No store-bought Italian seasoning on hand? Make your own Italian seasoning substitute! It's so easy, and you can change the ratios of dried herbs to match your taste. You are totally in charge of how you want your virtual Mediterranean getaway to taste, so have fun with it!
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Have you ever been cooking your favorite Italian recipe and run out of store-bought Italian seasoning? Well, I am here to show you how to make your own blend! It's so easy to make, and you can adjust it to your taste preference.
Italian seasoning is a popular, zesty blend of dried herbs that is meant to evoke the flavors of Italy, but in fact it's more of a general Mediterranean combination. It's a seasoning found in so many classic Italian recipes, like meatballs, pasta, pizza, and so much more.
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💬 What is Italian Seasoning?
Italian seasoning smells and tastes savory, floral, and subtly sweet. There are different theories about how it came about, but the most common one is that the Romans and Greeks created Italian seasoning somewhere in the Mediterranean. It is now a staple in Italian-American kitchens, and the flavor profile is ubiquitous throughout America.
Italian seasoning is almost always a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram to start with. But, it can also include variations that include garlic powder, fennel seeds, dried sage, and red pepper flakes.
🌿 Ingredient Notes
- Oregano - Pungent and grassy notes; this is a predominant herb used in Italian and Greek cuisine, like in one pot pasta and stuffed peppers.
- Basil- Peppery and minty undertones; very commonly used in Italian cooking, like Tuscan bean salad, and it's also the main ingredient in pesto.
- Rosemary- Floral, piney, and woody notes; pairs well with lamb, citrus, and potatoes. Rosemary has a strong aroma so should be used sparingly. Try it in sourdough focaccia and rosemary lemon shortbread.
- Thyme- Sweet, lemony, and peppery; pairs well with mushrooms and other umami dishes.
- Marjoram- Floral, woody, citrusy; similar in flavor to oregano with an earthy flavor.
- Sage- Piney and minty; pairs well with winter produce, like in vegetarian stuffing with mushrooms.
🥄 How To Make Italian Seasoning
It's so easy: Add all of the dried herbs into a small bowl and stir to combine. Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
That's it! You made it!
👩🏼🍳 Expert Tips
Use Fresh Herbs
Don't be afraid to use fresh herbs when a recipe calls for Italian seasoning. The general rule is: 1 part dried herbs to 3 parts fresh (1:3).
Dried herbs are more potent, so you don't need as much when you substitute them for fresh ones. I try to use fresh herbs whenever possible, even if it's just as a garnish to help brighten up a dish. A few fresh herbs go a long way!
Make A Mix of Oregano and Basil
One very easy thing to do when you are short on herbs and spices is to make a blend of equal parts oregano and basil. These herbs are the two most predominant flavors in most Italian seasoning blends, so if it's all you have available, it will work great.
Adjust Seasoning To Your Taste
One of the great things about making homemade herb & spice blends (besides how easy they are to make) is that you can adjust the ratios depending on your palate.
Want more rosemary flavor? Add a pinch more! Want less marjoram? No problem! One thing I like to do is to add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds when I want a flavor that is similar to that of Italian sausage.
How To Store
Store your seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years. Technically, dried herbs don't spoil, but they do loose their potency over time. You can gauge this by giving them a good sniff. If the smell is very faint, it's probably time for new herbs.
🍝 Italian Seasoning Uses
This seasoning can be used in so many Italian and Mediterranean-flavored dishes! Try it in some of my favorite recipes:
- Broccoli Pasta Bake
- Impossible Burger Meatballs
- Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini
- Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Meatless No Boil Lasagna
- Leftover Spaghetti Casserole
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Although these seasonings are quite similar, herbes de Provence originates from the southeast region of France (try it in this Tomato Tart). It also typically includes floral notes of lavender when it's sold in the United States. But, if your herbes de Provence doesn't include lavender, it would be a fine substitute.
In this Italian seasoning substitute, we combine 2 Tablespoons dried oregano, 2 Tablespoons dried basil, 1 Tablespoon dried thyme, 1 Tablespoon dried rosemary, ½ Tablespoon dried marjoram, and 1 teaspoon dried sage for a delicious spice blend.
One very easy thing to do when you are short on herbs and spices is to make a blend of equal parts oregano and basil. These herbs are the two most predominant flavors in most Italian seasoning blends, so if it's all you have available, it will work great.
🍕 Related Recipes
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Italian Seasoning Substitute
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons dried basil
- 1 Tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 Tablespoon dried rosemary
- ½ Tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
Instructions
- Add all of the dried herbs into a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Store your seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place up to 2 years. Technically, dried herbs don't spoil, but they do loose their potency over time. You can gauge this by giving them a good sniff. If the smell is very faint, it's probably time for new herbs.
- One very easy thing to do when you are short on herbs and spices is to make a blend of equal parts oregano and basil! These herbs are the two most predominant flavors in most Italian seasoning blends, so if it's all you have available, it will work great.
- One of the great things about making homemade herb & spice blends is that you can adjust to your taste preference: Want more rosemary flavor? Add a pinch more! Want less marjoram? No problem!
Jeremy
I never knew what the right ratios were before, so this post was very helpful!
Gastronotherapy
I'm so glad you found it helpful, Jeremy!