Thyme substitutes
Thyme substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Also called dried thyme, fresh thyme, thyme leaves, lemon thyme
Use Oregano
¾ tsp for every 1 tsp thyme
The same savoury Mediterranean register, stronger and more peppery.
The best substitutes for thyme are oregano, marjoram, or a mixture of herbs like rosemary and sage, depending on the dish.
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.
- Best for —
- roast meat, tomato sauces and stews
Checked 23 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Aroma & flavor identityprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked · per 1 tsp thyme| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp thyme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oreganoroast meat, tomato sauces and stews | ¾ tsp |
| 2 | Marjoramthe closest match, in almost anything | 1 tsp |
| 3 | Rosemary + sageroast potatoes, chicken and lamb | ½ tsp + ½ tspWorks |
| 4 | Basiltomato dishes and Italian sauces | 1 tsp |
| 5 | Savorybean dishes and sausage | 1 tsp |
Oregano
stronger, peppery · similar texture
The same savoury Mediterranean register, stronger and more peppery.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- roast meat, tomato sauces and stews, long-cooked dishes, the jar most kitchens already have
Stronger and more peppery than thyme, so start at ¾ tsp per teaspoon and taste before adding more.
Marjoram
milder, sweeter · similar texture
The closest relative on flavour and the most forgiving swap on this page.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- the closest match, in almost anything, delicate dishes and cream sauces, chicken and fish
Add it near the end of cooking rather than at the start, since marjoram is more delicate than thyme and long heat flattens it.
Rosemary + sage
similar taste and texture
Combination that mimics thyme's flavor.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- roast potatoes, chicken and lamb, when neither oregano nor marjoram is available, robust dishes that can take strong herbs
Per 1 tsp of thyme, ½ tsp rosemary plus ½ 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.
Basil
sweet, anise · similar texture
Sweet and anise-scented rather than savoury and resinous - the furthest from thyme here.
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- tomato dishes and Italian sauces, when basil is the only herb in the house, dishes that can afford to go sweeter
This changes the dish rather than filling in for thyme, so use it where a basil flavour is welcome anyway.
Savory
peppery · similar texture
Peppery and slightly bitter, and the traditional herb for bean dishes across central Europe.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- bean dishes and sausage, when you want a peppery edge, German and French country cooking
Summer savory is the milder of the two and the better match; winter savory is much more pungent, so halve it.
Questions
4 questionsCan 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, ½ tsp finely chopped rosemary plus ½ 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.
Tips for substituting thyme
6 tips- 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