Out of Dried savory, one case
Dried savory substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dried thyme
Same amount as the dried savory
The best dried savory substitute is dried thyme (1:1 ratio) or dried oregano (1:1 ratio). For a more complex flavor, use a combination of dried marjoram and dried sage (1 tsp dried savory = ½ tsp dried marjoram + ½ tsp dried sage).
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
One casethe full savory card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of dried savory | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dried thymecooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Dried oreganoItalian dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Dried marjoram + dried sagestuffing | ½ tsp dried marjoram + ½ tsp dried sage per 1 tsp dried savoryWorks | Works |
| 4 | Dried marjoramsoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Dried sagestuffing | Same amountWorks | Works |
Dried thyme
similar taste and texture
The closest substitute to dried savory with similar earthy, slightly minty flavor that works in most applications
- Best for
- cooking, baking, soups, stews, roasted vegetables
Most similar flavor profile to dried savory, works in 90% of recipes.
Dried oregano
similar taste and texture
Mediterranean herb with robust flavor that complements many dishes dried savory is used in
- Best for
- Italian dishes, Mediterranean cooking, pizza, pasta sauces
More pungent than dried savory but works well in hearty dishes.
Dried marjoram + dried sage
similar taste and texture
Combination that mimics dried savory's complexity and earthy flavor profile
- Best for
- stuffing, sausages, bean dishes, roasted meats
Best for dishes where dried savory is a primary flavor.
Dried marjoram
similar taste and texture
Sweet, mild herb that provides similar warmth and depth to dried savory
- Best for
- soups, stews, vegetable dishes, stuffing
Milder than dried savory but similar warmth.
Dried sage
similar taste and texture
Earthy herb with slightly bitter notes that works well in savory applications
- Best for
- stuffing, poultry, pork, bean dishes
More bitter than dried savory but similar earthiness.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting for dried savory, it's important to consider that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh and work best in dishes with longer cooking times. Choose substitutes that can provide similar depth and earthiness.
Tips for substituting dried savory
8 tips- Add dried savory substitutes early in cooking to allow their flavors to develop
- Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, so use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs
- Dried savory substitutes work best in dishes with longer cooking times where flavors can meld
- When using dried oregano as a savory substitute, use slightly less as it's more pungent
- Dried thyme works particularly well in poultry and vegetable dishes that traditionally use dried savory
- For stuffing and dressing, a combination of dried marjoram and dried sage works excellently
- In soups and stews, dried herbs can be added at the beginning of cooking
- When substituting fresh herbs for dried savory, use about 3 times the amount
Notes on dried savory
- If you don't have any dried herbs, try using a small amount of poultry seasoning (which often contains dried savory) mixed with dried thyme
- For a completely different approach, use a small amount of fennel seeds or caraway seeds for earthy depth
- In Mediterranean dishes, a combination of dried basil and dried oregano can sometimes work as a dried savory substitute
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for dried savory?
Dried thyme is the best substitute for dried savory. It has a similar earthy, slightly minty flavor profile and works well in most dishes where dried savory is used.
Can I use dried oregano instead of dried savory?
Yes, dried oregano can work as a dried savory substitute, especially in Mediterranean dishes. However, it has a more pungent flavor, so use slightly less than the recipe calls for.
How do I substitute fresh savory for dried?
Use about 3 times the amount of fresh savory compared to dried. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon dried savory, use 1 tablespoon fresh savory.
What herbs work best together as a dried savory substitute?
A combination of dried marjoram and dried sage (½ tsp each for 1 tsp dried savory) works well, as does dried thyme with a pinch of dried marjoram for added complexity.
Can I use dried sage instead of dried savory?
Yes, dried sage can work as a dried savory substitute, especially in stuffing and bean dishes. However, it has a more bitter flavor, so it works best in hearty dishes.