Herbs For The Holidays

by Sarah Dodd, CCMGA Master Gardener, Class of 2022

The holidays bring a mix of joy, chaos, and—if we’re lucky—delicious food. What makes holiday cooking extra special? Herbs. These little leaves pack a punch, adding flavor, fragrance, and a festive touch to dishes. Whether you’re roasting veggies, baking bread, or creating cocktails, herbs are the secret ingredient that can take your meal from ordinary to unforgettable. Let’s explore herbs by their flavor profiles to help you pair them perfectly with your holiday dishes.

Earthy & Robust
These herbs are hearty and grounding, making them perfect for rich, savory dishes.

Sage: Turkey’s Best Friend
Sage is the star of holiday stuffing, but its warm, earthy flavor works in so many other dishes. Mix chopped sage into softened butter for a rich spread that’s great on breads or roasted vegetables. Blend it into creamy soups or toss with butternut squash for a side dish that screams “fall.” If you’re feeling adventurous, add sage to a spiced honey glaze for roasted nuts or drizzle it over baked brie.

Rosemary: The Piney Powerhouse
Rosemary isn’t just for savory dishes—it’s a multitasker. Use it to season roasted potatoes, chicken, or lamb, but don’t stop there. Try adding a sprig to a loaf of focaccia or mix finely chopped rosemary into cookie dough for a surprising twist. It also pairs beautifully with citrus desserts, like lemon bars or orange-glazed cakes. Bonus: rosemary sprigs make elegant garnishes for cocktails or even table decorations.

Thyme: Small Leaves, Big Flavor
Thyme is versatile and mild, making it a great partner for vegetables, fish, and even bread. Add it to sautéed mushrooms, roasted carrots, or a green bean casserole. For fish, tuck fresh thyme sprigs inside the cavity before baking or sprinkle leaves over pan-seared fillets. Want to experiment? Add it to a citrus tart or a savory cheese bread for a fresh herbal twist.

Bay Leaves: A Staple for Simmering
Bay leaves are a classic addition to soups, stews, and braises, adding depth and a slightly floral note. Use them in holiday gravies or slow-cooked dishes like pot roast or lamb stew. Add a bay leaf when making homemade stocks or sauces to enhance the flavor.

Marjoram: Mild and Sweet
Marjoram is a gentler cousin to oregano and adds a delicate, sweet flavor to dishes. Use it to season roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. It’s also excellent in stuffing, soups, and stews. Try adding marjoram to a herbed butter for spreading on bread or melting over vegetables like green beans or carrots.

Winter Savory: A Robust Option
Winter savory has a peppery flavor that pairs well with hearty holiday dishes. Use it to season beans, lentils, or roasted meats like beef or pork. It’s also a great addition to stuffing or baked casseroles, adding a rich, warming taste.

Bright & Citrusy
These herbs add a pop of freshness to your dishes, balancing heavier holiday flavors.

Parsley: More Than a Garnish
Parsley adds brightness to just about anything. Use flat-leaf parsley to top soups, stews, or mashed potatoes, or mix it into stuffing for a pop of green. Parsley also shines in breads like herbed dinner rolls or focaccia. For appetizers, mix chopped parsley into goat cheese or cream cheese spreads. It’s the herb that makes everything look fresher and taste better.

Dill: Fresh and Unexpected
Dill might remind you of pickles, but its delicate flavor is perfect for holiday seafood dishes, like baked salmon or shrimp cocktails. Toss it with roasted vegetables like carrots or potatoes, or mix it into sour cream for a quick and easy dip. Dill also complements buttery breads and soft cheeses.

Tarragon: Anise-Like Elegance
French tarragon is perfect for holiday meals that need a hint of sophistication. Its subtle anise flavor complements chicken, seafood, and egg dishes. Stir tarragon into creamy sauces for roasted vegetables or use it in vinaigrettes for salads. For dessert, tarragon pairs beautifully with fruit-based dishes like poached pears or apple crisps.

Chervil: A Delicate Touch
Chervil, a mild herb with a faint licorice flavor, is perfect for light dishes. Use it to brighten cream-based soups, seafood, or egg dishes like quiche or frittatas. Sprinkle fresh chervil over salads or use it as a garnish for holiday appetizers like smoked salmon or deviled eggs.

Borage: Cucumber-like Freshness
Borage leaves have a light cucumber flavor, and their star-shaped flowers are edible, adding beauty and a touch of freshness to dishes. Toss the leaves into green salads, use them to garnish holiday cocktails, or blend them into creamy dips. The flowers make a stunning decoration for cakes, cookies, or punch bowls. Borage is a simple way to add freshness and elegance to holiday meals.

Holy Basil: Sacred and Spicy
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, has a warm, peppery flavor with hints of clove and anise. It’s often used in teas and soups but can also add a spicy depth to roasted vegetables or stuffing. Brew holy basil with honey for a soothing holiday tea, or use it to infuse syrups for cocktails and desserts. Its unique flavor pairs surprisingly well with gingerbread or spiced cookies.

Lemongrass: Citrusy and Unique
For a fresh twist, add lemongrass to your holiday repertoire. Its bright, lemony flavor works well in marinades for poultry or seafood. Use it to infuse broths or teas or even in a spiced dessert like ginger-lime pudding.

Floral & Sweet
These herbs are perfect for desserts, drinks, and light dishes, bringing delicate aromas and flavors.

Mint: Not Just for Candy Canes
Peppermint and spearmint are the unsung heroes of holiday baking. Add chopped mint to chocolate desserts like brownies or mousse, or sprinkle it over fruit salads for a refreshing kick. A warm cup of peppermint hot cocoa is a classic, but fresh mint also works wonders in savory dishes like lamb or couscous. Pro tip: freeze mint leaves into ice cubes for a festive addition to holiday drinks.

Basil: Sweet and Versatile
Basil may not be a traditional holiday herb, but its sweet, slightly peppery flavor works in a surprising number of dishes. Add fresh basil to tomato-based sauces, layer it in a lasagna, or sprinkle it over roasted vegetables. For dessert, basil pairs wonderfully with strawberries or citrus in tarts or sorbets. Basil-infused syrup is also a fun twist for holiday cocktails.

Lavender: Fragrant and Lovely
Lavender adds a delicate floral note to holiday treats and drinks. Use it to infuse syrups for cocktails or teas, or sprinkle dried lavender into shortbreads, custards, or pound cakes for a unique twist. It also pairs beautifully with lemon and honey, making it a wonderful addition to glazes or frosting. For a festive touch, tuck sprigs into decorations or simmer pots to fill your home with its calming aroma.

Scented Geraniums: Fragrant and Floral
Scented geraniums come in a variety of flavors, from rose to citrus to mint. Their leaves can infuse creams, syrups, or baked goods with a subtle floral note. Use them to flavor pound cakes, shortbreads, or custards, or steep them in sugar to create a fragrant base for desserts. The leaves also make beautiful garnishes for holiday cakes and pastries. For an extra festive touch, tuck them into simmer pots or wreaths for a lovely aroma.

Stevia: Sweet and Natural
Stevia, known for its natural sweetness, can be a sugar alternative in holiday desserts and drinks. Use fresh or dried leaves to sweeten teas, mulled cider, or fruit compotes. Stevia pairs well with baked goods like cookies or muffins, and its subtle sweetness works in homemade syrups for cocktails. For a fun holiday project, dry stevia leaves and grind them into a fine powder to use as a natural sweetener.

Spicy & Bold
These herbs pack a punch, adding complexity and heat to holiday dishes.

Biergarten Sage: A German Classic
With its slightly milder flavor than traditional sage, Biergarten sage brings a distinct European touch to holiday dishes. For a cozy, rustic meal, use it to flavor sausages, pork roasts, or bratwurst. This sage also works wonderfully in creamy soups or paired with caramelized onions on flatbreads. For something different, steep it in warm cider for a savory twist on a winter favorite.

Saffron: The Golden Herb
Saffron is the ultimate luxury herb, with its delicate floral aroma and vibrant golden hue. Use it sparingly in holiday rice dishes, such as a saffron pilaf or risotto. Add a pinch to custards, creamy desserts, or even bread dough for a subtle, sweet complexity. Saffron also pairs beautifully with citrus, making it a wonderful addition to holiday cakes or citrus-glazed meats.

Horseradish: Spicy and Bold
Horseradish isn’t just for sauces! Its spicy, pungent kick is fantastic in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, or alongside roast beef. Add a dollop of horseradish to deviled eggs for a bold twist, or mix it into compound butter for steak or roasted vegetables. It’s also a great addition to holiday brunch spreads, bringing heat to Bloody Mary cocktails or smoked salmon platters.

Holiday Herbs in Breads and Desserts
If you’re baking this season, don’t forget the herbs! Rosemary and thyme add depth to savory breads, while mint and lavender bring out the sweetness in cookies and cakes. Experiment with adding herbs to scones, pound cakes, or even ice cream. The results might surprise you.

Tips for Using Herbs

Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs for the most flavor.
Don’t Overdo It: Start small—herbs can be strong, and you can always add more.
Pair Wisely: Some herbs work better with certain ingredients. For example, sage loves dairy, while dill pairs beautifully with fish.
Grow Your Own: A small windowsill garden can keep you stocked all season long.

Tips for Making Your House Smell Like the Holidays

Simmering Herbs: Fill a pot with water and add rosemary, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and cloves. Simmer on low heat to fill your home with a warm, inviting scent.
Herb Wreaths: Create small wreaths with rosemary, sage, and lavender. Hang them in the kitchen or dining area for a fragrant decoration.
Herbal Candles: Light candles infused with peppermint, rosemary, or lavender for a subtle herbal fragrance.
Dried Herbs in Decor: Use dried sprigs of thyme or sage in your centerpiece or table settings. They smell amazing and look beautiful.
Herbal Fireplace Bundles: Toss bundles of dried rosemary or thyme into the fireplace for a subtle, smoky scent.

What to Do With Leftover Herbs
Don’t let your leftover herbs go to waste! Here are a few easy ways to use them up or preserve them for later:

Freeze Them: Chop herbs like parsley, dill, or basil and freeze them in ice cube trays with olive oil or water. These handy herb cubes can be tossed into soups, sauces, or stews.
Dry Them: Tie herb sprigs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage) into small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. Once dried, store them in airtight containers for future use.
Make Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with chopped herbs (like marjoram, chervil, or tarragon) and freeze it in small portions. Use it to flavor meats, vegetables, or bread.
Infuse Oils or Vinegars: Add leftover herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to bottles of olive oil or vinegar for flavorful infusions. These also make great gifts!
Create Herb Salt: Blend chopped herbs with sea salt, then spread the mixture out to dry. Use it to season meats, vegetables, or even popcorn.
Herbal Teas: Steep herbs like holy basil, mint, or lavender in hot water for soothing teas.

Where to Find Herbs if You Don’t Grow Them
If you don’t have your own herb garden, no worries! Fresh herbs are easy to find with a little creativity:

Local Grocery Stores: Most grocery stores stock fresh herbs in the produce section, especially during the holiday season. Look for pre-packaged sprigs or small potted plants.
Farmers’ Markets: Support local growers by purchasing herbs directly from farmers. Their herbs are often fresher and more flavorful.
Garden Centers or Nurseries: Many nurseries sell herb plants that you can grow indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a small kitchen garden.
Online Stores: Specialty herb shops online offer a variety of fresh, dried, or potted herbs delivered to your door.
Ask a Friend: If you know someone with a thriving herb garden, they may be happy to share their bounty.

The holidays are all about sharing meals and making memories. Herbs can help you do both, adding that special something to every dish. So grab a handful of rosemary, thyme, or mint, and let your holiday shine.