Best Oregano Substitutes: Marjoram & Top Alternatives

Marjoram is the closest substitute for oregano, offering a similar Mediterranean flavor profile with a slightly sweeter, milder taste. For every teaspoon of oregano required, use an equal amount of marjoram. Other excellent alternatives include Italian seasoning (which contains oregano), thyme, basil, and summer savory, each with specific substitution ratios and ideal culinary applications.

When you're in the middle of cooking and realize you've run out of oregano, knowing the right herb substitute can save your recipe. Oregano's distinctive earthy, slightly peppery flavor is essential in Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican cuisines. Understanding which herbs can effectively replace oregano ensures your dishes maintain their intended flavor profile without compromising quality.

Top Oregano Substitutes for Home Cooks

1. Marjoram: The Closest Flavor Match

Marjoram shares oregano's botanical family (Origanum) but offers a more delicate, sweeter flavor with subtle citrus notes. This makes it the most direct substitute, especially in Italian and Greek dishes. When substituting marjoram for oregano:

• Use a 1:1 ratio (equal amounts)
• Ideal for tomato-based sauces, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats
• Best when added toward the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor

2. Italian Seasoning: The Convenient Alternative

Most commercial Italian seasoning blends contain oregano as a primary ingredient along with basil, rosemary, and thyme. This makes it an excellent substitute when you need that characteristic Italian herb profile:

• Use 1½ times the amount of Italian seasoning called for oregano
• Perfect for pizza sauces, pasta dishes, and meat marinades
• Check ingredients as blends vary—some contain garlic or red pepper flakes

3. Thyme: The Earthy Alternative

Thyme offers a more earthy, slightly minty flavor that works well in many oregano applications, though it lacks oregano's peppery kick:

• Use ¾ teaspoon thyme for every 1 teaspoon oregano
• Excellent in soups, stews, and roasted vegetable dishes
• Works particularly well in French and Mediterranean recipes

4. Basil: The Sweet Substitute

Fresh basil provides a sweeter, more floral alternative that works surprisingly well in many Italian dishes where oregano is called for:

• Use 1½ times the amount of fresh basil for dried oregano
• Ideal for fresh tomato sauces, caprese salads, and pesto variations
• Best added at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor

5. Summer Savory: The Mediterranean Option

Dried summer savory has a peppery, thyme-like flavor with subtle oregano notes, making it a traditional substitute in Mediterranean cooking:

• Use a 1:1 ratio for dried summer savory to dried oregano
• Excellent in bean dishes, stuffings, and herb rubs
• Commonly used in Balkan and French cuisine as an oregano alternative

Substitute Herb	Substitution Ratio	Best Culinary Uses	Flavor Comparison
Marjoram	1:1	Tomato sauces, grilled meats, roasted vegetables	Slightly sweeter, milder version of oregano
Italian Seasoning	1½:1	Pizza, pasta sauces, meat marinades	Complex blend containing oregano plus other herbs
Thyme	¾:1	Soups, stews, roasted meats	More earthy, less peppery than oregano
Basil	1½:1 (fresh)	Fresh tomato sauces, salads, pesto	Sweeter, more floral profile
Summer Savory	1:1	Bean dishes, stuffings, herb rubs	Peppery with subtle oregano notes

Practical Tips for Substituting Oregano

Understanding how to effectively replace oregano requires more than just knowing alternatives—it involves considering your specific recipe and desired flavor outcome. When searching for what herb is similar to oregano for your particular dish, keep these practical considerations in mind:

Consider Your Recipe Type

The best oregano substitute varies depending on your dish. For pizza and pasta sauces, Italian seasoning or marjoram works best. In Greek dishes like tzatziki or souvlaki marinades, dried dill combined with a small amount of thyme creates a closer flavor profile. For Mexican recipes, epazote provides a more authentic alternative, though it's less commonly available.

Fresh vs. Dried Herb Considerations

Remember that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh. When substituting fresh herbs for dried oregano, use three times the amount. Conversely, when replacing fresh oregano with dried alternatives, use one-third the amount. This knowledge proves essential when determining what herb is similar to oregano in your specific recipe context.

Flavor Layering Technique

For the most authentic results when you need an oregano replacement in Italian cooking, try combining two herbs. A blend of equal parts thyme and basil often creates a more complex flavor profile that better mimics oregano's distinctive taste. This approach works particularly well in tomato-based dishes where oregano's characteristic flavor shines.

When Substitution Isn't Ideal

Some recipes rely so heavily on oregano's unique flavor that substitutes fall short. Traditional Greek moussaka, certain Mexican mole sauces, and authentic Neapolitan pizza benefit significantly from genuine oregano. In these cases, consider making a quick trip to the store rather than compromising the dish's authenticity. Understanding when not to substitute proves just as important as knowing viable alternatives.

What is the best oregano substitute for pizza?

Marjoram is the best oregano substitute for pizza, offering a similar Mediterranean flavor profile with a slightly sweeter taste. Use it in a 1:1 ratio with oregano for authentic pizza flavor. Italian seasoning also works well as it typically contains oregano plus complementary herbs like basil and rosemary.

Can I use thyme instead of oregano in spaghetti sauce?

Yes, you can use thyme as an oregano substitute in spaghetti sauce, but use only ¾ teaspoon of thyme for every teaspoon of oregano called for. Thyme provides an earthy flavor but lacks oregano's peppery notes, so consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to better replicate oregano's characteristic taste in tomato-based sauces.

Is marjoram stronger or milder than oregano?

Marjoram is milder and slightly sweeter than oregano. While they belong to the same botanical family, oregano has a more robust, peppery flavor with earthy notes, whereas marjoram offers a delicate, floral sweetness with citrus undertones. This makes marjoram the closest substitute, but you may need to use slightly more to achieve a similar flavor impact.

What's the difference between oregano and Italian seasoning?

Oregano is a single herb with a distinctive earthy, slightly peppery flavor, while Italian seasoning is a blend typically containing oregano plus basil, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes garlic or red pepper flakes. Italian seasoning provides a more complex flavor profile and can substitute for oregano using a 1½:1 ratio, but check the specific blend as ingredients vary by brand.

Can I substitute fresh basil for dried oregano?

Yes, you can substitute fresh basil for dried oregano using a 1½:1 ratio (1½ teaspoons fresh basil for every teaspoon of dried oregano). Basil offers a sweeter, more floral flavor, so it works best in fresh tomato sauces, salads, and dishes where a milder herb profile is acceptable. Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor.