Italian seasoning is a dried herb blend modeled on the aromatic herbs of the Mediterranean, particularly southern Italian cuisine. It typically contains oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary — sometimes with the addition of sage or red pepper flakes. The result is a versatile, floral-savory blend with oregano as its backbone.
It's one of the most universally useful spice blends in Western cooking, appearing in pasta sauces, pizza dough, marinades, roasted vegetables, soups, and seasoned bread. Because the individual herbs are all common, you almost never need to go to the store to find a substitute.
The key to replacing Italian seasoning is understanding that oregano and basil are the two defining flavors. Any combination that includes at least one of these will get you most of the way there.
■Best Substitutes for Italian Seasoning
| Substitute | Flavor Match | Swap Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Oregano + basil | Core flavor, excellent match | ½ tsp oregano + ½ tsp basil per tsp |
| Herbes de Provence | More floral, lavender note | 1:1 |
| Poultry seasoning | Earthier, heavier sage | Use ¾ of the amount |
| Dried oregano alone | Strong, slightly bitter | Use half the amount |
| Pizza seasoning | Nearly identical, sometimes spicier | 1:1 |
| Fresh herbs (mixed) | Brighter, less concentrated | 3x the dried amount |
| Greek seasoning | Similar profile, more lemon | 1:1 |
■How to Choose the Right Substitute
For pasta sauce and pizza, oregano is the essential herb. If you're out of Italian seasoning but have dried oregano and basil, those two alone cover 80% of the flavor profile. Adding a pinch of thyme and rosemary gets you the rest of the way there.
Herbes de Provence is the most elegant swap, but its lavender note can be surprising in pizza sauce — it works better in roasted chicken or vegetable dishes. For everyday cooking, an equal mix of oregano and basil is all you need.
■Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for Italian seasoning in pasta sauce?
Dried oregano is the single best substitute for pasta sauce — use half the amount called for since it's more concentrated than a blend. For a fuller flavor, add a pinch of dried basil and a bay leaf while simmering.
What can I substitute for Italian seasoning on pizza?
Pizza seasoning is the obvious swap. Otherwise, dried oregano plus a pinch of garlic powder and red pepper flakes mimics the classic pizza flavor. Use ½ teaspoon per cup of sauce.
Can I leave out Italian seasoning entirely?
In long-simmered sauces with good tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, you can get away without it. In drier preparations like seasoned breadcrumbs, grilled chicken, or focaccia, the herbs make a meaningful difference to the overall aroma and flavor.
Can I make my own Italian seasoning at home?
Yes. Mix 2 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp dried basil, 1 tbsp dried thyme, 1 tbsp dried marjoram, 1 tsp dried rosemary (crushed). Store in a jar for up to a year. This makes about ¼ cup of seasoning.
Is Italian seasoning the same as pizza seasoning?
They are very similar. Pizza seasoning often includes more red pepper flakes and garlic powder, while Italian seasoning is a purer herb blend. They are interchangeable in most recipes.