If you are an Italian food lover you've used Italian seasoning before. But what if you run out or want to change the blend? Easy! This Italian Seasoning substitute let's you make your own simple Italian seasoning to bring Italian cuisine flavor to any dish.
Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs used to flavor many dishes. Add it to soups, stews, roasted vegetables, salad dressings, marinades, pasta sauces, and any meal that requires a bit more Italian flavors. It is made in 3 minutes, lasts a long time in a sealed jar and it’s delicious!
Making your own Italian seasoning is easy with a blend of herbs found at the grocery store. You are in control of the ingredients with this aromatic herb blend and probably have the ingredients in your spice cabinet already.
This Italian seasoning recipe is the best substitute to add savory flavor to your favorite recipes (Italian cooking and more). Making it yourself in bulk is affordable and makes a great gift in a spice jar too! Also it combines all your favorite Italian herbs in one place for easier use rather than measuring out several spices for a given recipe.
Try our homemade chili seasoning blend and poultry seasoning blend too. Making your own blend is a great way to add some flair to your spice rack!
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Recipe Ingredients Notes
This easy seasoning blend is made up of favorite dried spices found in Mediterranean cooking: oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, sage and parsley. You can change it up too (see Variations below).
How to make Italian Seasoning substitute
In a small bowl combine the oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, sage and parsley. Mix together.
Transfer to an airtight jar, seal and store at room temperature in a dark location (where you'd keep your spice rack).
Variations and Substitutions
The great thing about homemade seasoning blends is you can create a versatile blend with the distinct flavors you love. The basic herbs blend is delicious but it's easy to make a your own version with unique flavor by using some of the ideas below too!
No marjoram? No problem. Traditional Italian seasoning usually includes oregano, basil, thyme and marjoram. If you don’t have marjoram on hand, it can be omitted. Rosemary, sage and parsley can also be omitted but I suggest adding them for the best flavor.
Spice it up. Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat. Don't go overboard!
Love garlic? Add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder. You can do the same with onion powder too.
Dried lemon peel. This is one of my favorite additions to the main herbs. Dried lemon peel is available with regular spices at the grocery store. You just need ¼-1/2 teaspoon. It does not add a lemony flavor but the Italian seasoning tastes a bit brighter, more robust flavor.
Dried lavender flowers. Adding a small amount to the Italian herbs gives a touch of Herbes de Provence flavor. Be sure to use food grade dried lavender (not the type you put in potpourri which as been treated) and don't use too much. It has a strong flavor and a concentrated flavor that can overwhelm the main ingredients.
How to Use it
Here are some of our favorite ideas and recipes that use Italian seasoning. You can swap in the Italian seasoning substitute in the same amount are store bought seasoning.
- In a frittata or egg bites or egg mini omelets
- In salad dressings
- Marinara Sauce
- Mediterranean Shrimp
- One pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
- Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breasts
- Low calorie Vegetable Soup with Zucchini Noodles
- Instant Pot White Bean and Turkey Chili
- Rainbow Chickpea Pasta Salad
- Air Fryer Greek Chicken Bowls
- Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers
How to Store and Shelf-Life
Store in an glass airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place. Spices should be stored out of direct sunlight and heat, and not refrigerated.
It lasts for 3-6 months (probably more) when stored in a sealed jar, and a dry place away from sunlight. It won't go 'bad' the spice blend will just not be as strong flavored.
Frequently Asked Questions
It makes ¾ cup (12 tablespoons).
Since it's being stored at room temperature fresh herbs won't work. But you can always add some (think a combination of thyme, fresh basil, fresh oregano) to the recipe you make using the Italian seasoning substitute to increase the flavor of your dish.
Rather than adding those to Italian seasoning blends the best option for those ingredients is to add them 'to taste' to the recipe you are making. Then you don't risk a too salty or peppery flavor.
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Recipe
Homemade Italian Seasoning (Italian seasoning substitute)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons basil
- 2 tablespoons thyme
- 2 tablespoons marjoram
- 2 tablespoons rosemary
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1 tablespoon parsley
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl and mix together to fully combine.
- Transfer to an airtight jar or glass container seal and store at room temperature out of direct sunlight (in a cool, dark location where you store other spices).
Kara says
I love that it's adaptable! I like basil more than oregano, so I was able to adjust the seasoning to my taste. I will always have to keep this on hand!
Shari H says
Amazing! I used it for my salad dressing and my chicken marinade. It's so crazy easy to make!!
Allyssa says
Super loved this, really helpful! Highly recommended! Thanks a lot for this amazing and super easy to make italian seasoning substitute! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely use this again!
Cori H says
So easy to make! I’ll never buy from the store again!
Cori D says
So easy to make!! I’ll never buy from the store again!
Renee S says
Perfect every time! And so easy to make!
Kali Alexandria says
This is genius! Thank you!!
Grace says
I buy this seasoning all the time. It's always the one I use up. I made your version and love it! All the right herbs. I added it to a gazpacho recipe for some Italian flavor and it's so good!
Tara says
Oh wow! I love how this seasoning mix comes together with spices I already have at home. Definitely a great homemade substitute.
Tavo says
I love to make my own seasonings, and this was a breeze to make. Not repurchasing Italian seasoning!
Kim says
This homemade Italian seasoning is great! So easy to make and I love making my own to have on hand. It is delicious!