Do you require a substitute for Italian seasoning in your cooking? No doubt, it adds taste and tons of flavor to food. If you're out of your regular herb mix, don't despair! Here is a simple dried herbs mixture you can use as a replacement for Italian seasoning.
Before you beat yourself up about missing Italian seasoning on your shopping list, you should take a deep breath and ask what really is Italian seasoning and what is it made up of? You might even have the herbs already in your pantry to make another batch of this aromatic herb blend. Yes, make your own Italian seasoning! It is very easy and will take less than 5 minutes to make.
There are substitutes for Italian Seasoning that can be used as an alternative instead of going out and buying another. Generally, Italian seasoning is a combination of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
The herb mixture for this seasoning is made of some basic herbs that you might already have at home. The most important herb for Italian seasoning is oregano and basil. The majority of the brands out here have over 25% of oregano in their blends. other ingredients they herbs in common include basil, marjoram, and thyme.
There are many varieties on the market but they all have similar taste and flavor profiles which makes it easy for you to make yours at home.
To make your own, you can simply use an equal ratio of dried basil, marjoram, thyme and rosemary then add more of oregano
If your recipe calls for this herb blend, then you might like the following alternative for Italian Seasoning. The first on my list and would go-to is Herbs de Provence.
Best Italian seasoning substitute
Herb de Provence
Herb de Provence is a mixture of dried thyme, rosemary, basil, savory, and lavender (this is optional). It is widely used in French cooking. The flavor profile of herb de Provence can definitely take the place of Italian seasoning.
This blend has many uses including meat dishes like grilled lamb or lean pork chops. This spice mix also goes well with vegetables like eggplant, steamed cauliflower, and sautéed zucchini.
This blend of herbs is a great way to season any dish you might prepare. Although it may seem intimidating at first, herb de Provence is actually very easy to make yourself. Here is a simple recipe you will love
3 Tablespoons dried oregano
2 Tablespoons savory
2 Tablespoons thyme
1 tablespoon each of rosemary and basil.
Mixed herbs
Mixed herbs is a popular spice blend in the UK and it can be used to replace Italian seasoning at any time as they share a lot of the same ingredients. This is a combination of thyme, basil, oregano, and marjoram. You can substitute marjoram with a little bit of sage.
To add even more flavor to your dishes you can add fresh parsley or garlic to the mix when using it in recipes. There are many ways you can use mixed herbs in your cooking including stews, casserole, savory pie dishes, and more.
Pizza seasoning
Pizza seasoning is a simple blend of oregano, thyme, and basil and makes a great substitute for Italian herbs. You can add other spices like onion granules, garlic granules, and red pepper flakes.
Dried oregano and basil blend
If you have these two dried herbs on hand by all means use them. You can either use 50-50% of each spice or use more or oregano than basil. If you have other dried herbs then feel free to mix and match. Make sure to start with a smaller quantity at a time say about 1 teaspoon at a time.
FAQs
How long does Italian seasoning last?
1 year or longer if stored in an airtight container and away from the elements like sunlight and moisture.
What is Italian seasoning used for?
This aromatic seasoning is versatile and can use on pizza, spaghetti sauce, breadsticks, meatloaf, stews, casserole, and more, the list is practically endless. So don't be afraid to try it out if you haven't already.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free, however, if you are concerned then please double check the label on your herbs for any hidden additives.
More substitute ingredients you will love
Olive oil substitute
Gorgonzola cheese substitute
In conclusion,
Italian seasoning is a versatile seasoning and it can be easily substituted in recipes. If you have some oregano and basil and thyme, then you are not far off from making the best DIY Italian seasoning. Other herbs that you can work with include but are not limited to tarragon, sage, parsley, chervil, coriander, mint leaves, fennel (use sparingly), and many more.
I hope you found this article on "how to replace Italian seasoning" helpful, if you did, don't forget to leave feedback and save it to your Pinterest.
Substitute for Italian Seasoning
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons savory
- 2 Tablespoons thyme
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 tablespoon basil.
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a dry bowl and mix to combine. Store in an airtight spice container for up 1 year or longer provided it is still with the expiration of the different herbs used.
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