Out of Sweet basil, one case
Sweet basil substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Regular basil
Same amount as the sweet basil
The best sweet basil substitutes are Regular Basil, Oregano, Thyme, and Marjoram. Use 1:1 ratio. For the best flavor, try regular basil or oregano, depending on your dish.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- all applications
One casethe full basil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sweet basil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regular basilall applications | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | OreganoItalian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Thymesoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | MarjoramMediterranean dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | TarragonFrench dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Regular basil
identical taste and texture
Regular basil provides identical flavor and texture to sweet basil. Good substitute with the same taste profile and aromatic qualities.
- Best for
- all applications, when you want identical flavor, general cooking, Italian dishes, Mediterranean cooking
Regular basil has identical flavor to sweet basil. It works identically in most applications where sweet basil is used.
Oregano
different taste, similar texture
Oregano provides a similar earthy, slightly bitter flavor to sweet 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
Oregano has a similar earthy flavor to sweet basil but with a more pronounced bitterness. It works well in many applications where sweet basil is used.
Thyme
different taste, similar texture
Thyme provides a similar aromatic, slightly minty flavor to sweet 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
Thyme has a similar aromatic quality to sweet basil but with a more pronounced minty flavor. It works well in many applications where sweet basil is used.
Marjoram
different taste, similar texture
Marjoram provides a similar sweet, slightly minty flavor to sweet 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
Marjoram has a similar sweet quality to sweet basil but with a more pronounced minty flavor. It works well in many applications where sweet basil is used.
Tarragon
different taste, similar texture
Tarragon provides a similar anise-like, slightly sweet flavor to sweet basil. Good for French dishes, sauces, and dressings where you want a unique, aromatic herb presence.
- Best for
- French dishes, sauces, dressings, when you want anise flavor, aromatic herbs
Tarragon has a similar aromatic quality to sweet basil but with a more pronounced anise flavor. It works well in many applications where sweet basil is used.
How sweet basil compares
Sweet basil is a popular herb with a sweet, 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 sweet basil
5 tips- For sweet basil, consider the cooking method - fresh herbs work best in raw applications, while dried herbs work well in cooked dishes
- When substituting in Italian dishes, regular basil or oregano work well as substitutes for sweet basil
- For Mediterranean cooking, marjoram or thyme work well as substitutes for sweet basil
- In soups and stews, thyme or marjoram work well as substitutes for sweet basil
- For the best results, consider the flavor profile of your dish when choosing a substitute
Notes on sweet basil
- For a completely different approach, try using other herbs like sage or rosemary
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different 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 sweet basil?
Regular basil, oregano, and thyme work well as substitutes for sweet basil. Use a 1:1 ratio and consider the flavor profile of your dish when choosing.
Can I use regular basil instead of sweet basil?
Yes, regular basil can substitute for sweet basil using a 1:1 ratio. It has identical flavor, making it good for most applications.
What's the difference between sweet basil and regular basil?
Sweet basil and regular basil are essentially the same herb with identical flavor and texture. Both work well in most recipes and can be used interchangeably.
Can I substitute oregano for sweet basil?
Yes, oregano can substitute for sweet basil using a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar earthy flavor, though it's more bitter than sweet basil.
Do I need to adjust cooking times when substituting for sweet basil?
Generally no, as most herb substitutes have similar cooking properties. However, consider that some herbs may lose flavor more quickly when cooked.