether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois

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Herbed Potato Salad

Calcium-rich cheese, and potatoes and peppers packed with vitamin C make this picnic-and-potluck favorite something to smile about! —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin

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Lemon Mint Curd

I like to "dress up" ordinary recipes with my fresh, homegrown herbs. This minty lemon curd is a family favorite! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Minted Beet Salad

We have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint tones down the sweetness of the beets and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

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Herbed Salmon Fillet

On a busy day I turn to this sensational salmon recipe for dinner. It's fast, healthy, and tastes great. —Karen Ensign, Providence, Utah

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Berry-Basil Limeade Jam

My husband and I have fun picking fruit. We ended up with too many strawberries, so it was time to make jam, inspired by a mojito recipe. —Erica Ingram, Lakewood, Ohio

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Jalapeno Poppers with Lime Cilantro Dip

Crispy and crunchy with a creamy filling, these little pepper bites always earn rave reviews. They're fit for any event, from a cocktail soiree to a party to watch the big game. —Tana Rogers, New York, New York

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Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea

I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California

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Fresh Cucumber Salad

Crisp, garden-fresh cukes are always in season when we hold our family reunion, and they really shine in this simple cucumber salad. The recipe can easily be expanded to make large quantities, too. —Betsy Carlson, Rockford, Illinois

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Pork & Chive Pot Stickers

Here's my top make-ahead appetizer. My three kids are old enough to cook these themselves, right from the freezer. They're a lot more nutritious than the ones you get at a restaurant. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario

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Spicy Chunky Salsa

Vinegar adds a refreshing tang to this sweet tomato salsa. It's wonderful as is, but for more heat, leave in some hot pepper seeds. —Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington

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Cuban Chimichurri

This fresh Cuban sauce wonderfully complements steak, but pour it over a burger, and your taste buds will thank you! —Elaine Sweet, Dallas, Texas

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Herb Garden Lasagnas

I love the taste and texture of these homemade noodles and the beautiful lasagnas they make. A healthy dose of fresh herbs give this dish its unique flavor. — Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Fresh as Summer Salad

I wanted a nice light and healthy salad to go with the spicy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes I prepare, and this one fits the bill. Plus, it’s easy to grow some of the ingredients yourself.—Victor Finger, Sunbury, Ohio

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Rhubarb Mint Tea

A bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-up. Raspberries deepen the tea's vibrant red color, making the drinks a pretty addition to your table. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

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Zucchini Patties with Dill Dip

These crisp-tender patties are a nice alternative to crab cakes and taste very similar, thanks to the seafood seasoning. They always get gobbled up! —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois

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Blackberry-Basil Panna Cotta

I love the simple taste and creaminess of panna cotta and decided to try this dessert with some fresh berries and basil from the farmers market. My family really enjoyed it.—Karen S. Shelton, Collierville, Tennessee

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South-of-the-Border Caprese Salad

Plump heirloom tomatoes highlight this garden-fresh showpiece, drizzled with a sweet-tart dressing and sprinkled with cheese. It's perfect for an outdoor party and so easy to make! —Kathleen Merkley, Layton, Utah

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Dilly Potato & Egg Salad

Everyone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this is the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

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Herbed Tarragon Butter

This is a great butter to serve at your next dinner party. It will taste so delicious on dinner rolls.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

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Dill Garden Salad

I love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. —Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

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Lemon-Basil Chicken Rotini

My husband and sons like to have meat with their meals, but I prefer more veggies. This combo with rotini pasta is colorful and healthy, and it keeps everyone happy. —Anna-Marie Williams, League City, Texas

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Raspberry Mint Jam

I have so much mint growing in my yard that I add it to almost everything. What a revelation it was when it went in my raspberry jam—the mint really wakes up the raspberry flavor.—Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

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Melon with Serrano-Mint Syrup

This is just one of the recipes I developed to take advantage of the fresh mint I grow nearly year-round. The serrano pepper is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the syrup and salad. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas

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Bella Basil Raspberry Tea

Beautiful basil and fresh raspberries lend bright color and refreshing flavor to this grown-up iced tea. You’ll love the fun fizz and make-ahead convenience for parties. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

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Fresh Summer Salsa

This fresh-tasting combination is great with chips or grilled salmon, chicken or pork chops. But it’s so good, sometimes I just eat it with a spoon! —Lindsay Anderson, Inman, Kansas

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Lemon-Basil Frozen Yogurt

This creamy, unique froyo is a cinch to make and will have you cooled down in no time. —Bryan Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii

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Summertime Tomato-Melon Salad

Looking for a savory summer salad? The combination of tomatoes, cantaloupe, avocado and greens sings with freshness and health.—Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

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Roasted Tomato Salsa

Our family's all-time favorite salsa, this recipe is the reason we grow a huge garden every summer. We make gallons of it and share with our neighbors. You might find yourself eating it right out of the bowl with a spoon. —Donna Kelly, Orem, Utah

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Lime Basil Pie

This sweet tooth satisfying dessert has a unique taste, plus less calories and fat than the traditional key lime pie.—Samara Donald, Redmond, Washington.

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Cilantro-Pepita Pesto

This flavorful recipe is one of the ways I came up with to use all the cilantro in my garden. Serve it with pasta, tortilla chips for dipping or in any dish that needs perking up. —Ami Okasinski, Memphis, Tennessee

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Lemon-Thyme Tea Bread

I received this recipe as part of a gift, along with a lemon thyme plant and a fresh loaf of this pound cake-like bread. Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe. —Jeannette Mango, Parkesburg, Pennsylvania

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Touch-of-Mint Iced Tea

My family loves the mild mint and lemon flavors in this iced tea. It's a wonderful alternative to soft drinks.—Martha Haseman, Hinckley, Illinois

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Pepper and Fresh Herb Frittata

Peppers add “zing” to this wonderful egg dish, chock-full of herby seasoning. It’s simple to put together for breakfast or brunch. —Kristin Cummins, Mogadore, OH

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Grilled Lemon & Thyme Lemonade

We use our grill for most summer dinners, so we thought, "why not grill the lemonade?" The flavor is surprisingly smooth, with just the right amount of honey and herbs. We call it Thyme for Lemonade. —Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado

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Dana Meredith