The 5 Best Substitutes for Italian Seasoning

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of cooking, only to realize that you’re missing an essential ingredient? It’s a frustrating feeling, but it doesn’t have to ruin your meal.

With a little creativity, you can often find a suitable substitute for the missing ingredient.

This is especially true when it comes to spices.

If you’re out of Italian seasoning, there are several other spices that can be used to give your dish a similar flavor.

In this article, we’ll share five of the best substitutes for Italian seasoning.

What’s Italian Seasoning?

Italians are known for their delicious food, and a key ingredient in many Italian dishes is Italian seasoning.

But what exactly is Italian seasoning? It is a blend of herbs that are commonly used in Italian cooking, including oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

The history of Italian seasoning is a bit murky, but it is thought to have originated in the United States in the 1940s.

It was created as a way to replicate the taste of Italian dishes using easily accessible ingredients.

Today, Italian seasoning is widely available in grocery stores, and it is a staple in many kitchens.

It has a distinctively earthy taste and can be used to add flavor to pasta dishes, soups, and sauces.

It is also a common ingredient in spice rubs for grilled meats.

So next time you are looking to add some flavor to your cooking, reach for some Italian seasoning.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Italian Seasoning

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any Italian seasoning on hand, never fear.

There are plenty of substitutes that will give your dish the same flavor profile.

Here are the five best substitutes for Italian seasoning:

1 – Herbs de Provence

Herbs de Provence is a fragrant, flavorful blend of dried herbs that originates from the Provence region of France.

It typically contains thyme, rosemary, savory, oregano, and basil, which combine to create a robust and slightly floral flavor profile.

The herbs are often finely ground, resulting in a versatile seasoning that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Herbs de Provence is an excellent substitute for Italian seasoning in recipes that call for a similar flavor profile.

The thyme and oregano in the blend provide a similar savory note to dishes, while the basil and rosemary add a hint of sweetness.

When substituting Herbs de Provence for Italian seasoning, use the same amount called for in the recipe.

This blend is also delicious, sprinkled over grilled vegetables or added to olive oil for dipping bread.

2 – French Thyme

French thyme is a type of herb that is commonly used in French cooking.

It has a strong, pungent flavor that is somewhat similar to oregano.

French thyme can be used fresh or dried, and it is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as parsley, basil, and rosemary.

When substituting for Italian seasoning, use a 1:1 ratio of French thyme to the other herbs called for in the recipe.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, use 1 tablespoon of French thyme along with 1 teaspoon each of parsley, basil, and rosemary.

With its strong flavor, a little bit of French thyme goes a long way.

3 – Greek Oregano

If you’re a fan of Italian food, you’ve probably used oregano before.

But did you know that there are actually two different types of oregano? Italian oregano, also known as Origanum Vulgare, has a slightly sweet taste with hints of mint and lemon.

Greek oregano, on the other hand, has a more pungent flavor with notes of thyme and sage.

It’s also a bit harsher in taste than Italian oregano.

So, if you’re looking for a substitution for Italian seasoning in your cooking, Greek oregano is a good option.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to use less of it since the flavor is more concentrated.

4 – Lebanese Za’atar

Za’atar is a staple in Lebanese cuisine.

It is a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, and it has a distinct earthy flavor.

Za’atar is often used as a seasoning for grilled meats, but it can also be used to add flavor to vegetables, stews, and sauces.

The herby taste of za’atar makes it a good substitute for Italian seasoning in many recipes.

It can also be used in place of salt to add flavor to food without adding sodium.

When purchasing za’atar, look for a blend that contains all three of the traditional ingredients: thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac.

Za’atar can be found in specialty stores or online.

Try adding za’atar to your next dish for a taste of the Mediterranean.

5 – American Italian Seasoning Mix

American Italian seasoning mix is a common ingredient in many recipes.

It is a blend of herbs, spices, and other flavorings that are typically used in Italian cuisine.

The most common herbs in the American Italian seasoning mix are oregano, basil, and thyme.

Other common ingredients include garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.

The taste and texture of American Italian seasoning mix can vary depending on the brand or recipe.

Some versions are more finely ground, while others contain whole spices.

American Italian seasoning mix can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning in any recipe.

It can also be used to add flavor to soups, sauces, and other dishes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few different spices and herbs that can be used as a substitution for Italian seasoning.

Greek oregano, Lebanese za’atar, and American Italian seasoning mix are all good options.

Each of these spices has a distinct flavor that can add a unique twist to your cooking.

So, next time you’re in the kitchen, experiment with different spices and herbs to find the perfect flavor for your dish.