Italian Seasoning Substitute
Written by Mustapha B. · Updated August 13, 2026
Mix equal parts basil, oregano, thyme and rosemary. More below.
Italian seasoning is just a blend of dried Mediterranean herbs, so it is one of the easiest mixes to recreate from your spice rack. Combine equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme, then add a little rosemary, marjoram, or parsley if you have them. A teaspoon of this mix replaces a teaspoon of store-bought Italian seasoning. If you only have one or two of these herbs, oregano and basil together carry most of the familiar flavor on their own.
In a pinch, herbes de Provence makes a reasonable substitute, though it leans more floral thanks to lavender, so use a touch less. A useful tip: dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, so if you are swapping in fresh herbs instead, use about three times the amount. Crushing the dried blend between your fingers as you add it helps release the oils and wakes up the aroma in sauces, dressings, and roasted vegetables.
Spice substitutions
Out of something mid-recipe? Search above for a working substitute with the right ratio. Below is the full list, each swap is chosen to behave as closely as possible to the original in cooking and baking.
| Out of… | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Cumin | Equal amount chili powder (milder, add a pinch of chili) · or · Equal parts ground coriander + a pinch of chili |
| Paprika | Equal amount mild chili powder · or · A smaller amount of cayenne (hotter) |
| Thyme | Equal amount oregano or marjoram · or · Italian seasoning |
| Oregano | Equal amount marjoram or thyme · or · Italian seasoning |
| Basil | Equal amount oregano · or · Equal amount thyme |
| Cinnamon | Equal amount allspice or nutmeg (use less) · or · Pumpkin pie spice |
| Nutmeg | Equal amount mace · or · Cinnamon or allspice |
| Ginger (ground) | Equal amount allspice, cinnamon or mace · or · ¼ tsp ground = 1 tbsp grated fresh |
| Garlic powder | ⅛ tsp powder = 1 fresh clove · or · Equal amount granulated garlic |
| Onion powder | 1 tbsp dried minced onion per 1 tsp powder |
| Italian seasoning | Equal parts basil, oregano, thyme & rosemary |
| Chili powder | Paprika + cumin + a pinch of cayenne · or · Taco seasoning |
| Cayenne | Red pepper flakes (use more) · or · A few dashes of hot sauce |
| Allspice | Equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg & cloves · or · Pumpkin pie spice |
| Cardamom | Equal parts cinnamon + nutmeg · or · Equal parts ginger + cinnamon |
Frequently asked questions
How do I make my own Italian seasoning?
Mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme, plus optional rosemary or marjoram. Use it one-to-one in place of store-bought Italian seasoning.
Can I use oregano instead of Italian seasoning?
Yes. Oregano is a main component, so it works alone, but adding a little basil and thyme gives a fuller, more balanced flavor.