Homemade herb-infused olive oil is a simple way to add big flavor to cooking, marinades, dressings, dips, and more. Infusing olive oil with aromatic herbs, spices, and other ingredients impart complex and robust flavors that elevate any dish.
The process only requires a few basic ingredients and tools, making it an easy DIY project for even novice cooks. With just a little time, you can create artisanal, gourmet infused oils to use in your recipes or gift to others.
Below you'll find everything you need to know to make your own herb-infused olive oil masterpieces at home.
Preparing to Infuse Olive Oil with Herbs
Before you begin the infusion process, you'll need to gather your ingredients and equipment. Having everything prepped ahead of time makes the infusion go smoothly.
Ingredients
The two essential components for infused oils are high-quality olive oil and fresh or dried herbs, spices, or other flavorful ingredients.
Olive Oil
Opt for an olive oil with a neutral flavor and medium smoke point. This allows the flavors of the herbs to shine rather than be overwhelmed by the olive oil. Great options include:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Pure olive oil
- Light olive oil
Avoid using virgin or extra virgin olive oil, as their bold, fruity flavors and low smoke points are less suitable for infusing.
Herbs and Other Ingredients
Some top herbs and ingredients for infusing olive oil include:
Rosemary: One of the most popular herbs for infused oils, rosemary has a distinctive piney aroma and pairs well with olive oil. Use fresh or dried leaves.
Garlic: Adds a savory, pungent kick of flavor. Use smashed cloves.
Chili peppers: Infuse olive oil with spicy heat using dried peppers or flakes.
Lemon or citrus zest: Brightens with fresh, citrusy notes.
Black peppercorns: Adds subtle heat and spice.
Thyme, oregano, basil: Mediterranean herbs that enhance olive oil's natural flavor.
Lavender, rose petals: Floral flavors that sweeten oil.
You can use fresh or dried herbs. Dried herbs impart more concentrated flavor, while fresh herbs look prettier in oil.
For a unique infusion, try combining a blend of herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Get creative with ingredients like spices, citrus, peppers, or flowers.
Optional Additives
Other ingredients you can add to infused oils for extra flavor or visual appeal:
- Spices like cinnamon sticks or whole cloves
- Citrus slices or peels
- Peppercorns or red pepper flakes
- Dried chili peppers, vanilla beans, or bay leaves
- Edible flowers like lavender, rose, or hibiscus
Necessary Equipment
You'll need just a few basic supplies for infusing olive oil:
Glass jars or bottles: Ideal for infusing and storing oil as they don't react with ingredients. Look for dark green or brown glass to protect oil from light exposure. Mason jars work perfectly.
Strainers or cheesecloth: To strain out herbs and particles after infusing. Use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, coffee filters, or nut milk bag.
Spoon or chopstick: For submerging and pressing herbs to release flavor.
Optional equipment that can help:
Small saucepot or slow cooker: For heating oil during infusion.
Funnel: For cleanly pouring oil into bottles.
Labels or gift tags: For identifying your creations.
3 Simple Methods to Infuse Olive Oil with Herbs
There are several techniques you can use to infuse olive oil at home, ranging from easy cold methods to heating oil on the stovetop or slow cooker.
Cold Infusion
This simple technique involves infusing olive oil with herbs at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It's the easiest infusion method with minimal effort.
At Room Temperature
Add your cleaned herbs and spices to a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Some examples are whole garlic cloves, peppercorns, dried chili, citrus slices, or fresh herb sprigs.
Pour olive oil over ingredients until jar is full, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
Cover jar; let sit at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 2-6 weeks, shaking jar occasionally. Herbs will slowly infuse the oil with flavor.
Once infused to your taste, strain oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer before use. Compost herbs; rinse jar for storage.
For storage, see guidelines in “Usage and Storage” section below.
In the Refrigerator
Follow same steps as room temperature infusion above.
After adding oil and herbs, cover jar and store in refrigerator for 4-6 weeks, shaking jar periodically.
The lower temperature helps draw flavors out of the herbs.
Strain, compost herbs, and rebottle oil after infusion. Store as below.
Refrigeration produces a subtler infusion but helps prevent bacterial growth.
Heat Infusion
Heating the oil aids in quickly drawing out the flavors, producing a more intensely infused oil in less time.
On the Stovetop
This quick stovetop method infuses olive oil in just 1-2 hours.
Add herbs, spices, or aromatics to a small saucepan. Cover with olive oil.
Heat over very low heat for 1-2 hours; don’t let oil boil. Maintain temperature of 180-200°F.
Allow to cool slightly; then strain oil through cheesecloth into a glass jar or bottle.
Store infused oil in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freezer for 4-6 months.
In a Slow Cooker
A slow cooker offers hands-off convenience for infusing olive oil.
Add desired herbs and spices to slow cooker crock. Pour in olive oil to cover.
Cook on low setting for 4-8 hours, uncovered. Check flavor regularly and cook longer if needed.
Allow oil to cool somewhat before straining into a glass bottle.
Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Shake bottle occasionally.
The slow, gentle heat helps extract flavors while preventing overcooking.
Blender Method
You can also infuse olive oil in minutes using a blender:
Place your cleaned herbs or spices (about 1 cup loosely packed) into a blender. Cover with 1-2 cups of olive oil.
Blend on low for 1-2 minutes until ingredients are finely pureed.
Let mixture rest for 30 minutes; then strain oil through cheesecloth into a jar.
Squeeze cheesecloth to extract all oil; then compost herbs.
This rapid technique is great for fresh, mild herbs like parsley, basil, dill, or chives.
How to Use and Store Infused Olive Oil
Once your olive oil is infused, it’s ready to add bold flavor to recipes. Here are some usage ideas and storage tips.
Culinary Uses for Infused Olive Oil
Herb-infused olive oils lend a savory depth and aroma to:
Sautéing proteins or vegetables: Rosemary and garlic infused oil is perfect for sautéing chicken, fish, veggies, or potatoes.
Salad dressings and marinades: Whisk infused olive oil into vinaigrettes or use it to marinate meats or veggies.
Dipping oil for bread: Serve herb-infused EVOO for dipping crusty bread.
Finishing drizzles: Drizzle infused olive oil over hummus, pasta, grilled meats, seafood, soups, or pizza.
Baking: Incorporate into cakes, cookies, or muffins for subtle flavor.
Mix and match herb combinations to complement each dish. Freshen dressings or marinades by shaking or whisking before using.
Preserving and Storing Infused Olive Oil
Proper storage is important for preserving infused olive oils and preventing spoilage. Here are some tips:
Refrigeration: Keep infused oils in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. The cold temperature helps retained freshness.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze oil in ice cube trays or muffin tins, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw cubes as needed. Freezing can extend shelf life up to 4-6 months.
Shelf life: Store at room temperature out of light for up to 1-2 weeks. Refrigeration or freezing is best for long-term storage.
Light protection: Tinted glass bottles help shield oils from light to prevent oxidation.
Clean utensils: Always use clean, dry spoons and tongs when handling infused oils to prevent contamination. Never put used spoons back into oil.
Creative Ways to Give Infused Olive Oil as Gifts
Infused olive oils make fantastic homemade food gifts for any occasion. Present them in pretty bottles with personal labels or tags.
Make a trio of differently flavored oils for a tasting flight. Include an evocative label describing each one.
Craft an infused oil "club" with 3-5 small monthly oil deliveries. Include pairing recipes.
Package oils in a basket with dipping bread, crackers, aged balsamic or a spice blend.
Create custom blends for the recipient, like a pizza infused oil with oregano and red pepper.
Gift your favorite single infused oil, like lemon rosemary. Add a bow and decorative bottle stopper.
For weddings or housewarmings, bottle oils in the couple's favorite fragrances.
Attach gift tags with suggested uses, storage tips, and your recipe.
With so many ways to customize, infused oils make thoughtful gifts that will be used again and again.
FAQs About Making and Using Infused Oils
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about creating and using homemade infused olive oils.
What are the best herbs and spices to use?
Some top choices are rosemary, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic, black pepper, chili pepper, lemon, lavender, and rose petals. Use dried or fresh.
Can you mix different herbs in one oil?
Absolutely! Mix and match complementary herbs to create your own signature blends.
Which provides more flavor, fresh or dried herbs?
Dried herbs create a more concentrated, intense infusion, while fresh herbs look pretty suspended in oil. Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried.
What olive oil is best for infusing?
Look for a high-quality extra virgin or pure olive oil with a medium smoke point and neutral flavor.
Is there a risk of botulism with infused oils?
Proper refrigeration or freezing of oils prevents the risk of botulism and spoilage from Clostridium bacteria. Never store infused oils at room temp longer than 1-2 weeks.
How long does infused olive oil last?
In the fridge, oils keep 1 month. In the freezer, around 4-6 months. At room temp, 1-2 weeks max. Discard if mold appears or smells rancid.
Can you cook with infused olive oil?
Yes! They're excellent for sautéeing, baking, roasting vegetables, and dressing salads, pasta, and more.
Jazz Up Your Cooking with Homemade Infused Oils
Infusing your own olive oil at home lets you create customized flavors for an artisanal touch in the kitchen.
It only takes a few basic ingredients and techniques, ranging from super simple cold infusions to heating oil on the stovetop or slow cooker.
Experiment with different herb combinations, allow oils to infuse properly, and store them carefully. Soon you'll have gourmet infused oils to elevate dressings, marinades, dips, baking, and all kinds of dishes.
So grab some high-quality olive oil and stock up on aromatic herbs and spices. Let’s start infusing! What unique infused oil will you try first?
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