Italian Seasoning Substitute: for Every Recipe Guide
The ultimate guide to Italian seasoning substitutes for cooking, baking, and seasoning. Find the perfect alternative for any recipe.
Quick Answer
The best Italian seasoning substitutes are a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary (for homemade blend), or Herbes de Provence (for similar flavor profile). For individual herbs, use oregano as the primary substitute. The choice depends on your recipe and available ingredients.
Best Substitutes
Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix
2 parts oregano, 1 part basil, 1 part thyme, 1/2 part rosemary, 1/2 part marjoramMake your own Italian seasoning by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. This gives you the most control over the flavor profile and is the closest substitute to store-bought Italian seasoning.
Best for:
Most accurate substitute, customizable
Oregano
1:1Oregano is the primary herb in Italian seasoning and works well as a substitute. It has a strong, earthy flavor that's characteristic of Italian cuisine.
Best for:
Primary herb in Italian seasoning
Herbes de Provence
1:1Herbes de Provence is a French herb blend that's similar to Italian seasoning. It contains many of the same herbs and works well as a substitute in most recipes.
Best for:
Similar herb blend, French origin
Basil + Oregano
1:1 (equal parts)Mix equal parts dried basil and oregano to create a simple Italian seasoning substitute. This combination captures the main flavors of Italian seasoning.
Best for:
Two main herbs from Italian seasoning
Pizza Seasoning
1:1Pizza seasoning is similar to Italian seasoning and works well as a substitute. It typically contains oregano, basil, and other Italian herbs.
Best for:
Similar herb blend, pizza-focused
Mediterranean Seasoning
1:1Mediterranean seasoning is similar to Italian seasoning and works well as a substitute. It contains many of the same herbs and spices.
Best for:
Similar herb blend, Mediterranean origin
Thyme + Rosemary
1:1 (equal parts)Mix equal parts dried thyme and rosemary to create a woody herb substitute for Italian seasoning. This works well in heartier dishes.
Best for:
Woody herbs from Italian seasoning
Parsley + Oregano
1:1 (equal parts)Mix equal parts dried parsley and oregano to create a fresh-tasting substitute for Italian seasoning. This works well in lighter dishes.
Best for:
Fresh herb combination
Garlic + Oregano
1:1 (equal parts)Mix equal parts garlic powder and oregano to create a flavorful substitute for Italian seasoning. This adds both herb and garlic flavors.
Best for:
Garlic and herb combination
Fines Herbes
1:1Fines herbes is a delicate French herb blend that works well as a substitute for Italian seasoning in lighter dishes. It has a more subtle flavor profile.
Best for:
French herb blend, delicate flavor
Cooking Tips
- 💡For pasta: Use oregano or basil + oregano combination
- 💡In pizza: Use oregano or pizza seasoning for authentic flavor
- 💡For marinades: Use homemade mix or Herbes de Provence
- 💡In sauces: Use oregano or basil + oregano combination
- 💡For roasting: Use thyme + rosemary or Herbes de Provence
- 💡In soups: Use homemade mix or thyme + rosemary
- 💡For grilling: Use Herbes de Provence or Mediterranean seasoning
- 💡In bread: Use oregano or homemade mix
- 💡For vegetables: Use thyme + rosemary or Herbes de Provence
- 💡In dressings: Use oregano or basil + oregano combination
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for Italian seasoning?
The best substitute for Italian seasoning is a homemade mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. For a quick substitute, use oregano alone or Herbes de Provence.
Can I substitute oregano for Italian seasoning?
Yes, oregano is the primary herb in Italian seasoning and works well as a substitute. Use a 1:1 ratio, though you'll miss some of the complexity of the full blend.
What's the best substitute for Italian seasoning in pasta?
For pasta, oregano or a combination of basil + oregano work best. These capture the main flavors of Italian seasoning and complement pasta dishes well.
Can I use Herbes de Provence as a substitute for Italian seasoning?
Yes, Herbes de Provence is a good substitute for Italian seasoning. It contains many of the same herbs and works well in most recipes, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
What's the best substitute for Italian seasoning in pizza?
For pizza, oregano or pizza seasoning work best as they provide the authentic Italian flavor. Basil + oregano is also a good combination.
Can I substitute basil for Italian seasoning?
Basil alone isn't a complete substitute for Italian seasoning, but it works well when combined with oregano. Use equal parts basil and oregano for a good approximation.
What's the best substitute for Italian seasoning in marinades?
For marinades, use a homemade mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, or Herbes de Provence. These provide the complex flavor profile needed for good marinades.
Can I use thyme as a substitute for Italian seasoning?
Thyme alone isn't a complete substitute for Italian seasoning, but it works well when combined with rosemary. Use equal parts thyme and rosemary for a woody herb substitute.
What's the best substitute for Italian seasoning in sauces?
For sauces, use oregano or a combination of basil + oregano. These provide the main flavors of Italian seasoning and work well in most sauce recipes.
Can I substitute parsley for Italian seasoning?
Parsley alone isn't a complete substitute for Italian seasoning, but it works well when combined with oregano. Use equal parts parsley and oregano for a fresh-tasting substitute.
Summary
Complete guide to Italian seasoning substitutes for cooking, baking, and seasoning. Find the perfect oregano, Herbes de Provence, or homemade blend alternative for every recipe.