Out of Rosemary, one case
Rosemary substitute, in depth
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Thyme
Same amount as the rosemary
The best rosemary substitutes are thyme (1:1 ratio), sage (1:1 ratio), or oregano + marjoram combination. For fresh vs dried: use 1 tbsp fresh = 1 tsp dried. For essential oils, use thyme or sage essential oil.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
One casethe full rosemary card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of rosemary | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thymecooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Sagestuffing | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Oregano + marjoramMediterranean dishes | ½ tsp oregano + ½ tsp marjoram per 1 tsp rosemaryWorks | Works |
| 4 | Fresh rosemary (for dried)all cooking applications | 1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh (3:1 ratio)Tweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Dried rosemary (for fresh)spice blends | 1 tbsp fresh = 1 tsp dried (1:3 ratio)Tweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Bay leavessoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Lavenderdesserts | Same amountUse sparinglyTweak it | Tweak it |
| 8 | Thyme + sage combinationcomplex dishes | ½ tsp thyme + ½ tsp sage per 1 tsp rosemaryWorks | Works |
Thyme
similar taste and texture
The closest substitute to rosemary with similar earthy, slightly minty flavor. Works in almost all recipes that call for rosemary.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, roasting, soups, stews, chicken, beef, lamb, pork, potatoes, vegetables
Thyme has a more delicate flavor than rosemary but provides similar herbal depth. It's less piney but equally aromatic.
Sage
similar taste and texture
Robust herb with earthy, slightly bitter flavor that complements many of the same dishes as rosemary.
- Best for
- stuffing, poultry, pork, soups, stews, roasting, marinades, herb rubs
Sage has a more intense, slightly bitter flavor than rosemary. Use sparingly as it can overpower dishes.
Oregano + marjoram
similar taste and texture
Herb combination that mimics rosemary's complex flavor profile with earthy and slightly sweet notes.
- Best for
- Mediterranean dishes, Italian cooking, marinades, roasting, pasta sauces
This combination provides the closest flavor match to rosemary's complexity. Marjoram adds sweetness while oregano adds earthiness.
Fresh rosemary (for dried)
similar taste, different texture
When substituting fresh rosemary for dried, use three times the amount as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
- Best for
- all cooking applications, when you have fresh rosemary available, garnish, infused oils
Fresh rosemary has more vibrant flavor and moisture. It's more potent than dried, so use less quantity.
Dried rosemary (for fresh)
similar taste, different texture
Concentrated dried version with more intense flavor. Use one-third the amount of fresh rosemary.
- Best for
- spice blends, baking, long-cooking dishes, when fresh isn't available
Dried rosemary is more concentrated and has a slightly different texture. It's good for spice rubs and long-cooking dishes.
Bay leaves
similar taste, different texture
Aromatic leaves with similar earthy, slightly bitter flavor. Must be removed before serving.
- Best for
- soups, stews, braises, marinades, long-cooking dishes
Bay leaves provide similar aromatic depth but must be removed before serving. They work best in long-cooking dishes.
Lavender
different taste, similar texture
Floral herb with piney notes similar to rosemary. Use very sparingly as it can be overpowering.
- Best for
- desserts, herb blends, infused oils, Mediterranean dishes, when you want floral notes
Lavender has similar piney characteristics but is much more floral. Use very sparingly to avoid soapy flavor.
Thyme + sage combination
similar taste and texture
Herb combination that provides both the earthiness of sage and the delicacy of thyme.
- Best for
- complex dishes, roasting, marinades, when you want layered herbal flavor
This combination gives you both the robustness of sage and the delicacy of thyme, creating a well-rounded substitute.
How it behaves in this recipe
Fresh vs dried rosemary conversion
When substituting between fresh and dried rosemary, use a 3:1 ratio. For every 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Fresh rosemary has more vibrant flavor and moisture, while dried rosemary is more concentrated and intense.
Best substitutes by cooking context
Different cooking methods work better with different rosemary substitutes. For roasting, thyme or sage work well. For soups and stews, bay leaves or thyme provide good herbal depth. For marinades, thyme or the oregano + marjoram combination work best.
Essential oil substitutes
For rosemary essential oil, use thyme essential oil or sage essential oil in the same ratio. These oils provide similar aromatic properties and can be used in cooking, aromatherapy, or hair care applications.
Tips for substituting rosemary
15 tips- For steak: Use thyme or sage as they complement beef's rich flavor without overwhelming it
- For chicken: Thyme works best as it's delicate enough not to overpower poultry
- For pork: Sage is ideal as it pairs well with pork's natural sweetness
- For lamb: Use rosemary's closest substitute, thyme, as lamb can handle robust herbs
- For potatoes: Thyme or oregano work well for roasted potatoes
- For soup: Bay leaves or thyme provide good herbal depth without being too strong
- For marinades: Use thyme or the oregano + marjoram combination for best results
- When substituting fresh for dried: Use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs
- When substituting dried for fresh: Use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs
- For essential oils: Use thyme or sage essential oil in the same ratio as fresh herbs
- For herb rubs: Dried rosemary or thyme work best as they stick to meat better
- For long-cooking dishes: Dried herbs hold up better than fresh
- For quick-cooking dishes: Fresh herbs provide better flavor
- For Mediterranean dishes: Oregano + marjoram combination works best
- For French dishes: Thyme is the traditional choice
Notes on rosemary
- Herb blendsCreate custom herb blends using thyme, sage, oregano, and marjoram to mimic rosemary's complex flavor profile.
- Best for: spice rubs; marinades; when you want layered flavor
- Infused oilsMake rosemary-infused olive oil using thyme or sage instead, then use the oil in cooking.
- Best for: drizzling; marinades; when you want subtle herbal flavor
- Herb sprigsUse thyme or sage sprigs in place of rosemary sprigs for garnishing or infusing flavor into dishes.
- Best for: garnishing; infusing flavor; presentation
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best substitute for rosemary in steak?
Thyme is the best substitute for rosemary in steak. It has a similar earthy flavor that complements beef without overwhelming it. Use a 1:1 ratio.
Can I substitute thyme for rosemary?
Yes, thyme is one of the best substitutes for rosemary. It has a similar earthy, slightly minty flavor and works in almost all recipes that call for rosemary. Use a 1:1 ratio.
How much dried rosemary equals fresh rosemary?
Use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for every 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary (1:3 ratio). Dried herbs are more concentrated, so you need less.
What can I substitute for rosemary in chicken?
Thyme is the best substitute for rosemary in chicken. It's delicate enough not to overpower poultry while still providing good herbal flavor. Sage also works well for more robust flavor.
Is there a substitute for rosemary essential oil?
Yes, thyme essential oil or sage essential oil can substitute for rosemary essential oil. Use the same amount as you would rosemary essential oil.
Can I use parsley as a substitute for rosemary?
Parsley is not a good substitute for rosemary as it has a completely different flavor profile. Parsley is fresh and grassy, while rosemary is earthy and piney. Use thyme or sage instead.
What's a good substitute for rosemary and thyme together?
If a recipe calls for both rosemary and thyme, you can use sage + oregano combination, or just use thyme alone as it provides similar herbal depth.
Can I substitute oregano for rosemary?
Oregano can work as a substitute for rosemary, but it has a different flavor profile. Oregano is more pungent and less piney. It works best in Mediterranean dishes.
What's the best rosemary substitute for baking?
For baking, thyme or sage work best as rosemary substitutes. Dried herbs are often preferred in baking as they distribute more evenly throughout the dough or batter.
Can I substitute sage for rosemary?
Yes, sage can substitute for rosemary, but use it carefully as it has a more intense, slightly bitter flavor. It works well in stuffing, poultry, and pork dishes.