Here’s how to dry rosemary! It’s a great way to preserve this fresh herb to use in recipes all season long.

How to dry rosemary

Got extra rosemary and not sure what to do with it? Try drying it! This age-old technique for preserving herbs is the perfect way to store excess rosemary all season long. Of course, dried herbs don’t have the same unique flavor as fresh. But it’s a great way to save summer herbs before the winter. Here’s more about how to dry rosemary in the oven so you can use it in recipes!

How to dry rosemary

Rosemary is a hardy plant that can often grow in winter climates, depending on where you live. But if your rosemary plant is at the end of its life or you simply bought too much at the store, drying it is a great way to preserve this herb.

Keep in mind, the flavor and texture of dried rosemary is much different than fresh! It doesn’t work well in recipes like Rosemary Roasted Potatoes or Focaccia Bread. But it’s great in soups, stews, sauces, pastas and more. Here’s how to dry rosemary:

  1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  2. Place the rosemary sprigs on a baking sheet. Cook for 40 to 45 minutes until dried and the needles fall off the stem when touched.
  3. Remove the needles from the stem and allow them to cool in a bowl for a few minutes.
How to dry rosemary

Storage instructions

Store the dried rosemary in an airtight container for 3 to 6 months. It’s best when it’s closer to fresh, so try to use it within the first 3 months. You can use it as a substitute for dried rosemary in recipes. Keep reading for some ideas!

How to use dried rosemary in recipes

Fresh rosemary has a unique flavor with notes of evergreen and sage that doesn’t quite come through in the dried version. Dried rosemary tastes bitter on its own, but it rehydrates when you cook it. Avoid using it in place of fresh rosemary in places where it’s not cooked (like garnishes) or in something like focaccia bread where it’s a key flavor component. Dried rosemary works well when it’s cooked, like in soups, stews, sauces, pastas, and so forth. Here are a few ideas for how to use it:

How to dry rosemary

More rosemary recipes

Got fresh rosemary to use up too? Here are a few ideas for rosemary recipes to use the fresh variety:

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How to dry rosemary

How to Dry Rosemary


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 0 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: N/A

Description

Here’s how to dry rosemary! It’s a great way to preserve this fresh herb to use in recipes all season long.


Ingredients

  • Rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  2. Place the rosemary sprigs on a baking sheet. Cook for 40 to 45 minutes until dried and the needles fall off the stem when touched.
  3. Remove the needles from the stem and allow them to cool in a bowl for a few minutes. Store in an airtight container for 3 to 6 months.
  • Category: Essentials
  • Method: Herbs
  • Cuisine: Herbs
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: How to dry rosemary

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

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