Out of Italian seasoning, one case
Oregano substitutes for Italian seasoning
10 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Basil
Same amount as the Italian seasoning
The best oregano substitutes for Italian seasoning are basil (for similar flavor), thyme (for earthy notes), or marjoram (for mild oregano flavor). For a complete substitute, use a mix of basil, thyme, and rosemary. The choice depends on your recipe and available ingredients.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- pasta
One casethe full Italian seasoning card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Italian seasoning | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basilpasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Thymepasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Marjorampasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Basil + thymepasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Rosemarypasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Sagepasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Parsleypasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 8 | Fennel seedspasta | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 9 | Bay leavespasta | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 10 | Italian seasoning mixall recipes | Same amountWorks | Works |
Basil
similar taste and texture
Basil is the closest substitute for oregano in Italian seasoning. It has a similar flavor profile but is slightly sweeter and more aromatic.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Similar flavor profile, slightly sweeter.
Thyme
similar taste and texture
Thyme has an earthy flavor similar to oregano and works well as a substitute. It's slightly more intense but provides good depth of flavor.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Earthy flavor, similar intensity.
Marjoram
similar taste and texture
Marjoram is closely related to oregano and has a similar but milder flavor. It's sweeter and less intense, making it a good substitute for delicate dishes.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Mild oregano flavor, sweeter.
Basil + thyme
similar taste and texture
Mix equal parts basil and thyme to create a balanced substitute for oregano. This combination captures both the sweetness of basil and the earthiness of thyme.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Combined herb flavor, balanced.
Rosemary
different taste, similar texture
Rosemary has a woody flavor that's more intense than oregano but works well as a substitute. It adds depth and complexity to dishes.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Woody flavor, more intense.
Sage
different taste, similar texture
Sage has an earthy flavor similar to oregano but is slightly more bitter. It works well as a substitute in heartier dishes.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Earthy flavor, slightly bitter.
Parsley
different taste, similar texture
Parsley has a fresh, mild flavor that works well as a substitute for oregano. It's less intense but adds brightness to dishes.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Fresh flavor, milder.
Fennel seeds
different taste and texture
Fennel seeds have an anise flavor that's different from oregano but works well in Italian dishes. They add aromatic complexity to dishes.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Anise flavor, aromatic.
Bay leaves
different taste and texture
Bay leaves have an earthy flavor that's more intense than oregano but works well as a substitute. They add depth and complexity to dishes.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, sauces, marinades
Earthy flavor, more intense.
Italian seasoning mix
similar taste and texture
Use a complete Italian seasoning mix as a substitute for oregano. This provides all the herbs typically found in Italian seasoning, including oregano.
- Best for
- all recipes, cooking, baking, marinades
Complete herb blend, balanced.
How it behaves in this recipe
Oregano is the primary herb in Italian seasoning and provides the characteristic earthy, slightly bitter flavor. When substituting for oregano, it's important to match both the flavor profile and intensity to maintain the authentic Italian taste in your dishes.
Tips for substituting Italian seasoning
10 tips- For pasta: Use basil or thyme for similar flavor
- In pizza: Use basil or marjoram for authentic taste
- For sauces: Use basil + thyme combination for balance
- In marinades: Use thyme or rosemary for depth
- For roasting: Use rosemary or sage for intensity
- In soups: Use thyme or bay leaves for earthiness
- For grilling: Use rosemary or sage for bold flavor
- In bread: Use thyme or marjoram for subtle flavor
- For vegetables: Use parsley or marjoram for brightness
- In dressings: Use basil or parsley for freshness
Notes on Italian seasoning
- Mix different herbs to create custom oregano substitutes
- Use different herb combinations based on your taste preferences
- Try different ratios to find the good flavor balance
- Make your own herb blends for unique flavors
- Experiment with different herb combinations for different dishes
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best substitute for oregano in Italian seasoning?
The best substitute for oregano in Italian seasoning is basil (for similar flavor), thyme (for earthy notes), or marjoram (for mild oregano flavor). For a complete substitute, use a mix of basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Can I use basil instead of oregano?
Yes, basil is an excellent substitute for oregano. It has a similar flavor profile but is slightly sweeter and more aromatic. Use a 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for oregano in pasta?
For pasta, use basil or thyme for similar flavor. Basil provides sweetness while thyme adds earthiness. You can also use a combination of both.
Can I use thyme instead of oregano?
Yes, thyme is a good substitute for oregano. It has an earthy flavor similar to oregano and works well in most recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for oregano in pizza?
For pizza, use basil or marjoram for authentic taste. Basil provides sweetness while marjoram offers a mild oregano flavor. You can also use a combination of both.
Can I use marjoram instead of oregano?
Yes, marjoram is closely related to oregano and makes an excellent substitute. It has a similar but milder flavor and is sweeter. Use a 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for oregano in sauces?
For sauces, use basil or a combination of basil + thyme for balance. Basil provides sweetness while thyme adds earthiness. This creates a well-rounded flavor profile.
Can I use rosemary instead of oregano?
Yes, rosemary can be used as a substitute for oregano, but it has a woody flavor that's more intense. It works well in heartier dishes where you want bold flavor.
What's the best substitute for oregano in marinades?
For marinades, use thyme or rosemary for depth. Thyme provides earthiness while rosemary adds woody complexity. You can also use a combination of both.
Can I use sage instead of oregano?
Yes, sage can be used as a substitute for oregano, but it has an earthy flavor that's slightly more bitter. It works well in heartier dishes where you want intense flavor.