Best Thyme Substitutes: Top 5 Herbs to Use Instead of Thyme

The best substitutes for thyme are oregano (use 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano for every 1 teaspoon dried thyme), marjoram (use equal amounts), and rosemary (use half the amount of thyme called for). For fresh thyme replacements, oregano and marjoram work best at a 1:1 ratio, while rosemary should be used sparingly due to its stronger flavor.

Running out of thyme while cooking doesn't have to ruin your recipe. Whether you're preparing a hearty stew, roasted chicken, or a delicate sauce, knowing what to use instead of thyme can save your dish. Thyme's unique earthy, slightly floral flavor with hints of mint and lemon makes it a staple in many cuisines, particularly Mediterranean and French cooking. When you need a thyme replacement, the right substitute depends on your specific recipe and what herbs you have available in your pantry.

Top Thyme Substitutes Ranked by Effectiveness

Not all thyme alternatives work equally well in every dish. Here's how the most common substitutes compare based on flavor profile, versatility, and how closely they mimic thyme's distinctive taste.

Substitute	Best For	Substitution Ratio	Flavor Notes
Oregano	Pasta sauces, pizza, tomato-based dishes, grilled meats	3/4 tsp dried oregano = 1 tsp dried thyme	More pungent and less floral than thyme; works best in robust dishes
Marjoram	Chicken, fish, vegetables, light sauces	1:1 ratio (dried or fresh)	Milder, sweeter cousin of oregano; closest flavor match to thyme
Rosemary	Roasted meats, potatoes, hearty stews	1/2 tsp dried rosemary = 1 tsp dried thyme	Stronger, pine-like flavor; use sparingly to avoid overpowering dish
Herbes de Provence	French cuisine, roasted vegetables, chicken	1:1 ratio	Contains thyme plus other herbs; check blend for salt content
Sage	Stuffing, pork dishes, winter squash	2/3 tsp dried sage = 1 tsp dried thyme	Earthy with camphor notes; better for fall/winter dishes

Choosing the Right Thyme Replacement for Your Recipe

Understanding what to use instead of thyme requires considering your specific dish. The best thyme substitute for chicken recipes differs from what works well in soups or tomato-based sauces. Let's examine each option in detail.

Oregano: The Most Accessible Thyme Alternative

Oregano makes an excellent dried thyme alternative for soups and robust dishes. While oregano has a more pungent, slightly bitter flavor compared to thyme's delicate earthiness, it works particularly well in Italian and Mediterranean recipes. When substituting oregano for thyme, use about 25% less since oregano's flavor is stronger. This herb substitution works best in tomato-based dishes, pizza, and grilled meats where the stronger flavor won't overpower other ingredients.

Marjoram: The Closest Flavor Match

Marjoram is thyme's closest relative in flavor profile, making it the ideal fresh thyme replacement option. With a sweeter, milder taste that shares thyme's floral notes without the lemon undertones, marjoram works well in delicate dishes where you don't want the herb to dominate. Use marjoram at a 1:1 ratio whether fresh or dried. It's particularly effective as a thyme substitute in chicken recipes, fish dishes, and light vegetable preparations.

Rosemary: For Heartier Dishes

Rosemary's strong pine-like flavor makes it a good substitute when you need what to use instead of thyme in robust recipes. However, rosemary is significantly more potent than thyme, so you'll need to use less—typically about half the amount. This substitution works well for roasted meats, potatoes, and hearty stews where the strong flavor complements rather than competes with other ingredients. Avoid using rosemary as a thyme replacement in delicate sauces or light seafood dishes.

Herbes de Provence: The Convenient Blend

If you have a quality Herbes de Provence blend, it often contains thyme along with other complementary herbs like rosemary, marjoram, and lavender. This makes it an excellent ready-made substitute, especially for French cuisine. Use it at a 1:1 ratio, but check whether your blend contains salt or lavender, which might affect certain dishes. This is particularly useful as a dried thyme alternative for soups and stews where the blend's complexity enhances the overall flavor.

Practical Substitution Guidelines

When making herb substitutions when you don't have thyme, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Fresh vs. dried conversion: When replacing fresh thyme, use three times the amount of dried herb. For dried thyme replacements, use one-third the amount of fresh herb.
• Taste as you go: Add substitute herbs gradually, tasting after each addition, especially with stronger options like rosemary.
• Consider cooking time: Delicate herbs like marjoram should be added near the end of cooking, while heartier herbs like rosemary can withstand longer cooking times.
• Recipe matters: The best thyme substitute for Italian cooking differs from what works in French or Middle Eastern dishes.

When Substitutions Won't Work

Some dishes rely so heavily on thyme's unique flavor that substitutes fall short. This includes classic French dishes like bouquet garni or certain lamb preparations where thyme is integral to the dish's identity. In these cases, consider making a quick trip to the store or adjusting your menu rather than using an unsuitable substitute that might compromise the dish.

Creating Your Own Thyme Substitute Blend

For those who frequently cook without thyme, creating a custom blend ensures you always have a suitable replacement on hand. Combine these dried herbs in the following proportions:

• 2 parts marjoram
• 1 part oregano
• 1/2 part rosemary
• 1/4 part basil (optional for Italian dishes)

Store this blend in an airtight container away from light and heat. Use it at a 1:1 ratio when substituting for dried thyme. This versatile mixture works well as a thyme replacement in most savory dishes and provides a more complex flavor than using a single herb alone.

Final Thoughts on Herb Substitutions

Knowing what to use instead of thyme empowers you to adapt recipes confidently when ingredients are missing. The key is understanding each substitute's flavor profile and how it interacts with other ingredients in your dish. While no single herb perfectly replicates thyme's unique character, having multiple substitution options ensures you can always create delicious meals regardless of what's in your pantry. Remember that cooking is as much about adaptation as it is about following recipes precisely—sometimes the best dishes come from creative substitutions when you don't have the exact ingredients called for.

What is the best substitute for fresh thyme in chicken recipes?

Marjoram is the best substitute for fresh thyme in chicken recipes, using it at a 1:1 ratio. Its mild, sweet flavor complements poultry without overpowering it. Oregano also works well but use about 25% less since it has a stronger flavor profile.

Can I use dried oregano instead of dried thyme in equal amounts?

No, you should use about 3/4 teaspoon of dried oregano for every 1 teaspoon of dried thyme called for in a recipe. Oregano has a stronger, more pungent flavor than thyme, so using equal amounts may result in an overpowering taste, especially in delicate dishes.

Is rosemary a good substitute for thyme in soups?

Rosemary can work as a thyme substitute in hearty soups and stews, but use only half the amount of thyme called for. Its strong pine-like flavor can dominate lighter soups, so it's better suited for robust vegetable or meat-based soups rather than delicate broths.

What's the difference between using fresh versus dried thyme substitutes?

Fresh herb substitutes generally need to be used in triple the amount of dried herbs. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon dried thyme, you'd need 3 teaspoons (1 tablespoon) of fresh marjoram as a substitute. Fresh herbs are more delicate and should be added near the end of cooking, while dried herbs benefit from longer cooking times to release their flavors.

Can I use Italian seasoning instead of thyme?

Yes, Italian seasoning makes a convenient thyme substitute since it typically contains thyme along with other complementary herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary. Use it at a 1:1 ratio, but check if your blend contains salt or sugar, which might affect the final flavor of your dish.