Italian seasoning substitute

Mix equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, 1/3 teaspoon of each, and use it in place of 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Food Network's homemade blend uses equal parts of the same herbs plus rosemary and marjoram, and says any mix of them works.

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  1. Dried oregano + basil + thyme

    Great fit

    ⅓ tsp dried oregano, ⅓ tsp dried basil and ⅓ tsp dried thyme

    For this dish: Oregano and basil are the classic tomato-sauce herbs.

    How: Mix equal parts and use one for one. With only two of the three, use them half and half: oregano and basil for tomato sauce, oregano and thyme for roasts.

    What changes: Close to most store blends, minus rosemary, marjoram and sage.

    No major food allergens in these ingredients. Check labels on packaged products.

  2. Fresh herbs

    Great fit

    1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, thyme, basil or rosemary, mixed

    For this dish: Fresh basil and oregano are classic in tomato sauce.

    How: Use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs for each teaspoon of dried, the usual 3 to 1 ratio for fresh to dried herbs.

    What changes: Brighter and greener than a dried blend.

    No major food allergens in these ingredients. Check labels on packaged products.

  3. Herbes de Provence

    Works

    1 tsp herbes de Provence

    For this dish: Works, but tastes more French, and lavender can stand out in tomato sauce.

    How: Use the same amount. Pick a blend without lavender if you can, since lavender is what most sets it apart.

    What changes: Shares oregano, thyme and rosemary, but adds savory and sometimes lavender or fennel, and has no basil.

    No major food allergens in these ingredients. Check labels on packaged products.

  4. Basil + parsley + oregano (extension blend)

    Works

    ¼ tsp dried basil, ⅔ tsp dried parsley and 1 pinch dried oregano

    For this dish: Works, but with little oregano it is mild for pizza.

    How: Mix and use for each teaspoon of Italian seasoning, as Colorado State University Extension's substitution chart lists.

    What changes: Milder and greener than most store blends, since parsley makes up most of it.

    No major food allergens in these ingredients. Check labels on packaged products.

Scores are our editorial judgement from the sources below, not lab tests.

What italian seasoning does in a recipe

Italian seasoning is a dried herb blend, usually some mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram and sage, with savory in some brands. It has no fixed recipe; McCormick lists marjoram first and other brands lead with oregano. It gives an all-round herby note to sauces, meatballs, dressings and roasts.

Swap it in your recipe with Sous Chef

A substitution is more than one ingredient line. The steps that use it change too. Sous Chef edits both on a working copy of your recipe, so the original is always one tap away.

You ask Sous Chef

"I don't have italian seasoning."

Sous Chef edits the recipe

1 tsp italian seasoning
⅓ tsp dried oregano, ⅓ tsp dried basil and ⅓ tsp dried thyme
Added to the steps: Mix equal parts and use one for one. With only two of the three, use them half and half: oregano and basil for tomato sauce, oregano and thyme for roasts.
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When not to substitute

Italian seasoning has no fixed recipe, so almost any mix of these dried herbs will work. The swap to avoid is a salty blend such as Greek seasoning used one for one, which can oversalt the dish; use much less and cut the salt.

Common questions

What can I use instead of Italian seasoning?

Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, used one for one. Herbes de Provence also swaps in one for one, especially for grilling and roasting. In a pinch, Food Network says dried oregano alone gives the warm, savory note.

What is in Italian seasoning?

It varies by brand. Most blends use some mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram and sage. McCormick's lists marjoram first, so it is the largest share of that blend.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes. Use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs for each teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.

Is herbes de Provence the same as Italian seasoning?

No, but they overlap. Both have oregano, thyme and rosemary. Herbes de Provence adds savory, sometimes lavender, and has no basil. They can usually swap one for one.

How do I make Italian seasoning at home?

Taste of Home's recipe mixes 3 tablespoons each of dried basil, oregano and parsley flakes with 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon each dried thyme and crushed rosemary, and 1/4 teaspoon each pepper and red pepper flakes.

Related

Sources

Cook with what you have.

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