7 Herbes de Provence Substitutes That’ll Save Your Dish (And Your Sanity)

Why You Might Need a Substitute

Let’s face it—sometimes you’re in the middle of a recipe that calls for herbes de provence, and you realize your spice rack is lacking. Maybe you're out, maybe you never bought it, or maybe you're just curious what else could work.

Luckily, we’ve all been there. And lucky for you, there are some fantastic substitutes that not only mimic this French herb blend but can even make your dish uniquely yours.

What Is Herbes de Provence Anyway?

Before we dive into the alternatives, let's break down what you’re trying to replace:

• Rosemary – Woody and bold
• Thyme – Earthy and versatile
• Oregano – Punchy and aromatic
• Marjoram – Sweeter, gentler cousin of oregano
• Basil – Sweet and peppery
• Fennel Seeds – Slight licorice note (optional)

Primary Herb	Taste Profile	Best Used In
Rosemary	Strong, pine-like	Roasted meats, potatoes, breads
Thyme	Earthy, subtle lemon	Stews, sauces, poultry dishes
Oregano	Peppery, robust	Pizza, pasta, grilled veggies
Marjoram	Mild, sweet, citrusy	Egg dishes, soups, light sauces
Basil	Sweet, slightly spicy	Pesto, fresh tomato dishes, salads
Fennel Seeds	Anise/licorice flavor	Seafood, sausages, breads

Substitute #1: Italian Seasoning

This is the most obvious choice—and it works! Italian seasoning is a ready-made mix that usually includes basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It might also contain garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes, so keep an eye on those if you’re swapping 1:1.

• Ratio: 1:1
• Best For: Soups, stews, roasted vegetables
• Pro Tip: If your Italian seasoning has added salt, adjust accordingly!

Substitute #2: Homemade Blend

If you want something closer to the original flavor, making your own substitute is easy and customizable.

DIY Herbes de Provence Mix (Without Fennel)

• 2 tbsp dried thyme
• 1.5 tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried marjoram
• 1 tbsp dried basil

Mix well and store in an airtight container. Use as needed!

Substitute #3: Poultry Seasoning

This blend leans more toward savory and earthy flavors, typically including thyme, sage, marjoram, and sometimes black pepper or nutmeg. While it’s not a direct swap flavor-wise, it can still bring a warm depth to dishes.

• Ratio: 1:1
• Best For: Roasts, poultry, stuffing
• Note: May be spicier or sweeter than traditional herbes de provence

Substitute #4: Za’atar (With a Twist)

Za’atar brings a tangy, sesame-packed punch thanks to its sumac base. It’s not a direct stand-in, but if you mix equal parts za’atar and Italian seasoning, you get a unique flavor fusion that works surprisingly well in Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

• Ratio: ½ tsp za’atar + ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Best For: Flatbreads, lamb, hummus variations
• Chef’s Note: Don’t expect it to taste like the real thing—it’s more of a creative remix.

Substitute #5: Mixed Fresh Herbs

If you’ve got a garden or a farmers’ market nearby, using fresh herbs is a great alternative. Just remember, fresh herbs are milder than dried, so use about 3x the amount called for in the recipe.

Quick Ratio Guide:

• 1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh chopped

Substitute #6: Individual Herb Boosters

Don’t have a full blend? Try focusing on one or two dominant herbs based on what you’re cooking.

• Meat dishes: Rosemary + thyme
• Vegetarian dishes: Oregano + basil
• Seafood: Thyme + fennel seeds (if available)

Substitute #7: Bouquet Garni

A bouquet garni is a bundle of herbs tied together and used to flavor soups, stocks, and braises. It’s usually wrapped in cheesecloth or placed in a tea infuser. Common components include thyme, bay leaf, parsley stems, and sometimes rosemary or basil.

• Best For: Slow-cooked dishes where you don’t want loose herbs floating around
• Pro Tip: Remove before serving!

How to Choose the Best Substitute

Still confused? Here’s a quick reference chart to help you pick the right substitute based on your dish:

Dish Type	Best Substitute	Why It Works
Roasted Vegetables	Italian Seasoning	Similar flavor profile, no fuss
Grilled Chicken	Homemade Blend	Customizable and classic
Pasta Sauce	Individual Herb Boosters (oregano + basil)	Brings out tomato-based flavors
Beef Stew	Bouquet Garni	Adds depth without mess
Mediterranean Flatbread	Za’atar + Italian Seasoning	Unique, flavorful twist

Storage Tips for Herbs and Blends

Want your herbs to last longer and stay fresher? Follow these simple tricks:

• Dried herbs: Store in a cool, dark place in airtight containers. They last about 1–3 years.
• Fresh herbs: Wrap them in damp paper towels and store in the fridge, or freeze them in olive oil cubes.
• Blends: Label and date your homemade mixes for future reference.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Panic Without the Provence

You don’t need to run to the store every time your recipe calls for herbes de provence. Whether you opt for a pre-made blend, create your own custom mix, or go rogue with single herbs, you’ve got options that won’t compromise flavor.

In fact, experimenting with substitutions can lead to some unexpected flavor wins. So next time you’re stuck, grab what’s on hand, trust your taste buds, and make magic happen.

Summary Table of Herbes de Provence Substitutes

Substitute	Flavor Similarity	Best For	Notes
Italian Seasoning	High	Soups, stews, roasts	Check for added salt or heat
Homemade Blend	Very High	Any savory dish	Customize to your taste
Poultry Seasoning	Moderate	Poultry, stuffing	May add sweetness or spice
Za’atar + Italian	Low (but delicious)	Mediterranean dishes	More fusion than traditional
Fresh Herbs	High (when used right)	Light dishes, finishing touches	Use triple the amount of dried
Individual Herbs	Moderate	Specific flavor profiles	Choose based on main ingredient
Bouquet Garni	High (for slow dishes)	Stews, broths, braises	Easy removal after cooking

Final Thoughts: Spice It Up With Confidence

At the end of the day, spices are meant to be played with—not feared. Whether you stick close to tradition or venture into bold new flavor territories, substituting herbes de provence is a chance to flex your culinary creativity.

So go ahead, open that spice drawer, take a deep breath, and start mixing. You might just discover your new favorite flavor combo.