If you need Italian seasoning for a recipe but find you don’t have any in your spice cabinet then you can try one of these suggestions as a replacement for Italian Seasoning.
Italian seasoning is a versatile blend of herbs and spices that adds a distinct flavor to various dishes. However, sometimes it may not be readily available in your pantry. Fear not! If you don’t have a homemade Italian Seasoning mix or a store bought bottle in your kitchen then you can swap out the needed seasoning in your recipe for one of these Italian seasoning substitutes.
Before picking a replacement for Italian seasoning you may want to understand a bit more about its flavor.
Typically, Italian seasoning combines dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and sometimes sage. This blend offers a well-rounded taste that enhances pasta dishes, sauces, soups, roasted vegetables, and more.
While Italian seasoning is readily available in stores, making your own version provides an opportunity to customize the flavors according to your preferences and experiment with various combinations of herbs and spices.
Best Replacements for Italian Seasoning:
Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix:
The substitute for Italian seasoning at the top of my list is simply to make your own Italian seasoning mix using herbs and spices you have on hand.
It’s so simple to make your own from a combination of dried Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary and Marjoram. Check out this easy to make recipe for Italian Seasoning here.
Basil and Oregano:
Basil and oregano are two key herbs in Italian cuisine, known for their distinct flavors. Combining these herbs creates a simple and effective homemade alternative to Italian seasoning.
Start with equal parts of dried basil and dried oregano. Mix them together thoroughly, ensuring a uniform blend and use to replace Italian seasoning in your recipe.
This combination offers a rich and earthy flavor, perfect for enhancing tomato-based sauces and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. They also make an easy pizza seasoning. Adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences, and consider adding a pinch of garlic powder for an extra kick.
The Mediterranean Twist:
To add a Mediterranean inspired flavor to your recipe, consider combining basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs are a common ingredient in Italian cooking. Adding in thyme and rosemary to the basil and oregano combination adds a bit more depth to your Italian seasoning replacement.
Use one part dried basil, oregano, and thyme, and a half part of dried rosemary. Combine the herbs well and store in an airtight container.
This blend works wonders in meat marinades, roasted vegetables, or sprinkled over grilled seafood giving them a delicious Mediterranean flavor.
The Zesty Flavor Bomb:
For those who prefer a zesty kick in their Italian dishes, a combination of basil, oregano, thyme, and a small amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper is the way to go. This blend brings a touch of heat and vibrancy to your dishes, mimicking the flavors found in Southern Italian cuisine.
Mix equal amounts of dried basil, oregano, and thyme, and add a 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or crushed red chili flakes for every tablespoon of seasoning mix to get a hint of heat. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly. Adjust the red pepper flakes depending upon your personal preferences. If you like it spicier try using 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes per tablespoon of seasoning mix.
This seasoning blend adds an exciting dimension to pasta sauces, stews, and even sprinkled on pizza.
Single Herb Replacement:
The easiest way to substitute Italian seasoning is to use a single herb in place of the blend. Use one of the following dried herbs as a replacement for one teaspoon of Italian seasoning in your recipe:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Parsley
Greek Seasoning:
Greek seasoning mixes are often made with oregano and basil as well as a few other herbs and spices including garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper.
Once difference between Italian seasoning and Greek seasoning is you will often find dried dill in Greek seasoning mixes. This can vary from one brand of seasoning to another.
Greek seasoning may also contain salt and black pepper. Keep this in mind and adjust your salt and pepper in your recipe to your taste.
Use Greek seasoning as a direct substitute for Italian seasoning. If you want to boost the Italian flavor add a 1/2 teaspoon of additional dried basil per tablespoon of Greek seasoning.
Check out this recipe to make your own Greek Seasoning.
Fresh Herbs:
You can use fresh herbs to replace dried Italian seasoning in recipes. Keep in mind that dried herbs have a more intense flavor compared to fresh herbs. As a general rule of thumb you need to use three times as much fresh herbs to dry herbs.
Finely chop your fresh herbs up by hand or use a small food processor. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh, chopped herbs for each teaspoon of dried herbs called for in your recipe. Add them to your recipe while cooking. You can also add sprinkle some fresh herbs over the finished dish for a flavor boost.
Use a single fresh herb, like those listed above, or a combination of herbs.
More articles about the best substitutes for your favorite spice and seasoning mixes:
Some recipes using Italian seasoning, basil, oregano or other Mediterranean herbs:
While store-bought Italian seasoning is convenient, creating your own homemade replacements allows you to use ingredients you already have on hand. These substitutes are a great way to help you save money. Skip that extra grocery store trip and make use of what you have on hand on your spice rack.
You’ll also be able to tailor flavors in your recipes to your liking. Stick with classic flavors of Italian herbs such as a basil and oregano combination. Give your food a Mediterranean twist with thyme and rosemary. Add a spicy twist to your recipe with a bit of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!
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