10 Unexpected Substitutes for Dried Dill (That Taste Just as Good!)

If you're reaching for the dried dill in your spice rack only to find it’s missing—or worse, expired—you might feel a little lost. Dill has a unique flavor: grassy, citrusy, and slightly anise-like. It brings that fresh, herbal zing to pickles, soups, dressings, and seafood dishes. But don’t worry—there are plenty of substitutes for dried dill that can rescue your recipe and maybe even surprise you with new flavors.

Table of Contents

• What Is Dried Dill?
• Why You Might Need a Substitute
• Top 10 Substitutes for Dried Dill
• Substitute Comparison Table
• How to Use These Dill Alternatives
• Buying Guide for Best Spice Alternatives
• Final Thoughts

What Is Dried Dill?

Dried dill is the dehydrated version of fresh dill weed, a feathery green herb commonly used in Mediterranean, Scandinavian, and Eastern European cuisines. Its flavor profile is bright and aromatic, with hints of lemon, anise, and parsley. It's often paired with cucumbers (hello, dill pickles!), potatoes, yogurt sauces, and fatty fish like salmon or trout.

When recipes call for dried dill, they usually expect a more concentrated flavor compared to fresh dill, which fades quickly when cooked. But if you're out of dried dill, there are several herbs and spices that can step in and do the job just fine—depending on the dish, of course!

Why You Might Need a Substitute

You might need a substitute for one of these common reasons:

• No dill in stock: Ran out during a cooking session? We’ve all been there.
• Personal preference: Not everyone loves dill’s distinctive taste.
• Allergies or sensitivities: Rare but possible.
• Cooking for others: Wanting to avoid strong flavors for guests or family members who aren’t fans.
• Creative experimentation: Looking to try something different without compromising the dish.

Top 10 Substitutes for Dried Dill

1. Fennel Seed (Use sparingly): Offers a licorice-like flavor similar to dill. Great in breads and meat dishes.
2. Tarragon: Slightly sweet and anise-flavored. Works well in creamy sauces and seafood.
3. Fresh Dill: If you have fresh dill, you can use 3 times the amount of dried called for in the recipe.
4. Parsley Flakes: Milder in flavor but adds color and texture. Good for garnish or light seasoning.
5. Caraway Seed: Earthy and slightly bitter. Works best in breads and stews.
6. Anise Seed: Very similar to fennel, but stronger. Use sparingly to mimic dill’s sweetness.
7. Coriander Powder: Citrusy and earthy. Great in spice blends or marinades where dill plays a background role.
8. Cumin: More robust and smoky. Use only if you’re going for a Middle Eastern twist.
9. Chervil: Mild and anise-like. Perfect for delicate dishes like omelets or sauces.
10. Thyme (Lemon Thyme preferred): Adds brightness and a hint of citrus. Ideal for roasted vegetables or meats.

Substitute Comparison Table

Substitute	Flavor Profile	Best Used In	Substitution Ratio	Notes
Fennel Seed	Sweet, anise-like	Breads, sausage, meat dishes	½ tsp fennel = 1 tsp dill	Mildly sweet; use sparingly
Tarragon	Sweet, licorice-like	Creamy sauces, chicken, seafood	1 tsp tarragon = 1 tsp dill	Classic French herb; great alternative
Fresh Dill	Herbaceous, bright	Garnishes, cold dishes, salads	3 tsp fresh = 1 tsp dried	Add near end of cooking
Parsley Flakes	Mild, grassy	Light seasoning, color boost	1 tsp parsley flakes = 1 tsp dill	Lacks depth but good for appearance
Caraway Seed	Earthy, nutty, slight bitterness	Rye bread, cabbage dishes	½ tsp caraway = 1 tsp dill	Bold flavor; use carefully
Anise Seed	Sweet, licorice-like	Baked goods, stews, sauces	½ tsp anise = 1 tsp dill	Very aromatic; overpowering if overused
Coriander Powder	Citrusy, earthy	Spice blends, curries, marinades	¾ tsp coriander = 1 tsp dill	Less fresh tasting but works in complex dishes
Cumin	Smoky, warm, earthy	Middle Eastern dishes, chili	¾ tsp cumin = 1 tsp dill	Strong shift in flavor profile
Chervil	Mild, anise-like	Eggs, fish, soft cheeses	1 tsp chervil = 1 tsp dill	Rare but worth finding for gourmet dishes
Lemon Thyme	Citrusy, woodsy	Roasted veggies, meats, potatoes	1 tsp thyme = 1 tsp dill	Great for freshness without the licorice kick

How to Use These Dill Alternatives

Using substitutes for dried dill depends heavily on the context of the dish. Here are some practical tips:

• For Pickling: Fennel seed or celery salt can mimic the traditional pickle flavor. Add to brine mixtures just like dill.
• For Fish Dishes: Tarragon or fresh dill work beautifully with white fish or salmon. Mix into compound butter or sprinkle before baking.
• For Soups and Stews: Coriander or lemon thyme add warmth and brightness. Add early in cooking to infuse the broth.
• For Sauces: Chervil or parsley offer gentle flavor. Stir in at the end to preserve their freshness.
• For Baking: Anise or fennel seeds are excellent in savory breads or rolls. Crush them slightly before adding.
• For Cold Dishes: Fresh dill is ideal for potato salad or tzatziki. Substitute at a 3:1 ratio.

Buying Guide for Best Spice Alternatives

If you're looking to stock up on alternatives to dried dill, here’s a guide to help you choose wisely:

1. McCormick Culinary Grade Tarragon

• Features: High-quality, vacuum-packed for freshness.
• Advantages: Consistent flavor, long shelf life.
• Use Cases: Creamy sauces, seafood dishes, vinaigrettes.
• Target Audience: Home cooks and chefs alike.
• Occasions: Everyday cooking, dinner parties, special meals.

2. Frontier Co-op Organic Fennel Seeds

• Features: Organic, non-GMO, ethically sourced.
• Advantages: Versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.
• Use Cases: Bread making, sausages, vegetarian dishes.
• Target Audience: Health-conscious and eco-friendly buyers.
• Occasions: Family dinners, weekend baking projects.

3. Simply Organic Lemon Thyme

• Features: Certified organic, sustainably grown.
• Advantages: Bright citrus undertone with herbal depth.
• Use Cases: Roasts, vegetable medleys, grilled meats.
• Target Audience: Organic food enthusiasts and spice lovers.
• Occasions: Holiday roasts, Sunday dinners, garden parties.

4. Badia Ground Coriander

• Features: Fine grind, easy to use, consistent quality.
• Advantages: Affordable and widely available.
• Use Cases: Spicy rubs, curries, lentil dishes.
• Target Audience: Budget shoppers and beginner cooks.
• Occasions: Weeknight meals, ethnic cuisine nights.

5. Penzeys Lemon Pepper Seasoning

• Features: Zesty blend with natural ingredients.
• Advantages: Adds brightness without dill’s licorice note.
• Use Cases: Grilled fish, poultry, popcorn.
• Target Audience: Those who prefer citrus-forward flavors.
• Occasions: Casual snacking, backyard cookouts.

Final Thoughts

Running out of dried dill doesn’t mean your dish has to suffer. Whether you're aiming for a close match or looking to get creative with flavors, there’s no shortage of flavorful substitutes that can save the day—and maybe even become new favorites. From the anise-like punch of fennel seed to the citrusy zip of lemon thyme, each alternative opens the door to exciting culinary possibilities.

Remember, substitutions are more of an art than a science. Start small, taste as you go, and adjust based on what your palate prefers. And if you're ever feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to combine two or three substitutes for a custom blend that makes your dish uniquely yours.

Happy cooking, and may your spice rack never run dry again!