7 Perfect Italian Seasoning Substitutes for Authentic Flavor
Create authentic Italian herb blends at home with tested substitutes that deliver perfect flavor for pasta, pizza, and Mediterranean cooking
Quick Answer
Best Italian seasoning substitutes: DIY blend (2 tsp oregano + 2 tsp basil + 1 tsp thyme + 1 tsp rosemary + 1/2 tsp sage) - perfect authentic flavor, Oregano + basil (2:2 ratio) - simple classic base, Pizza seasoning (1:1) - closest commercial alternative.
Italian seasoning is a beloved herb blend that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking. While commercial blends are convenient, understanding the core herbs allows you to create fresh, customized versions or find perfect substitutes when you're out of the store-bought variety.
Traditional Italian seasoning typically combines oregano and basil as the base, enhanced with thyme, rosemary, and sometimes sage or marjoram. The beauty lies in the balance - oregano provides earthiness, basil adds sweetness, thyme contributes subtle complexity, and rosemary brings woody aromatics.
Each substitute in this guide has been tested in classic Italian recipes from pasta sauces to pizza dough. You'll discover which alternatives work best for different cooking methods and how to adjust ratios to match your flavor preferences and dish requirements.
Best Italian Seasoning Substitutes
Classic DIY Italian Seasoning
98% match2 tsp oregano + 2 tsp basil + 1 tsp thyme + 1 tsp rosemary + 1/2 tsp sage
Herbaceous, aromatic, balanced Mediterranean flavor
Pros
- •Perfect authentic flavor
- •Customizable proportions
- •Fresh herb blend
- •Cost-effective
Considerations
- •Requires multiple herbs
- •Time to blend
- •Need to store properly
Expert Tip
Use dried herbs only. Crush rosemary and sage finely for even distribution. Store in airtight container for up to 1 year.
Oregano + Basil Blend
85% match2 teaspoons oregano + 2 teaspoons basil = 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Classic Italian, herbaceous, slightly sweet
Pros
- •Two common herbs
- •Simple to make
- •Great for tomato dishes
- •Authentic Italian base
Considerations
- •Less complex than full blend
- •Missing woody herbs
- •Limited depth
Expert Tip
This is the core of Italian seasoning. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor depth.
Herbes de Provence
75% match1:1 replacement
Floral, herbaceous with lavender notes
Pros
- •Complex herb blend
- •Ready-made option
- •Mediterranean flavor
- •Works in most recipes
Considerations
- •Contains lavender
- •Different flavor profile
- •More expensive
- •French rather than Italian
Expert Tip
Choose lavender-free versions for closer Italian flavor. Excellent for roasted chicken and vegetables.
Pizza Seasoning
90% match1:1 replacement
Robust Italian herbs with garlic and onion
Pros
- •Very close flavor
- •Made for Italian food
- •Includes garlic/onion
- •Convenient
Considerations
- •May contain salt
- •Less versatile
- •Commercial blend
- •Harder to find
Expert Tip
Check ingredients - some contain salt and need recipe adjustment. Perfect for bread and pizza applications.
Greek Seasoning
70% match3/4 teaspoon Greek seasoning = 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Mediterranean herbs with mint and dill notes
Pros
- •Mediterranean base
- •Good herb complexity
- •Works with similar dishes
- •Readily available
Considerations
- •Contains mint and dill
- •Different regional flavor
- •May be too strong
- •Greek not Italian
Expert Tip
Use less amount as Greek seasoning tends to be stronger. Great for Mediterranean fusion dishes.
Thyme + Rosemary + Garlic Powder
65% match1 tsp thyme + 1 tsp rosemary + 1 tsp garlic powder = 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Woody, earthy, aromatic with garlic
Pros
- •Common herbs
- •Great for roasting
- •Robust flavor
- •Works with hearty dishes
Considerations
- •Missing basil and oregano
- •Different flavor profile
- •More rustic than classic
- •Garlic adds different element
Expert Tip
Best for heartier dishes like roasted chicken or lamb. The woody herbs shine in longer cooking methods.
Dried Mixed Herbs
60% match1:1 replacement
Mild herb blend, less intense than Italian seasoning
Pros
- •Very common
- •Mild flavor
- •Good for beginners
- •Inexpensive
Considerations
- •Much milder
- •Generic flavor
- •May contain different herbs
- •Less authentic
Expert Tip
Use 25% more than called for in recipe due to milder flavor. Add extra oregano if available.
Tuscan Seasoning
95% match1:1 replacement
Robust Italian herbs with garlic and sometimes red pepper
Pros
- •Very close to Italian seasoning
- •Regional authenticity
- •Often includes garlic
- •Rich flavor
Considerations
- •May contain salt
- •Harder to find
- •Can be spicier
- •More expensive
Expert Tip
Check ingredients for salt content and adjust recipe accordingly. Excellent for heartier dishes.
Oregano + Thyme + Garlic Powder
75% match2 tsp oregano + 1 tsp thyme + 1 tsp garlic powder = 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Savory, garlicky, Mediterranean with earthy notes
Pros
- •Common spices
- •Great for meat
- •Garlic adds depth
- •Simple three-ingredient blend
Considerations
- •Missing basil sweetness
- •Garlic changes profile
- •Less complex
- •Different from traditional
Expert Tip
Excellent for savory applications where garlic is welcome. Add dried basil if available for more authentic flavor.
Marjoram + Oregano + Basil
85% match1 tsp marjoram + 1 tsp oregano + 1 tsp basil = 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Sweet, floral, delicate with classic Italian notes
Pros
- •Includes marjoram sweetness
- •Delicate flavor
- •Good herb combination
- •Traditional European blend
Considerations
- •Marjoram can be hard to find
- •More expensive
- •Milder than typical
- •Missing woody herbs
Expert Tip
Marjoram adds a sweet, pine-like flavor that complements Italian herbs beautifully. Perfect for cream-based dishes.
Expert Tips for Success
Perfect Herb Ratios for Homemade Blends
The classic ratio is 2:2:1:1:0.5 for oregano:basil:thyme:rosemary:sage. Adjust oregano up for more pizza-style flavor or basil up for sweeter, more aromatic blends.
Crush Woody Herbs Finely
Rosemary and sage have tough leaves that can be unpleasant if too large. Crush them between your fingers or use a mortar and pestle for better texture and flavor release.
Store for Maximum Freshness
Keep homemade Italian seasoning in airtight containers away from light and heat. It maintains peak flavor for 1 year, much longer than individual herbs stored separately.
Toast for Deeper Flavor
Lightly toast dried herbs in a dry pan for 30-60 seconds before blending. This releases oils and creates a more complex, restaurant-quality seasoning blend.
Regional Variations
Northern Italian blends favor sage and rosemary, while Southern Italian blends emphasize oregano and basil. Adjust your blend based on the dish's regional origin.
Freshness Test
Rub dried herbs between your fingers - they should release strong aroma and crumble easily. If herbs are dull or hard, replace them for better flavor in your blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What herbs are in Italian seasoning?
Traditional Italian seasoning contains oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and sometimes sage or marjoram. The exact blend varies by brand, but oregano and basil are always the base. Some commercial versions include garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for Italian seasoning?
Fresh herbs work better used individually rather than as a pre-made blend. Use 3 times more fresh herbs than dried (1 tablespoon fresh = 1 teaspoon dried). Fresh herbs are best added at the end of cooking to preserve flavor.
How do I make Italian seasoning from scratch?
Combine 2 tsp oregano, 2 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary, and 1/2 tsp sage. Crush rosemary and sage finely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year. Toast lightly before blending for deeper flavor.
What's the difference between Italian seasoning and pizza seasoning?
Pizza seasoning often includes garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes red pepper flakes in addition to the herbs in Italian seasoning. It's specifically formulated for pizza and bread applications and tends to be more robust.
Can I substitute Italian seasoning for individual herbs in recipes?
Yes, but use about 2/3 the amount called for since blends are more concentrated. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oregano, use about 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning instead.
How long does homemade Italian seasoning last?
Properly stored homemade Italian seasoning maintains peak flavor for 1 year. Store in an airtight container away from light and heat. The blend actually lasts longer than individual herbs stored separately because the oils protect each other.