Thyme is an aromatic herb used in culinary. But what if you do not have access to it? There are a few easy options that work out when you are running out of thyme or when it is out of reach. Here is the list of six easy ways to substitute thyme (dried or fresh) in recipes.
Please remember if a recipe calls for thyme specifically then you NEED thyme and substitutions might not help to get the authentic flavors. If you still love to experiment then here are the best substitute for thyme you can use.

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What Is Thyme?
Thyme or Thymus vulgaris is an aromatic herb and belongs to the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial plant with woody, minty, and lemony flavors. Thyme adds lots of complex and intense flavors to savory and sweet dishes. It is majorly used in the Mediterranean, French, Middles Eastern, and Italian cuisine. Fresh thyme is stronger than dried but has a short life span as compared to dried one. It holds the most aroma and flavors once dried among other herbs.
This aromatic herb goes well with fish, meat, vegetables, and cheese. Thyme is a fantastic aromatic addition to soups, stews, and baking recipes. It holds heat very well while baking.
This herb is sold in sprigs when fresh, a woody stem with leaves. In recipes, it is often used in sprigs, tablespoons, or in teaspoons. If a recipe calls for a bunch of thyme that means it requires a whole sprig. You can always scrap leaves and chop them before using them.
If you have dried thyme and need to use where a recipe calls for fresh thyme. Always remember dried herbs have a strong aroma due to their essential oils, 1 teaspoon dried thyme will work for 1 tablespoon fresh thyme.
Substitute For Fresh Thyme
Thyme is an evergreen herb related to the Mint and Oregano family with an earthy aroma. It has minty, lemony, and citrusy flavors. Now when you plan to substitute thyme, first check which flavor you like to replace and then choose the best herb replacement.
Identify first which flavor part (is it the woodiness coming from thyme or its lemony/citrusy favor) you are looking to substitute in the dish.
1. Fresh Oregano
Being a relative to the oregano family, Oregano is the best substitute for thyme especially in Italian dishes like pasta, tomato-based recipes, and meat dishes. It has the same woody flavors with the hint of lemon/citrus and the best replacement in terms of flavors, texture, and aroma.
Keep in mind, oregano is stronger in tastes than thyme, so little less quantity goes well while replacing. I would like to replace 1 teaspoon of thyme with ¾ teaspoon of oregano.
2. Fresh Marjoram
You may not be able to tell by just smelling it, but Marjoram tastes very similar to thyme. It also has a strong oregano-like flavor that goes well with many meat-based and vegetable dishes. It makes a good substitute for thyme, substitute one teaspoon of marjoram for one teaspoon of thyme.
3. Tarragon
Tarragon is a bit sweeter than thyme but slightly bitter. So it does well as a substitute for thyme when making French dishes like stews or sauces! The addition of this herb can be acquired though; so make sure to taste and adjust accordingly while cooking. It makes a good substitute for thyme in chicken and fish dishes.
4. Savory
If you're craving the taste of thyme, but can't find it anywhere or have run out already then look no further than summer savory. This belongs to the mint family and carries a lot more flavor than usual and makes great substitutes for thyme in Mediterranean dishes!
Substitute For Dry Thyme
5. Dried Oregano
If you're looking for a similar substitute when cooking looks no further than dry oregano. This plant has comparable texture and flavor as its fresh counterpart. Start with half the amount required for thyme in the recipe and adjust as per taste. Dried oregano makes a great substitute for thyme.
6. Dried Marjoram
Dried marjoram makes a good substitute for thyme. Substitute an equal amount of dried marjoram for the amount of thyme required.
Spice Substitutes For Thyme
7. Herbs de Provence
Herbs de Provence is a spice blend that has thyme, rosemary, basil, and lavender in it. This spice blend can be found easily and you can use it in an equal amount of thyme required for the recipe. Since thyme is one of the ingredients in the spice blend along with other herbs that are thyme's substitutes, herbs de Provence makes a great substitution for thyme. Use in 1:1 ratio as per requirement.
8. Italian Seasoning
Italian Seasoning is a combination of dried basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and oregano with a few other spices. Though it contains thyme as an ingredient along with other dried herbs that are again used for thyme substitutes, it makes a great substitute for thyme anytime. Similar to herbs de Provence use in 1:1 ratio as per requirement.
9. Poultry Seasoning
This spice blend contains thyme, nutmeg, marjoram, and black pepper in addition to other spices like rosemary or sage with aromatics that create an incredible depth of flavors throughout every bite you take! Since it has thyme as one of the ingredients it works as an alternative to thyme. Start with a small quantity and adjust as per taste. Keep in mind it has salt as one of the ingredients so start with small and adjust.
10. Za’atar
Za'atar generally contains dried thyme, oregano, or marjoram with lemony sumac and sesame seeds. You can use za'atar as a replacement for thyme. Keep in mind do not substitute equally unless otherwise noted on label instructions due to other flavoring ingredients in za'atar. Due to sumac and sesame seeds, za'atar makes a good replacement for thyme in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Conclusion
You need to understand if a recipe calls for thyme or for authentic flavors thyme is a must-have then substitutions may not give the taste you are looking for. But these alternatives work anytime for any occasion when you don't have it. Happy cooking.
Please remember if a recipe calls for thyme specifically then you NEED thyme and substitutions might not help to get the authentic flavors. If you still love to experiment then here are the best substitute for thyme you can use.
Must-Try Thyme Recipes
30 Recipes to make with fresh thyme
Frequently Asked Questions
Any dried herb can be replaced with fresh herb. So fresh thyme is the best substitution for dried thyme. Apart from fresh thyme dried oregano, dried marjoram, Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, and poultry seasoning are a few other substitutions for thyme.
Tarragon, poultry seasoning, and herbs de Provence are good substitutes for thyme in chicken and meat recipes.
Rosemary is a substitute for thyme, oregano, and marjoram. Substitutes are interchangeable herbs that have similar properties but one will work better than the other depending on what you're trying to achieve with your dish.
Sage can be a bit woodier than thyme, but you should still try to keep it in check. If the dish requires herbs for flavor then just reduce or tone down the quantity of sage.
You can use it in place of thyme, but be careful as this will change the flavors. Basil is stronger in flavors and on a sweeter tone. Remember to taste after adding basil and adjust as per taste.
How much dry thyme to substitute for fresh or how much dried thyme to substitute for fresh is the most asked question. The simple rule for herbs substitution in dried and fresh form is 1 tablespoon of fresh herb equivalent to 1 teaspoon of dried. Because dried herbs contain concentrated flavors.
1 sprig of fresh thyme can be equivalent to 1 or 1.5 teaspoons of fresh thyme. However, it totally depends on the size of the sprig.
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Let me know in the comments if I missed any other good substitutes for thyme. Will add to the list. Thank You.
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