Updated on October 14th, 2022
If you’re in the middle of making a recipe and then you realize that you’ve run out of Italian seasoning, going to the store may seem like a chore. This will leave you to wonder if there are other ingredients or seasoning you can use to substitute for Italian seasoning.
We will provide you with easy substitutes you can make in as little as two minutes to save you the stress of running to the shop to get Italian seasoning. When making any of the substitutes, you can leave out any ingredient that you lack. You can also add any Italian herbs, likes savory and sage, for a more elaborate taste.
What is Italian Seasoning?
Italian seasoning is a mix of ground herbs (such as basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, sage, or coriander). However, different brands have different blends of herbs.
Substitute for Italian Seasoning
Homemade Italian Seasoning
This homemade Italian seasoning is one of the best substitutes for Italian seasoning. This recipe is easy to use and produces 10 tablespoons total of homemade Italian seasoning. All you need to make this recipe is basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and marjoram. If you are missing just one of these ingredients, you can just leave it out.
Ingredients:
- Dried basil (2 tsp)
- Dried thyme (2 tsp)
- Dried oregano (2 tsp)
- Dried rosemary (2 tsp)
- Dried marjoram (2 tsp)
Preparation:
Add 2 tablespoons each of dried basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and marjoram in the food processor. Blend until you get your desired consistency. Your homemade Italian seasoning is ready for you.
Dried basil and oregano
This is another great substitute for Italian seasoning. It is simply the combination of oregano and basil. These herbs have one of the strongest flavor profiles in Italian seasoning.
Ingredients:
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon)
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon)
Preparation:
Whisk these ingredients together in a jar and your seasoning is ready for use.
Dried basil, oregano, and thyme
Using dried basil, oregano, and thyme as a substitute for Italian seasoning is a great idea because of its strong flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon)
- Dried basil (1/4 teaspoon)
- Dried thyme (1/4 teaspoon)
Preparation:
Like with the previous recipe, all you have to do is mix these ingredients together in a jar, and your Italian seasoning substitute is ready for use.
Homemade Italian Seasoning with Sage
The homemade Italian seasoning with sage is also another great substitute for Italian seasoning. It is made using dried oregano, basil, thyme, sage, and rosemary. In case you are missing any of these ingredients, you can still continue making your homemade Italian seasoning without it.
Ingredients:
- Dried oregano (3 tsp)
- Dried basil (2 tsp)
- Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Dried sage (1 tsp)
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon)
Preparation:
Put the dried oregano, basil, thyme, sage, and rosemary in a food processor and blend for 1 minute or until you get your desired consistency.
Homemade Italian Seasoning with Fennel seed
This substitute for Italian seasoning is very easy to make. All you need to make this recipe is dried oregano, basil, thyme, fennel seeds, and a food processor. Simply add the mixture to a food processor and blend. This recipe should be stored in an air-tight jar and can be stored for up to 6 months.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons of dried basil
- 2 tablespoons of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
Preparation:
To make this recipe, all you have to do is put the specified quantity of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and fennel seed in a blender or food processor and blend until you get your desired consistency.
Homemade Italian Seasoning with Black Pepper
This recipe is more complex, but it provides a zesty and stronger flavor than other substitutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon marjoram
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
Preparation:
Combine 1 tablespoon each of black pepper, dried basil, garlic powder, dried marjoram, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, dried rosemary, and dried thyme in a bowl. Then mix until the herbs are well blended. Your Italian seasoning is ready to use.
Herbes de Provence
Herbes de Provence is a French spice that has a lot of similarities with Italian seasoning. Its taste is very similar to Italian seasoning, however, it is made using lavender flower, which gives it a floral flavor. The Herbes de Provence is from Provence, France, while Italian seasoning is from America.
The herbes de Provence is made using most of the ingredients used in making Italian seasoning. When substituting Italian Seasoning with herbes de Provence, ensure you get one without lavender flowers to get something as close as possible to the taste of Italian seasoning. When using herbes de Provence, use in the same proportion as you would Italian seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Is there any difference between oregano and Italian seasoning?
Oregano is not Italian seasoning. Italian seasoning is made using several dried herbs like basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, savory. So, oregano is just an ingredient used in making Italian seasoning.
How do you make Italian seasoning from scratch?
You can make Italian seasoning by simply blending 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried marjoram, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary in a food processor.
Is herbes de Provence Italian seasoning?
Although these herbs are similar, they are not identical. With the exception of basil, herbes de Provence contains most of the herbs used in Italian seasoning. The biggest difference is that herbes de Provence has a floral taste and is made with lavender flowers.
Conclusion
Finding a substitute for Italian seasoning is very easy and fast. You are also given room to expand the recipe by adding more herbs or ingredients depending on your taste and preferences.