🌿 Spices & Herbs

Homemade Italian Seasoning Substitute: DIY Herb Blend Recipe

Learn how to make your own Italian seasoning substitute with this easy homemade recipe. Perfect for when you don't have store-bought Italian seasoning.

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Quick Answer

Make homemade Italian seasoning by mixing 2 parts oregano, 1 part basil, 1 part thyme, 1/2 part rosemary, and 1/2 part marjoram. This creates the most accurate substitute for store-bought Italian seasoning and gives you full control over the flavor profile.

Best Substitutes

Basic Italian Seasoning Mix

2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp rosemary, 1/2 tsp marjoram

Mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram in the classic proportions. This creates the most authentic Italian seasoning substitute that matches store-bought blends.

Best for:

all recipescookingbakingmarinades

Classic Italian seasoning blend

Simple Italian Seasoning Mix

2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme

Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme for a simple Italian seasoning substitute. This captures the main flavors while being easier to make with fewer ingredients.

Best for:

pastapizzasaucesmarinades

Three-herb blend, easier to make

Herb-Forward Italian Seasoning

3 tsp oregano, 2 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary

Increase the herb proportions for a more intense Italian seasoning substitute. This works well when you want a stronger herb flavor in your dishes.

Best for:

pastapizzasaucesmarinades

Extra herb flavor, more intense

Mild Italian Seasoning

1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/4 tsp rosemary

Reduce the herb proportions for a milder Italian seasoning substitute. This works well in delicate dishes where you want subtle herb flavor.

Best for:

light dishessaucesmarinadesgarnishes

Milder flavor, less intense

Garlic Italian Seasoning

2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Add garlic powder to your Italian seasoning mix for extra flavor. This works well in dishes where you want both herb and garlic flavors.

Best for:

pastapizzasaucesmarinades

Added garlic flavor

Spicy Italian Seasoning

2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Add red pepper flakes to your Italian seasoning mix for a spicy version. This works well in dishes where you want both herb and heat flavors.

Best for:

pastapizzasaucesmarinades

Added heat, spicy flavor

Fresh Herb Italian Seasoning

2 tbsp fresh oregano, 1 tbsp fresh basil, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary

Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more intense Italian seasoning substitute. This works well when you have fresh herbs available and want maximum flavor.

Best for:

pastapizzasaucesmarinades

Fresh herbs, more intense flavor

Mediterranean Italian Seasoning

2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp rosemary, 1/2 tsp sage

Add sage to your Italian seasoning mix for a Mediterranean twist. This works well in dishes where you want a more complex herb profile.

Best for:

pastapizzasaucesmarinades

Added sage, Mediterranean flavor

Lemon Italian Seasoning

2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp lemon zest

Add lemon zest to your Italian seasoning mix for a bright, citrusy flavor. This works well in dishes where you want both herb and citrus flavors.

Best for:

pastapizzasaucesmarinades

Added lemon, bright flavor

Smoky Italian Seasoning

2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Add smoked paprika to your Italian seasoning mix for a smoky flavor. This works well in dishes where you want both herb and smoke flavors.

Best for:

pastapizzasaucesmarinades

Added smoke, smoky flavor

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For pasta: Use the basic mix or simple mix for authentic flavor
  • 💡In pizza: Use the basic mix or herb-forward mix for strong flavor
  • 💡For marinades: Use the basic mix or garlic mix for depth
  • 💡In sauces: Use the basic mix or simple mix for balance
  • 💡For roasting: Use the herb-forward mix or Mediterranean mix
  • 💡In soups: Use the basic mix or mild mix for subtle flavor
  • 💡For grilling: Use the spicy mix or smoky mix for bold flavor
  • 💡In bread: Use the basic mix or mild mix for gentle flavor
  • 💡For vegetables: Use the mild mix or lemon mix for brightness
  • 💡In dressings: Use the basic mix or garlic mix for flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make homemade Italian seasoning?

Mix 2 parts oregano, 1 part basil, 1 part thyme, 1/2 part rosemary, and 1/2 part marjoram. For example, use 2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp rosemary, and 1/2 tsp marjoram.

What's the best homemade Italian seasoning recipe?

The best homemade Italian seasoning recipe uses 2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp rosemary, and 1/2 tsp marjoram. This creates the most authentic flavor profile.

Can I make Italian seasoning without marjoram?

Yes, you can make Italian seasoning without marjoram. Use 2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, and 1/2 tsp rosemary. The flavor will be slightly different but still good.

What's the best homemade Italian seasoning for pasta?

For pasta, use the basic mix (2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp rosemary, 1/2 tsp marjoram) or the simple mix (2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme).

Can I use fresh herbs for homemade Italian seasoning?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs for homemade Italian seasoning. Use 2 tbsp fresh oregano, 1 tbsp fresh basil, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, and 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary. The flavor will be more intense.

What's the best homemade Italian seasoning for pizza?

For pizza, use the basic mix or the herb-forward mix for strong flavor. You can also add garlic powder or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Can I make Italian seasoning without rosemary?

Yes, you can make Italian seasoning without rosemary. Use 2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, and 1/2 tsp marjoram. The flavor will be slightly different but still good.

What's the best homemade Italian seasoning for marinades?

For marinades, use the basic mix or add garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also add red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for smoke.

Can I make Italian seasoning with different herbs?

Yes, you can customize your Italian seasoning with different herbs. Try adding sage, fennel seeds, or bay leaves for different flavor profiles.

What's the best homemade Italian seasoning for sauces?

For sauces, use the basic mix or the simple mix for balance. You can also add garlic powder for extra flavor or lemon zest for brightness.

Summary

Learn how to make homemade Italian seasoning substitute with this easy DIY recipe. Perfect for when you don't have store-bought Italian seasoning.