Out of thyme?

Thyme substitutes

Thyme is Aromatic herb with small, delicate leaves and earthy, slightly minty flavor, used in cooking and as a garnish.

Use this

Oregano

Use ¾ tsp for every tsp of thyme

Best for roast meat, tomato sauces and stews

The best substitutes for thyme are oregano, marjoram, or a mixture of herbs like rosemary and sage, depending on the dish.

At a glance

Every thyme substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Thyme substitutes compared
#	Substitute	Instead of thyme, use	Result
1	Oregano	¾ tsp per tsp
2	Marjoram	1 tsp per tsp
3	Rosemary + Sage	½ tsp + ½ tsp	Close match
4	Basil	1 tsp per tsp
5	Savory	1 tsp per tsp

Every thyme substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

1. Oregano
Use ¾ tsp for every tsp of thyme
The same savoury Mediterranean register, stronger and more peppery.
What changes
Best for
roast meat, tomato sauces and stews, long-cooked dishes, the jar most kitchens already have
Taste
stronger, peppery
Texture
similar
Covers
Aroma & flavour identity
Stronger and more peppery than thyme, so start at 3/4 tsp per teaspoon and taste before adding more.
2. Marjoram
Use 1 tsp for every tsp of thyme
The closest relative on flavour and the most forgiving swap on this page.
What changes
Best for
the closest match, in almost anything, delicate dishes and cream sauces, chicken and fish
Taste
milder, sweeter
Texture
similar
Covers
Aroma & flavour identity
Add it near the end of cooking rather than at the start, since marjoram is more delicate than thyme and long heat flattens it.
3. Rosemary + Sage
Close match
½ tsp + ½ tsp
Combination that mimics thyme's flavor
What changes
Best for
roast potatoes, chicken and lamb, when neither oregano nor marjoram is available, robust dishes that can take strong herbs
Covers
Aroma & flavour identity
Per 1 tsp of thyme, 1/2 tsp rosemary plus 1/2 tsp sage. Both are much louder than thyme, so chop the rosemary finely and do not let either go in whole - between them they get you thyme's savoury, resinous register without any single herb taking over.
4. Basil
Use 1 tsp for every tsp of thyme
Sweet and anise-scented rather than savoury and resinous - the furthest from thyme here.
What changes
Best for
tomato dishes and Italian sauces, when basil is the only herb in the house, dishes that can afford to go sweeter
Taste
sweet, anise
Texture
similar
Misses
Aroma & flavour identity — not covered
This changes the dish rather than filling in for thyme, so use it where a basil flavour is welcome anyway.
5. Savory
Use 1 tsp for every tsp of thyme
Peppery and slightly bitter, and the traditional herb for bean dishes across central Europe.
What changes
Best for
bean dishes and sausage, when you want a peppery edge, German and French country cooking
Taste
peppery
Texture
similar
Covers
Aroma & flavour identity
Summer savory is the milder of the two and the better match; winter savory is much more pungent, so halve it.

What thyme does in a recipe

Thyme's job is aroma — a quiet, earthy, faintly resinous savouriness that sits underneath a roast or a stew rather than on top of it — so a swap needs to be savoury rather than sweet, and gentle enough not to take the dish over.

Tips for substituting thyme

Thyme adds earthy, slightly minty flavor to dishes
Thyme pairs well with chicken, fish, and vegetables
Thyme can be used fresh or dried
Thyme can be used in marinades and rubs
Thyme can be used to make infused oils and vinegars
Store fresh thyme in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towel

Questions about thyme substitutes

Can I use oregano instead of thyme?

Yes, oregano is a good substitute for thyme. It has a similar earthy flavor profile, though it's more intense and slightly bitter.

What's the difference between fresh and dried thyme?

Fresh thyme has a more vibrant, delicate flavor, while dried thyme is more concentrated. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried thyme compared to fresh.

Can I use marjoram instead of thyme?

Yes, marjoram can work as a substitute, though it has a slightly sweeter flavor. It's often used together with thyme in many recipes.

What is the best substitute for thyme?

Marjoram, at the same amount - it is the closest match on that savoury, faintly minty register and it is mild enough not to take over. Oregano works at the same amount too, but it is stronger and more peppery, so start with three-quarters and taste. If neither is in the cupboard, 1/2 tsp finely chopped rosemary plus 1/2 tsp sage per teaspoon of thyme covers the same ground between them. For the fresh-to-dried conversion, 1 tbsp of fresh thyme leaves is about 1 tsp dried.

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At a glance

Every thyme substitute

1. Oregano

2. Marjoram

3. Rosemary + Sage

4. Basil

5. Savory