No Italian seasoning on hand? This Italian seasoning substitute is the exact dried-herb blend I use to replace store-bought. It's fast, flexible, and made from pantry staples. And if you're missing a few herbs, you can still get the right flavor with a simple basil-and-oregano shortcut.
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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 is a convenient Italian-American herb blend that mimics classic Mediterranean flavors. Most mixes feature basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram (and sometimes parsley, sage, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes).
🌿 Ingredient Notes
- Oregano - Pungent and grassy notes; use it in my one pot pasta and stuffed peppers.
- Basil- Peppery and minty undertones; use it in my Tuscan bean salad.
- Rosemary- Floral, piney, and woody notes; rosemary has a strong aroma so should be used sparingly.
- Thyme- Sweet, lemony, and peppery
- Marjoram- Floral, woody, citrusy; similar in flavor to oregano with an earthy flavor.
- Sage- Piney and minty; pairs well with winter produce
🥄 How To Make Italian Seasoning Substitute
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 Basil-Oregano Mix
For the closest store-bought vibe, start with 2 parts basil to 1 part oregano (oregano can take over fast!). Another easy combination for 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning is: ½ teaspoon basil + ¼ teaspoon oregano + ¼ teaspoon thyme.
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 Italian seasoning replacement in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years. Technically, dried herbs don't spoil, but they do lose 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 often includes floral notes of lavender when sold in the U.S.
In this homemade Italian seasoning mix, 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.
Start with 2 parts basil to 1 part oregano. Another easy combination for 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning is: ½ teaspoon basil + ¼ teaspoon oregano + ¼ teaspoon thyme.
🍕 More Italian 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.
Jeremy says
I never knew what the right ratios were before, so this post was very helpful!
Gastronotherapy says
I'm so glad you found it helpful, Jeremy!