Italian Seasoning Replacement

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Use this homemade spice blend as an Italian seasoning replacement. It’s better than store-bought and just a sprinkle is the perfect addition to your favorite Italian dishes.

You’ve asked and we’re delivering! I’ve shared from-scratch chili powder, taco seasoning, pasta salad seasoning, and turkey sausage seasoning, but a question I often get is “what’s in Italian seasoning? “.

There may be a few of you out there who say, “Why make your own Italian seasoning recipe when you can buy it for like 99 cents in the store?” Maybe you like to mix your own seasonings. Or maybe you’ve simply run out in the hurriedness of making dinner.

Whether this Italian seasoning substitute is going in meatballspasta sauce, chicken fingers, green beans or Italian sausage, it will give the food a flavor boost you didn’t know it had. Give homemade a try with this Italian seasoning replacement recipe. It’s delicious even for dipping Italian bread if you use a drizzle of olive oil.

a teaspoon of italian seasoning in a bowl

What can you use to substitute Italian seasoning?

An Italian seasoning replacement is simply a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, cilantro, thyme, red pepper flakes and savory. A reader gave me the hint that savory is delicious added to Italian cuisine. You guys are the best. 

ingredients for italian seasoning listed on an image of teaspoons

And the best part of this recipe? All of those spices are measured in equal amounts. So if you want a small amount? Use 1 teaspoon of each spice.

If you cook Italian food often and need a large amount: Use ¼ cup of each spice and you’ll end up with a whopping 2 cups of homemade Italian seasoning. Store in your pantry in spice jars for all of your cooking needs.

It really doesn’t get any easier than that.

Other Additions

If you’re looking for more flavor for your Italian seasoning replacement, try one of these:

  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • black pepper
  • dried parsley
  • paprika adds color
  • cayenne pepper adds more heat
  • fennel seeds (which I love adding to our homemade lasagna)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herbes de Provence and Italian seasoning the same?

They are similar, but herbes de provence has lavender and other aromatic spices which give it a slightly floral taste.

Can I use fresh herbs?

If you choose to use any fresh herbs, you will have to refrigerate the seasoning mix and it will only last a couple of days in the fridge. But if you’re using it right away, then yes. If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, the rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Thanks to each one of you for reading along all these years and giving suggestions on what you’d like to see, just like this Italian seasoning replacement. I look forward to sharing more of what YOU love!

closeup of italian seasoning in a bowl
closeup of italian seasoning in a bowl

Italian Seasoning Replacement

4.66 from 35 votes
After trying this Homemade Italian Seasoning mix, you’ll never go back to buying the store bought brands. Takes just a simple mix of dried herbs and spices.
Servings 8 servings
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

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Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons dried marjoram
  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons dried savory
  • 2 tablespoons dried cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons dried red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Mix all of the spices together in a small bowl until well combined.
  • Store the spice mix in an airtight container. 
  • Use in any recipe that calls for Italian seasoning. This spice blend is delicious sprinkled on pizza, vegetables, Italian salad dressing, in soups and more.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

*If you’d like to make a bulk mix of the Italian seasoning blend, simply add equal amounts of each spice and mix well. Store in an airtight container or mason jar with a lid at room temperature.
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade seasoning mix, italian food
About JulieJulie Clark

About Julie Clark

I'm Julie Clark, CEO and recipe developer of Tastes of Lizzy T. With my B.A. in Education and over 30 years of cooking and baking, I want to teach YOU the best of our family recipes.

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tami Umholtz
4 years ago

WHAT IS DRIED SAVORY

DOROTHY HUGHES
2 years ago

Would this be considered a Mild, Medium or Hot mix?

Elinor
3 years ago

5 stars
I’d love to use Savory but never ever see it in the grocery store in my area (after 20 yrs of hoping and praying I’d find it…no luck). Is there a substitute for Savory or could you just leave it out?

Elizabeth
4 years ago

Thank you for this recipe! I recently read the ingredients on the bottle of Italian Seasoning I had purchases at a local grocery and I was shocked that there were “ingredients” in there that I did not want to consume!

Mina
4 years ago

Hi Lizzy I have a question. This recipe does not call for any herbs in powder form correct? All dried leaves?

Chris Illius
4 years ago

My husband is allergic to anything in the mint family (ie oregano, basil, thyme), any suggestions? This sounds delicious though!

Jeff
4 years ago

5 stars
Great!

Miranda
7 years ago

5 stars
I need to try making my own seasonings more! This is so simple and I use italian seasoning so often!

Dylan
7 years ago

Thanks for sharing this and best wishes for the new year
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