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