Out of Italian seasoning, one case
Italian seasoning substitute, in depth
10 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade Italian seasoning mix
2 parts oregano, 1 part basil, 1 part thyme, ½ part rosemary, ½ part marjoram
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- all recipes
One casethe full Italian seasoning card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Italian seasoning | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade Italian seasoning mixall recipes | 2 parts oregano, 1 part basil, 1 part thyme, ½ part rosemary, ½ part marjoramWorks | Works |
| 2 | Oreganopasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Herbes de Provencecooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Basil + oreganopasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Pizza seasoningpizza | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Mediterranean seasoningcooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 7 | Thyme + rosemaryroasting | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 8 | Parsley + oreganopasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 9 | Garlic + oreganopasta | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 10 | Fines herbeslight dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Homemade Italian seasoning mix
similar taste and texture
Make 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
- all recipes, cooking, baking, marinades
Most accurate substitute, customizable.
Oregano
similar taste and texture
Oregano 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
- pasta, pizza, marinades, sauces
Primary herb in Italian seasoning.
Herbes de Provence
similar taste and texture
Herbes 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
- cooking, marinades, roasting, grilling
Similar herb blend, French origin.
Basil + oregano
similar taste and texture
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
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Two main herbs from Italian seasoning.
Pizza seasoning
similar taste and texture
Pizza seasoning is similar to Italian seasoning and works well as a substitute. It typically contains oregano, basil, and other Italian herbs.
- Best for
- pizza, pasta, Italian dishes
Similar herb blend, pizza-focused.
Mediterranean seasoning
similar taste and texture
Mediterranean seasoning is similar to Italian seasoning and works well as a substitute. It contains many of the same herbs and spices.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, roasting, grilling
Similar herb blend, Mediterranean origin.
Thyme + rosemary
different taste, similar texture
Mix equal parts dried thyme and rosemary to create a woody herb substitute for Italian seasoning. This works well in heartier dishes.
- Best for
- roasting, grilling, marinades, soups
Woody herbs from Italian seasoning.
Parsley + oregano
different taste, similar texture
Mix equal parts dried parsley and oregano to create a fresh-tasting substitute for Italian seasoning. This works well in lighter dishes.
- Best for
- pasta, sauces, marinades, garnishes
Fresh herb combination.
Garlic + oregano
different taste and texture
Mix equal parts garlic powder and oregano to create a flavorful substitute for Italian seasoning. This adds both herb and garlic flavors.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Garlic and herb combination.
Fines herbes
different taste, similar texture
Fines 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
- light dishes, sauces, marinades, garnishes
French herb blend, delicate flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It's used to add Italian flavor to dishes and is popular in pasta, pizza, and marinades. The key to successful substitution is matching the herb profile and flavor intensity of the original blend.
Tips for substituting Italian seasoning
10 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
Notes on Italian seasoning
- Mix different herbs to create custom Italian seasoning blends
- Use different herb combinations based on your taste preferences
- Try different ratios to find the good flavor balance
- Make your own Italian seasoning mix with fresh herbs
- Experiment with different herb blends for unique flavors
Questions
10 questionsWhat'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.