Italian Seasoning Substitute

Whether I'm making a hearty pasta sauce, tossing a fresh salad, or simply seasoning some roasted vegetables, Italian herb mix are a must-have in my culinary arsenal.

This Italian spice blend goes well with my OVEN ROASTED POTATOES WITH ITALIAN HERBS and CREAMY CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS PAPPARDELLE recipe.

What is Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a dried herb blend commonly used to flavor pasta sauces, pizza, roasted vegetables, soups, and marinades. It is one of the most versatile seasonings in any kitchen. Here is something fun to know: despite the name, Italian seasoning is actually an American creation. In Italy, cooks tend to season dishes with individual fresh herbs rather than a pre-mixed blend. The Italian seasoning you find in grocery stores was developed to make Italian-inspired cooking easier for home cooks in North America.

A classic blend includes basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, sage, and parsley. Some versions also add garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for extra depth. There is no single "official" recipe, which is exactly why making your own is so easy - you can adjust it to fit what you have and what you love.

What Each Herb Brings to the Blend

Understanding what each herb does helps you feel confident adjusting the blend to your taste. Here is a quick breakdown:

• Basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor. It is one of the most recognizable Italian herbs and works beautifully in tomato-based dishes, pesto, and pasta.
• Oregano: Brings a robust and earthy taste to the mix. It is bold and aromatic - the herb you can actually smell before you even open the jar. It is the one herb you absolutely do not want to leave out.
• Rosemary: Offers a pine-like aroma and a hint of citrus. It adds character to roasted meats and vegetables. A little goes a long way.
• Thyme: Adds a subtle, savory flavor. Use it in small amounts because it is fairly potent.
• Marjoram: Has a milder taste, similar to oregano but slightly sweeter. If you have it, add it. If you do not, the blend will still be delicious.
• Sage: Contributes a slightly peppery and herbal note. It is not in every Italian seasoning blend, but it adds a nice layer of complexity.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery taste and bright green color. Dried flat-leaf parsley works best here.

In addition to the primary herbs some variations of Italian spice blend may also include additional herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile. These can include:

• Garlic powder: Provides a savory, garlicky essence to the mix.
• Onion powder: Contributes a subtle onion flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Infuses a gentle heat and spiciness.
• Fennel seeds: Offers a mild licorice-like taste, often used in Italian sausages.

Variations of Italian seasoning

If you are mid-recipe and just realized you are out of Italian seasoning, here is the quickest fix. Grab your dried basil and dried oregano. These two herbs are the backbone of any Italian seasoning blend and will get the job done in seconds.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried basil + ½ teaspoon dried oregano

If you also have dried thyme, add a small pinch. It brings a subtle earthy quality that round out the flavor nicely.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ¼ teaspoon dried oregano + ¼ teaspoon dried basil + ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Only have one herb on hand? That works too. A teaspoon of just dried oregano or just dried basil will still add Italian-inspired flavor to your dish. The result will be simpler, but it will not ruin your recipe.

Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences and the specific recipe you are preparing.

Other substitutes when you are out

No basil or oregano either? Here are a few other options that work well as an Italian seasoning substitute:

• Herbes de Provence is a French spice blend with many of the same herbs as Italian seasoning; thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, and basil. The one difference is that it often contains dried lavender, which can change the flavor of your dish. Use it carefully and taste as you go. It works beautifully with roasted chicken and vegetables, but can be overpowering in a tomato sauce.
• Pizza seasoning or pizza blend from your spice cabinet is a great one-to-one substitute. It tends to have a similar oregano-forward herb profile, sometimes with added garlic, red pepper flakes, or fennel. Perfect for anything pizza or pasta-related.
• Greek seasoning also works in most cases because oregano is the main herb in both blends. The flavor profile is slightly different but still Mediterranean and delicious.
• Za'atar is a Middle Eastern blend that includes thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and sumac. It can work as a substitute in marinades and as a seasoning for bread or roasted vegetables. The sesame seeds do not blend smoothly into sauces, so use your judgment here.

Can I use fresh herbs?

Yes, and they are wonderful. Fresh herbs make a beautiful substitute for Italian seasoning, especially when you have a garden or a good selection at your grocery store.

The key thing to know is that fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried. As a general rule, use a 3:1 ratio - three parts fresh herbs for every one part dried.

So if your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning (dried), use 3 tablespoons of fresh herbs mixed together. A good combination includes fresh basil, flat-leaf parsley, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

If you love soups or pasta recipes with herbs, you might also enjoy my Creamy mushroom soup, which uses fresh herbs as a finisher and it is one of my favorites.

How to Customize Your Blend

Italian seasoning is a versatile blend, and there are various ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences or to add unique flavors to your dishes. Here are some variations for Italian seasoning:

• For extra heat: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust from there.
• For savory depth: Mix in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder. This brings the blend closer to a seasoning packet style.
• For brightness: Add a small amount of dried lemon zest. It lifts the whole blend and works especially well on roasted fish or chicken.
• For a smoky note: A tiny pinch of smoked paprika adds warmth without overpowering the herbs.

This recipe has not been tested with every possible combination. If you add or swap any ingredients, let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

How to make your own Italian seasoning blend

Once you make your own Italian herb mix at home, you will not want to go back to the store-bought version. It takes about two minutes, uses herbs you already have, and tastes fresher than anything that has been sitting on a shelf for a year.

Step 1: Add all your dried herbs to a small bowl: oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, sage, and parsley. Stir them together until evenly combined.

Step 2: Transfer the blend to a small airtight jar or spice container. Seal and store it in a dark, room-temperature location, like your spice rack.

Step 3: Label it with the date, then store it in a cool, dry spot away from heat and direct sunlight, such as your spice rack or a pantry drawer.

That is it. Your homemade Italian seasoning substitute is ready to use.

What to Make With Italian Seasoning

Your homemade Italian seasoning substitute is ready - now put it to work. Here are some of the best ways to use it:

Pasta sauces: Stir a teaspoon or two into marinara, bolognese, or any tomato-based sauce. It adds an aromatic depth that makes even a quick weeknight sauce taste slow-cooked.

Roasted vegetables: Toss zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning before roasting. If you love roasted vegetables, my Oven-roasted sliced potatoes with Italian herbs uses this exact blend and is one of my most-made side dishes.

Pizza: Sprinkle it into your pizza dough or sauce, or dust it over the top before baking. It makes a big difference.

Grilled or roasted chicken: Mix Italian seasoning with olive oil to make a quick marinade or rub. Brush it over chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks and let it sit for 20 minutes before cooking.

Soups and stews: Add it to vegetable soups, bean soups, or minestrone. Start with a teaspoon and taste as you go.

Salad dressings: A pinch of Italian seasoning blended into olive oil and red wine vinegar makes a quick homemade Italian vinaigrette.

Bread: Mix it into focaccia dough, brush it over garlic bread, or stir it into butter for a simple herb butter.

This blend also pairs beautifully with pasta dishes. My Creamy chicken and mushrooms pappardelle is a great example of how Italian seasoning elevates a simple cream-based pasta into something really special.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless!

How to store your Italian Seasoning Blend

Store your homemade Italian seasoning substitute in a small airtight jar or spice container. Keep it in a cool, dry place - a pantry shelf or spice drawer works perfectly. The most important things to avoid are direct sunlight and heat. Storing spices near the stove is a common mistake that shortens their shelf life.

When stored properly, your homemade blend will stay fresh and flavorful for 6 months to 1 year. After about a year, the individual herbs start to lose their potency. You will know it is time to make a fresh batch when the blend stops smelling aromatic when you open the jar.

You do not need to refrigerate dried herb blends!