Italian seasoning is a spice blend that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It typically contains a combination of dried herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. However, if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, there are a number of substitutes you can use instead. The best substitutes will depend on what herbs and spices you have available, what flavors you want to achieve, and what dish you’re making.
What is Italian seasoning made of?
Before looking at substitutes, it’s helpful to understand what goes into Italian seasoning and what flavors it provides. Here are some of the most common ingredients found in Italian seasoning blends:
- Basil – Provides a sweet, peppery flavor
- Oregano – Earthy, aromatic, and slightly bitter
- Rosemary – Piney and robust
- Thyme – Lemony and minty
- Marjoram – Warm, woody flavor
- Sage – Savory with hints of mint
- Garlic Powder – Adds depth and aroma
- Onion Powder – Extra savory flavor
- Crushed Red Pepper – A little heat
The combination of these herbs gives Italian seasoning its distinctive Italian flavor profile. The blend balances sweet, earthy, herbal, and slightly spicy flavors.
Best Substitutes for Italian Seasoning
If you don’t have an Italian seasoning blend on hand, here are some of the best substitutes to use instead:
Dried Herb Blend
Make your own Italian seasoning substitute by combining individual dried herbs. Use a ratio of:
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons basil
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Mix together and store in an airtight container. This will give you the classic Italian seasoning flavor. Adjust the amounts of each herb to suit your tastes.
Poultry Seasoning
Many poultry seasoning blends include the same herbs found in Italian seasoning. The main difference is that poultry seasoning contains more sage and no basil. It makes a good substitute, just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different without the basil.
Herbes de Provence
This French herb blend contains many of the core components of Italian seasoning like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil. The lavender and fennel seeds give it a unique flavor profile, but it can work well as a stand-in.
Single Dried Herbs
If you just have individual dried herbs on hand, use a combination of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add more or less of each herb according to taste. You can also include marjoram, sage, or crushed red pepper.
Fresh Herb Combination
In a pinch, substitute Italian seasoning with a mixture of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme. Use about 1 teaspoon of each herb per 1 teaspoon of dried seasoning called for in the recipe. The flavor will be brighter and more pronounced.
Substitution Amounts
When substituting, you’ll want to use equivalent amounts to what the recipe calls for. Here are some simple guidelines for substitution ratios:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = 1 teaspoon dried herb blend OR poultry seasoning OR herbes de provence
- 1 tablespoon fresh herb mixture = 1 teaspoon dried herb blend OR Italian seasoning
As you get used to your substitute blend, taste and adjust the amounts as needed. Keep in mind that drying intensifies the flavors of herbs.
Tips for Using Substitutes
Here are some handy tips to ensure your Italian seasoning substitute works well:
- Use more robust herbs like oregano and thyme if you want a more pronounced seasoning flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper or black pepper if you want to add some heat.
- For a more well-rounded flavor, add a pinch of fennel seed, marjoram, or sage.
- Substitute half of the seasoning amount with garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.
- Add the substitute early on when simmering sauces, soups, etc so the flavors blend well.
- Use a light hand when seasoning at the end of cooking or on finished dishes.
- Consider the other flavors in the dish so the seasoning doesn’t overpower them.
Dishes to Use Italian Seasoning Substitutes In
Italian seasoning is versatile enough to use in all kinds of savory dishes. Here are some great options for putting your substitute blend of herbs to delicious use:
Pasta Dishes
- Spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce
- Lasagna
- Pasta bakes like ziti, baked rigatoni
- Pesto
- Macaroni and cheese
Pizza
Dust pizza dough, tomato sauce, and other pizza toppings with your Italian herb blend.
Soups and Stews
- Minestrone
- Tuscan bean stew
- Tomato basil bisque
- Tortellini soup
- Beef stew
- Chicken noodle soup
Vegetables
- Roasted potatoes, carrots, cauliflower
- Sauteed spinach, kale, zucchini
- Grilled vegetables
- Marinated artichokes, mushrooms, etc.
Meats
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Pork chops
- Lamb
- Meatballs
- Roasts
Eggs
Add Italian herb blends to omelets, frittatas, and scrambled or fried eggs.
Salad Dressings and Marinades
Incorporate your seasoning mix into oil and vinegar dressing or marinades for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about substituting for Italian seasoning:
What’s the best substitute for Italian seasoning in pasta sauce?
For pasta sauce, you’ll want more of the basil and oregano flavors. Use a blend of 2 parts dried basil, 2 parts dried oregano, and 1 part each of dried thyme and rosemary.
Can I use basil instead of Italian seasoning?
Using only basil doesn’t provide the same flavor profile. For best results, use a combination of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Adjust amounts according to taste.
Is parsley a good substitute for Italian seasoning?
Parsley has a fresh, herbaceous flavor but lacks the earthy notes of basil, oregano and thyme. It’s best used in combination with other herbs for a more balanced Italian flavor.
Can I use garlic powder instead of Italian seasoning?
Garlic powder alone doesn’t provide the herby flavors of Italian seasoning. However, you can add garlic powder to your herb blend substitute for extra depth of flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon per 1 tablespoon of herb mix.
What can I use if I don’t have most of the herbs for Italian seasoning?
In a pinch, combine whatever you have on hand such as dried basil, thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram. Dill and tarragon can also work in small amounts. Taste test your blend and adjust flavors as needed.
Conclusion
While Italian seasoning has a very distinctive blend of herbs and spices, you have many options for mimicking that flavor profile. Dried herb combinations, herbes de provence, poultry seasoning, or single herbs can all serve as suitable stand-ins.
When substituting, consider the dish you’re making and the other flavors involved. Adjust the herb amounts to your tastes. With the right blend of herbs and spices, you can closely replicate the taste of Italian seasoning and make flavorful dishes without it.