No Italian seasoning? No problem - mix up an easy Italian Seasoning Substitute using dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and more to nail those classic Italian flavors in seconds. Looking for more substitute options? I have some other ideas too.
This substitute for Italian seasoning is more than just a combination of herbs. It's the soul of many Italian dishes, evoking the warmth and richness of Mediterranean cuisine and one you can easily make at home from spices you already have on hand.
Though named 'Italian seasoning,' this blend isn't traditionally used in Italy. It's more of a Western creation to encapsulate the essence of Italian flavors. In Italy, chefs prefer using fresh herbs and seasoning dishes individually.
For more delicious seasoning blends to use in your plant-based recipes, check out All Purpose Adobo Seasoning Recipe, Creole Seasoning Recipe, Homemade Taco Seasoning, or this Cajun Seasoning Recipe.
Explore more variety at 20 Seasoning Blends.
Jump to:
Ingredients to Make Your Blend
See the recipe card for quantities. The quantities can be modified to suit your preference. If you don't have one of the spices, it's fine. You will still get a great Italian taste in your dish.
Here's a standard blend that you can modify as needed:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Marjoram
- Sage
Recipe Variations
- Add a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, and red chili flakes for the perfect pizza blend. It'll give your pizza that irresistible flavor boost. Try the blend on this 100% Biga Neapolitan Pizza Recipe.
- For a zesty Italian seasoning alternative, throw in a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for that extra kick.
- Add 1 teaspoon dried lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist.
- For added Mediterranean flavor, add 1 teaspoon of dried lavender.
How to Make a Substitution for Italian Seasoning
Step 1: Combine all spices into a grinder and grind until desired consistency.
Step 2: Alternatively, combine all spices in a mortar. Using a pestle, grind them until they reach the desired consistency.
Top Tips
If you're working with whole spices, you'll need something to grind them down. An electric grinder works great, or you can go old school with a mortar and pestle. The mortar gives you more control over the texture and is quite satisfying!
Use as many of the herbs in the recipe as you can but if you're missing some, you will still get a delicious spice blend you can use.
More Substitutions for Italian Seasoning
Here are some more ideas for substituting Italian seasoning in dishes. They are similar enough to use in most dishes:
- Individual Dried Herbs: While you can use dried basil, oregano, or thyme alone, relying on just one yields a one?dimensional taste - combine as many as you can for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Herbes de Provence: This French herb blend often includes some of the same herbs found in Italian seasonings, like thyme and rosemary. It might also include lavender, which can add an interesting twist.
- Greek Seasoning: This blend has oregano, garlic, lemon peel, and sometimes mint. It can work in some dishes.
- Fresh Herbs (if available): If you can access fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or rosemary, you can use them instead of dried herbs. Fresh herbs tend to have a stronger flavor, so use them sparingly.
- Poultry Seasoning: This blend could work as it typically includes sage, thyme, marjoram, and sometimes rosemary. However, it sometimes has a little nutmeg, so the flavor of your dish will vary a bit. The blends vary, so check the ingredients before adding them.
- Fines Herbes: A more delicate French blend, including chervil, parsley, chives, and tarragon. It works in lighter dishes like salads or seafood.
- Vinaigrette with Garlic and Lemon: In some recipes, like salads, a flavorful vinaigrette with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and maybe a touch of mustard can replace the need for Italian seasoning altogether.
Remember, while these substitutions may not replicate the exact flavor of Italian seasoning, they can still add some depth and taste to your dishes.
How to Use Italian Seasoning in Cooking
Italian seasoning is delicious in all sorts of dishes!
- Pizza: As a pizza lover, adding Italian seasoning to your homemade pizza will elevate the flavor. Try it on this Biga Neopolitan Pizza Dough Recipe.
- Pasta Sauces: Italian seasoning complements all types of sauces. Try it in this Neopolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe.
- Roasted Vegetables: A sprinkle of this blend makes veggies irresistible.
- Tofu or Tempeh: It adds depth and character.
- Bread: A touch of Italian seasoning in your dough will make your homemade bread extraordinary.
- Roasted Chickpeas Croutons - Add some seasoning to the chickpeas for variety.
- Italian seasoning is delicious in this Cashew Tofu Ricotta.
- Use the blend on Delicious Air-Fryer Fries and Air Fryer Croutons.
Storage
Store your Italian seasoning in an airtight container, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Italian Seasoning FAQS
Generally, you can use the same amount of your substitute as the Italian seasoning called for in the recipe, but you may need to adjust to taste.
Even a blend of just a few herbs (like oregano and basil) can do the trick. Feel free to experiment.
The flavor may vary slightly depending on the substitute, but if you stick to Mediterranean herbs, the overall profile should remain fairly consistent.
No. Oregano is just one herb you find in Italian seasoning, which includes basil, thyme, rosemary, and other spices. Think of oregano as the MVP, but Italian seasoning is the all?star lineup that brings the full Mediterranean flavor.
Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Italian Seasoning. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Italian Seasoning Substitute
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons basil
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- ½ tablespoon marjoram
- ½ tablespoon sage
Instructions
- Combine: In a small bowl, combine the herbs.
- Adjust: Give the mix a taste and adjust the proportions to suit your preferences.
- Store: Transfer your Italian seasoning into an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dark place, and it should stay fresh for up to six months.
- Grind (Optional): If you like your Italian seasoning finer, grind the blend in a spice grinder. If you prefer a more rustic texture, leave it as is.
Ben says
Never buying pre-made again.
Regi Pearce says
I'm so thrilled to hear that you found the Italian blend substitute so easy and effective that you're planning on sticking with homemade from now on.