If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rustic, impressive, and ridiculously simple to throw together, this Easy Strawberry Basil Galette is it. Juicy strawberries mingle with fresh basil in a flaky, golden crust that looks like a work of art but comes together with hardly any fuss. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special but doesn’t tie you down in the kitchen—perfect for a last-minute dinner party or a quiet weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless but Elegant: No fancy equipment, no tricky techniques. Just a few ingredients and a free-form crust that looks even better with a bit of imperfection.
Incredible Flavor Combo: Sweet, slightly tart strawberries paired with the subtle herbal note of basil—it’s unexpected and absolutely delicious.
Customizable: Once you’ve mastered the base, you can switch up the fruit, herbs, or even the crust to match whatever you have on hand.
Great for Any Season: Strawberries scream summer, but this galette works year-round using frozen fruit or seasonal swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This galette keeps things simple, but every ingredient pulls its weight to create something truly memorable.

Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy berries—they’ll bring natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
Fresh Basil: Adds a sophisticated herbal twist that complements the berries beautifully.
Sugar: To sweeten the filling and help draw out the juices from the strawberries.
Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry juices so your galette isn’t soggy.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Refrigerated Pie Crust: Store-bought crust keeps things easy, but homemade works too if you’re feeling ambitious.
Egg Wash: A simple egg beaten with water for brushing the crust so it turns perfectly golden brown.
Coarse Sugar (optional): Sprinkled on the crust for a touch of sparkle and crunch.

Variations

Berry Mix-Up: Swap in a blend of berries—blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries work great.
Herbal Swap: Try mint or thyme instead of basil for a different herbal note.
Go Savory-Sweet: Add a few crumbles of goat cheese or ricotta for a more complex flavor profile.
Crust Options: Use puff pastry or even phyllo dough if you want to change up the texture.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Basil Galette

Step 1: Prep the Filling

Slice the strawberries and toss them in a bowl with chopped basil, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let it sit for about 10 minutes—this allows the fruit to release some of its juices and helps the flavors meld together.

Step 2: Roll Out the Crust

Unroll your refrigerated pie crust onto a sheet of parchment paper. If it feels too stiff, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes so it’s easier to work with.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spoon the strawberry mixture into the center of the crust, leaving about a 2-inch border all the way around. Don’t overfill—the beauty of a galette is in its simplicity.

Step 4: Fold the Edges

Gently fold the crust edges over the fruit, pleating as you go to create that classic rustic look. It doesn’t need to be perfect—imperfect is charming here!

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using. Slide the parchment onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Let the galette cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to set up a bit and makes for cleaner slices.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Without it, your galette can get watery. It helps bind the filling together beautifully.
Fresh Basil Timing: If you want a brighter basil flavor, stir in half of it after baking.
Golden Crust: The egg wash is key to that rich, golden-brown color. A little splash of milk in the egg won’t hurt, either.
Cool Down: Letting the galette rest after baking is essential. It not only sets the filling but intensifies the flavors.

How to Serve

This galette is dreamy all on its own, but you can dress it up if you’re feeling fancy.

With Ice Cream:

Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold and creamy combo with warm, juicy strawberries? Unreal.

With Whipped Cream:

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or mascarpone makes each bite feel decadent.

Drizzle of Balsamic Glaze:

Yes, really. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a tangy-sweet twist that works surprisingly well with the strawberries and basil.

Brunch Star:

Pair with coffee or tea and serve as a sweet finish to brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover galette covered in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the crust is best within the first day or two.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked galette, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. Bake straight from frozen—just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

Warm slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10–15 minutes, or pop them in the toaster oven to crisp the crust again. Microwave works too but may soften the crust.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid, and increase the cornstarch slightly to thicken the extra juices.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust and double-check your cornstarch brand to make sure it’s gluten-free.

Do I need to chill the crust before baking?
If your crust has warmed up too much while assembling, a quick 10-minute chill in the fridge before baking can help it hold its shape better.

Can I make mini galettes instead?
Yes, divide the dough and filling into smaller portions to make personal-size galettes. They bake a bit faster—check them around the 25-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Strawberry Basil Galette is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something magical. It’s a laid-back dessert with a whole lot of wow factor—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to summer dessert!

Easy Strawberry Basil Galette Recipe