Italian Seasoning Substitute

If you don't have ready-made Italian seasoning on hand while making a dish, you can use a substitute and still create delicious dishes.

Italian seasoning is a versatile blend of herbs that adds a delightful flavor to a wide range of dishes. You can buy them from the store or create one at home. You can easily create a seasoning or its substitute using common herbs found in most kitchens.

Whether you're preparing a pasta sauce, seasoning any veggies, or a homemade pizza, this homemade Italian seasoning substitute will help you get the desired flavor. These are better than the store ones, too.

What is Italian Seasoning?

Italian seasoning is a spice blend containing many flavorful herbs and spices. This is a popular Mediterranean herb blend. The prominent ingredients in Italian herbs are oregano, thyme, and parsley. Some of the brands also contain flavoring agents like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Best Italian Seasoning Substitute

1. Homemade Italian Seasoning-

The main ingredients of Italian seasoning are dried herbs. Combine these herbs to make your homemade Italian seasoning. They are -

• 2 tsp basil
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ tsp sage
• 2 tsp parsley
• ½ tsp Rosemary

Mix the dried herbs in a bowl. Alternatively, blend them using a spice grinder or blender if necessary.

For added depth, include a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences. Homemade seasoning will actually help you control the quality of herbs.

2. Oregano + Basil or Oregano + Thyme

These herbs are the major herbs in Italian seasoning. If you don't have other herbs, consider adding oregano and basil/ thyme in equal proportions to make a substitute.

3. Herbs de Provence

Herbs de Provence is a classic French herb blend that has a similar flavor profile. This has dried parsley, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. This can also serve as a substitute for Italian seasoning. Although it also contains lavender flowers, which may alter the flavor of the seasoning. So use a bit of it and test whether you like it or not. Then decide to increase the amount to replace Italian seasoning.

4. Use fresh herbs

Nothing beats fresh herbs as a substitute for dried herbs. Fresh herbs bring a soft aroma and flavor to the dish. Therefore, the amount of fresh herbs should be slightly more than the amount of dried herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tsp of dried herb, add 2 tsp of chopped herb to achieve the exact flavor.

Additionally, it is advisable to avoid overcooking the herbs, as they will lose their natural flavor. Add the fresh herbs towards the end of cooking.

5. Pizza Seasoning/ Pasta Seasoning

Readymade pizza and pasta seasoning are also great substitutes for Italian seasoning. They contain the same spices/ herbs. Substitute with the same amount of pizza seasoning for any recipe.

6. Greek Seasoning

Greek seasoning is similar to Italian seasoning, and both share oregano as their primary component. It contains oregano, basil, parsley, dill, thyme, and rosemary herbs.

However, Greek seasoning may also contain cinnamon and dried dill it. The flavor may also vary to some extent. Additionally, they may contain salt. When using Greek seasoning as a substitute for Italian seasoning, consider adding less salt or adding it after tasting.

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