Tuscan seasoning and Italian seasoning are both spice blends commonly used in Italian cooking. While there are some similarities between the two, they are not exactly the same. Understanding the differences can help you decide which blend is best for your recipe.
What is Tuscan Seasoning?
Tuscan seasoning originated in the Tuscany region of Italy. It typically contains a blend of the following herbs and spices:
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Garlic
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Fennel
- Crushed red pepper flakes
The ingredients create a robust blend with an earthy, herbal flavor profile. Tuscan seasoning is aromatic with mild heat from the red pepper flakes. It partners well with grilled meats, vegetables, breads, pasta dishes, and soups.
What is Italian Seasoning?
Italian seasoning is a pre-mixed blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine. It typically contains:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Sage
This combination creates a blend that is slightly sweet with mint and licorice notes. Italian seasoning has an overall milder flavor compared to Tuscan seasoning. It is versatile for seasoning meats, sauces, vegetables, and more.
Differences Between Tuscan and Italian Seasoning
While Tuscan and Italian seasoning share some common herbs, there are a few key differences between the two blends:
| Tuscan Seasoning | Italian Seasoning |
|---|---|
| Contains garlic | Does not contain garlic |
| Contains fennel | Does not contain fennel |
| Contains crushed red pepper | Does not contain crushed red pepper |
| Earthy, robust flavor | Milder, more delicate flavor |
As you can see, Tuscan seasoning has a more pronounced flavor profile with the addition of garlic, fennel, and red pepper flakes. Italian seasoning focuses more on the traditional dried herbs. Tuscan seasoning also has a heartier flavor overall.
Common Uses for Tuscan Seasoning
Here are some of the most popular ways to use Tuscan seasoning:
- Grilled meats: Tuscan seasoning is fantastic on hearty grilled meats like steak, pork chops, lamb, or chicken. The blend adds big flavor.
- Roasts: Coat beef, pork, or lamb roasts with Tuscan seasoning before cooking for an instant flavor boost.
- Vegetables: Toss Tuscan seasoning with veggies before roasting or grilling. It’s great on zucchini, eggplant, peppers, mushrooms, and more.
- Salad dressings: Whisk Tuscan seasoning into olive oil and vinegar for a bold vinaigrette.
- Pizza: Sprinkle Tuscan seasoning over pizza crust before adding toppings for extra flavor.
- Pasta: Add Tuscan seasoning to tomato-based pasta sauces for a flavorful kick.
- Soup: Add a dash of Tuscan seasoning to minestrone, bean, or vegetable soups.
- Bread: Brush bread with olive oil and sprinkle with Tuscan seasoning before baking.
Common Uses for Italian Seasoning
Here are some popular ways to use Italian seasoning:
- Pizza: Italian seasoning tastes fantastic sprinkled over pizza crust or mixed into the sauce.
- Pasta: Toss with Italian seasoning to add flavor to pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or ravioli.
- Sauces: Add Italian seasoning to tomato sauce, meat sauces, or creamy pasta sauces.
- Soups: Add a shake of Italian seasoning to minestrone, chicken noodle, or vegetable soup.
- Salad dressings: Whisk Italian seasoning into olive oil and vinegar.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss vegetables in olive oil and Italian seasoning before roasting.
- Meats: Use Italian seasoning to season chicken, beef, pork, or fish before cooking.
- Bread: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over bread dough or dipping oils.
Substituting Tuscan for Italian Seasoning
In a pinch, you can substitute Tuscan seasoning for Italian seasoning in most recipes. Keep in mind that Tuscan seasoning will add a bolder, more robust garlic, herb, and spice flavor compared to the subtler Italian blend. You may want to use less Tuscan seasoning than the recipe calls for in Italian seasoning to prevent the flavors from becoming overpowering.
Here are a few tips for substituting Tuscan for Italian seasoning:
- Use about 3/4 teaspoon of Tuscan seasoning for every 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning called for.
- Add Tuscan seasoning later in the cooking process since the garlic can burn if cooked too long.
- Consider reducing any additional garlic, salt, or red pepper flakes in a recipe when using Tuscan seasoning as it already contains those ingredients.
- For a super mild recipe, start with just 1/2 teaspoon of Tuscan seasoning for every 1 teaspoon Italian to prevent it from taking over.
You may need to experiment to find the right Tuscan seasoning balance depending on the dish.
Substituting Italian for Tuscan Seasoning
It’s a bit trickier to substitute Italian seasoning when a recipe calls for Tuscan seasoning. Since Italian seasoning lacks the garlic, fennel, and red pepper flake kick of Tuscan seasoning, you’ll need to supplement to make up for those missing flavors.
Here are some tips for substituting Italian for Tuscan seasoning:
- Use about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning for every 1 teaspoon Tuscan seasoning.
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of fennel seed.
- Finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Add the extra garlic powder, fennel, and red pepper to the other dry ingredients, not directly to the Italian seasoning.
- You may still need extra salt, garlic, or herbs like basil and oregano to get the right Tuscan flavor profile.
It may take some trial and error to mimic the Tuscan seasoning flavor depending on the recipe. Go light initially on the additions to avoid overdoing it.
Tuscan Seasoning Recipe
You can easily make homemade Tuscan seasoning with common dried herbs and spices. Here is a simple recipe to try at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to blend.
- Transfer the spice mix to an airtight container or jar with a lid.
- Store in a cool dark place and use within 3-4 months for the best flavor.
You can make larger batches and adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. This homemade Tuscan seasoning is great for sprucing up all kinds of Italian dishes.
Italian Seasoning Recipe
You can also easily blend your own Italian seasoning mix at home. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Transfer to an airtight container or jar with lid.
- Store in a cool, dark place and use within 4 months.
Feel free to tweak the herb amounts to your preferences. Make a big batch to have homemade Italian seasoning on hand anytime for pastas, pizzas, sauces, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tuscan seasoning have tomato in it?
No, Tuscan seasoning does not contain any tomato. It relies solely on herbs, spices, and seasonings like garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes for flavor. Some pre-made Tuscan seasoning blends may list “natural flavors” as an ingredient, but tomato is not typically included.
What is the difference between Italian seasoning and Italian herb blend?
Italian herb blend is another name for Italian seasoning. The terms are used interchangeably to refer to the spice mix containing common dried Italian herbs. There is no notable difference between something labeled “Italian seasoning” versus an “Italian herb blend.”
Can I use Italian dressing mix instead of Tuscan seasoning?
It’s best not to substitute Italian dressing mix for Tuscan seasoning. While Italian dressing contains some Italian herbs and spices, it also includes sugar, vinegar, oil and other ingredients that will alter the flavor profile of a dish intended to have Tuscan seasoning. The end result likely won’t have the right herb and garlic notes.
What kind of meat goes well with Tuscan seasoning?
Hearty meats that stand up well to bold seasoning are best paired with Tuscan seasoning. Good options include steak, lamb, pork chops, sausage, chicken thighs, veal, and more. Delicate meats like fish may be overpowered by Tuscan seasoning.
What herbs are in Everyday Italian seasoning?
While blends vary by brand, Everyday Italian seasoning typically contains a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, parsley, and garlic powder. It has a similar makeup to traditional Italian seasoning but may include parsley for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Tuscan seasoning and Italian seasoning both bring authentic Italian flavor to dishes but have their differences when it comes to ingredients and taste. Tuscan seasoning imparts more of an earthy, robust garlic and herb flavor while Italian seasoning is milder with a focus on traditional dried herbs. Either can be used as a substitute in a pinch, but the amounts and additions should be adjusted to compensate for the missing flavor notes. Homemade blends allow you to control the herb flavor profiles and customize the mix to suit your cooking style.