Ever wondered how to cook with dill or what the best substitutes for dill are?
Dill is a very versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and more.
It has a slightly sweet and sour taste with a hint of aniseed, making it the perfect addition to many recipes.
Here are some tips on how to cook with dill and the five best substitutes for dill that you can use in your cooking.
What’s Dill?

Few herbs are as versatile as dill.
This simple plant has a long history of use in cooking, medicine, and even magic.
Today, it is a staple in many cuisines, particularly in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
Dill has a refreshing, slightly minty flavor that goes well with fish, potatoes, and eggs.
It is also an essential ingredient in pickles and many other pickled vegetables.
Dill can be used fresh, dried, or in the form of dill seed oil.
In addition to its culinary uses, dill has also been used medicinally to treat indigestion and insomnia.
Some cultures also believe that dill has magical properties and use it to ward off evil spirits.
Whether you’re using it to add flavor to your food or cast a protective spell, dill is an herb that is sure to please.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Dill
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any dill on hand, never fear.
There are plenty of substitutes that will work in a pinch.
Here are the five best substitutes for dill:
1 – Fennel

Fennel is a soft, sweet-smelling herb with a taste that is similar to anise.
The bulb can be eaten raw or cooked, and the leaves can be used as a garnish or added to salads.
Fennel is also a popular ingredient in Indian and Chinese cuisine.
In addition to its culinary uses, fennel has a number of health benefits.
It is a good source of fiber and antioxidants, and it has been shown to aid in digestion and help with weight loss.
If you are looking for a dill substitute, fennel is a good option.
The taste is similar, but the flavor is not as strong.
Fennel can be used in the same way as dills, such as in pickles, potato salad, and deviled eggs.
2 – Thyme

Thyme is a common herb that has a strong, pungent flavor.
It is often used to season savory dishes, and its leaves can be either fresh or dried.
Thyme is also very versatile and can be used in place of other herbs, such as dill.
When substituting thyme for dill, use half as much thyme as you would dill.
This is because thyme has a stronger flavor and can easily overpower a dish.
Fresh thyme also has a more delicate flavor than dried thyme, so keep this in mind when using it as a substitution.
Overall, thyme is a delicious and versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes.
3 – Rosemary

Rosemary is an evergreen herb with needle-like leaves and a woody stem.
It is native to the Mediterranean region and has a pungent, slightly minty flavor.
The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and the stems can be used to make tea.
Rosemary is often used in Mediterranean cooking, particularly in dishes that feature lamb or chicken.
It can also be used as a substitute for dill in recipes.
When substituting rosemary for dill, use half as much rosemary as you would dill, as rosemary has a strong flavor.
Rosemary can also be used to make a vinegar infusion or added to olive oil to create a flavored oil.
4 – Parsley

Parsley is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
It has a mildly bitter taste and a slightly fibrous texture.
When used as a garnish, parsley can add color and flavor to a dish.
It can also be used as a substitute for dill in recipes calling for that herb.
To substitute parsley for dill, use twice as much parsley as you would dill.
Dill has a stronger flavor, so using more parsley will help to balance the flavors in the dish.
When substituting parsley for dill, it’s best to use flat-leaf parsley rather than curly parsley.
Flat-leaf parsley has a more intense flavor that is closer to dill’s flavor than curly parsley.
5 – Chervil

If you’re a fan of dill, then you’ll love chervil.
This herb has a similar taste and texture, making it a great substitute in many recipes.
The best way to use chervil is to add it towards the end of cooking, as its delicate flavor can be quickly overwhelmed by other ingredients.
When substituting chervil for dill, use half as much of the herb, as chervil is more potent than dill.
Whether you’re adding it to soup or using it as a garnish, chervil is a versatile herb that is sure to enhance any dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dill is a delicious herb that can be used in many different dishes.
If you find yourself out of dill, don’t worry.
There are plenty of substitutes that will work just as well.
Fennel, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and chervil are all great options.
The next time you’re in a pinch, give one of these herbs a try.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Dill

Ingredients
- Fennel
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Chervil
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.