All About Dried oregano
Your complete guide to dried oregano - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
Best Substitutes for Dried oregano
Don't have dried oregano? Try these alternatives in your recipes.
Common all-purpose substitutions that work in most recipes where dried oregano is called for.
Dried Marjoram
Marjoram is very closely related to oregano with a similar but slightly milder, sweeter, and less pungent flavor. It's often the best substitute.
Dried Thyme
Thyme offers an earthy, slightly minty, and robust flavor that complements many dishes where oregano is used, especially in Mediterranean cuisine.
Italian Seasoning
This blend typically contains oregano along with other herbs like basil, marjoram, rosemary, and thyme. Use if the other herbs in the blend are suitable for your dish.
Dried Basil
Basil has a sweeter, peppery, and slightly minty flavor profile different from oregano, but it's a staple in many Italian and Mediterranean dishes and can work in a pinch.
Specifically for savory baking applications like focaccia, savory muffins, breadsticks, or pizza dough.
Dried Marjoram
Its milder, sweet notes blend beautifully into savory baked goods without overpowering other flavors.
Dried Thyme
Provides an earthy, herbaceous backbone that works well in savory breads and pastries, complementing cheeses and tomatoes.
Italian Seasoning
A convenient blend that often includes oregano and other complementary herbs, perfect for adding an overall Mediterranean flavor to baked goods.
Dried Basil
Its slightly sweet and peppery notes are excellent in tomato-based savory bakes like pizza crusts or savory tarts.
For general cooking applications such as sauces, stews, marinades, roasted vegetables, and meats.
Dried Marjoram
The closest flavor match, providing a slightly milder, sweeter take on oregano. Excellent in tomato sauces, poultry, and vegetable dishes.
Dried Thyme
Robust and earthy, thyme stands up well in slow-cooked dishes, stews, roasted meats, and hearty vegetable preparations.
Fresh Oregano
3:1 (fresh to dried) ratio
If fresh is available, it provides a brighter, more pungent flavor. Use three times the amount of fresh oregano for dried. Chop finely before adding.
Italian Seasoning
A versatile blend for many savory dishes, especially those with an Italian or Mediterranean influence like pasta sauces, soups, and marinades.
Dried Basil
While distinct, basil's sweet and peppery notes can enhance many dishes where oregano is used, particularly those with tomatoes, garlic, or olive oil.