Out of Dried basil, one case
Dried basil substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dried oregano
Same amount as the dried basil
The best dried basil substitutes are Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley, and Dried Marjoram. Use 1:1 ratio. For fresh herbs, use 3 times the amount of dried herbs.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Italian dishes
One casethe full basil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of dried basil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dried oreganoItalian dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Dried thymesoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Dried parsleysoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Dried marjoramMediterranean dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Fresh basilall applications | 3 × the amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Dried oregano
similar taste and texture
Dried oregano provides a similar earthy, slightly bitter flavor to dried basil. Good for Italian dishes, pasta sauces, and Mediterranean cooking where you want a robust herb presence.
- Best for
- Italian dishes, pasta sauces, Mediterranean cooking, when you want earthy flavor, robust herbs
Dried oregano has a similar earthy flavor to dried basil but with a more pronounced bitterness. It works well in many applications where dried basil is used.
Dried thyme
different taste, similar texture
Dried thyme provides a similar aromatic, slightly minty flavor to dried basil. Good for soups, stews, and roasted dishes where you want a fragrant herb presence.
- Best for
- soups, stews, roasted dishes, when you want aromatic flavor, fragrant herbs
Dried thyme has a similar aromatic quality to dried basil but with a more pronounced minty flavor. It works well in many applications where dried basil is used.
Dried parsley
different taste, similar texture
Dried parsley provides a similar fresh, slightly bitter flavor to dried basil. Good for soups, stews, and light dishes where you want a fresh herb presence.
- Best for
- soups, stews, light dishes, when you want fresh flavor, mild herbs
Dried parsley has a similar fresh quality to dried basil but with a more pronounced bitterness. It works well in many applications where dried basil is used.
Dried marjoram
different taste, similar texture
Dried marjoram provides a similar sweet, slightly minty flavor to dried basil. Good for Mediterranean dishes, soups, and stews where you want a mild, sweet herb presence.
- Best for
- Mediterranean dishes, soups, stews, when you want sweet flavor, mild herbs
Dried marjoram has a similar sweet quality to dried basil but with a more pronounced minty flavor. It works well in many applications where dried basil is used.
Fresh basil
identical taste, different texture
Fresh basil provides identical flavor to dried basil but with a more pronounced taste. Good for applications where you want the authentic basil flavor.
- Best for
- all applications, when you want authentic flavor, fresh herbs, garnishes, raw applications
Fresh basil has identical flavor to dried basil but with a more pronounced taste. Use 3 times the amount of dried basil when substituting.
How dried basil compares
Dried basil is a popular herb with a concentrated, slightly minty flavor that's commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar aromatic qualities and can be used in the same applications, though they may offer different flavor profiles that can enhance or change the character of your dishes.
Tips for substituting dried basil
5 tips- For dried basil, consider the cooking method - dried herbs work well in cooked dishes, while fresh herbs work best in raw applications
- When substituting in soups and stews, dried oregano or thyme work well as substitutes for dried basil
- For Italian dishes, dried oregano provides the most similar flavor to dried basil
- In Mediterranean cooking, dried marjoram or thyme work well as substitutes for dried basil
- For the best results, consider the flavor profile of your dish when choosing a substitute
Notes on dried basil
- For a completely different approach, try using other dried herbs like sage or rosemary
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different dried herbs to achieve a similar flavor profile
- For pesto, consider using other leafy herbs like spinach or arugula as a base
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for dried basil?
Dried oregano, thyme, and parsley work well as substitutes for dried basil. Use a 1:1 ratio for dried herbs and consider the flavor profile of your dish when choosing.
Can I use dried oregano instead of dried basil?
Yes, dried oregano can substitute for dried basil using a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar earthy flavor, making it good for Italian dishes and Mediterranean cooking.
What's the difference between dried basil and fresh basil?
Dried basil has a more concentrated flavor and is often used in cooked dishes, while fresh basil has a more pronounced taste and is commonly used in raw applications.
Can I substitute fresh basil for dried basil?
Yes, fresh basil can substitute for dried basil using a 3:1 ratio. It has identical flavor but with a more pronounced taste, making it good for most applications.
Do I need to adjust cooking times when substituting for dried basil?
Generally no, as most herb substitutes have similar cooking properties. However, consider that some herbs may lose flavor more quickly when cooked.