Thyme is one of those herbs many home cooks keep close by. Fresh thyme adds a floral, slightly peppery note to soups, stews, and roasts, while dried thyme keeps well in the pantry. If you run out or want a different flavor, the right thyme substitute can still keep dinner on track.
This guide covers seven fresh alternatives with a similar earthy character, plus four blends that work well in place of dried thyme.
Best Fresh Thyme Substitutes
Dorot Gardens Basil
Dorot Gardens basil cubes are a convenient fresh-herb substitute. They are flash-frozen, pre-portioned, and easy to drop into sauces, dressings, or soups.
Basil works best in dishes where thyme adds a sweet herbal note, like tomato sauces, baked fish, or egg dishes.
Dorot Gardens Parsley
Dorot Gardens parsley cubes add a fresh, grassy lift much like thyme does. Use them in stews, salads, or roasted vegetables when you want a bright, easy-to-measure substitute.
Oregano
Oregano has an earthy, warm, slightly bitter flavor that comes close to thyme in richer dishes. It works especially well in braised meats, pizza sauces, and bean stews. Use half as much dried oregano as thyme, then adjust to taste.
Marjoram
Marjoram is sweeter and more delicate than oregano, with light pine and citrus notes. It is one of the closest seasonings to thyme for lighter dishes like sautéed vegetables or poultry. Use it at a 1:1 ratio.
Rosemary
Rosemary brings a strong piney aroma and works best in hearty dishes like roast chicken or grilled lamb. Since its flavor is bold, start with half the amount of thyme and adjust from there.
Tarragon
Tarragon has a sweet, slightly anise-like flavor with a bit of peppery brightness. It works well in creamy dishes, poultry, fish, eggs, and salads. Use it lightly at first, especially in more delicate recipes.
Summer Savory
Summer savory has a sweet, peppery aroma that is very similar to thyme. It works well in bean dishes, grilled meats, and savory sauces. Use equal amounts in place of thyme.
Best Substitutes for Dried Thyme
Poultry Seasoning
Poultry seasoning is one of the best dried thyme substitutes because thyme is a main part of the blend. It usually includes thyme, sage, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, and a warm spice like ginger or nutmeg. Use it in equal amounts for dried thyme.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning usually includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Since thyme is already part of the blend, it works well in tomato-based sauces, meatballs, roasted vegetables, and other Mediterranean dishes. Use it at a 1:1 ratio and adjust for salt if needed.
Za’atar
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern blend often made with wild herbs, sesame seeds, salt, and sometimes sumac. Because thyme or similar herbs are often part of the mix, it works as a good dried thyme substitute. Use it on roasted vegetables, in olive oil, or as a rub for chicken.
Herbes de Provence
Herbes de Provence usually includes savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano, tarragon, basil, and other herbs. Since thyme is already in the blend, it can replace dried thyme in stews, roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and soups.
The Bottom Line.
Keeping a few thyme substitutes on hand makes cooking easier. Fresh options like oregano, marjoram, rosemary, and tarragon can step in, while blends like poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, za’atar, and herbes de Provence add extra flavor. Dorot Gardens herb cubes also give you fresh flavor without the washing or chopping.
The best substitute depends on the dish. Choose earthy herbs for hearty stews, gentler herbs like marjoram for lighter meals, or a blend for added complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Basil is sweeter and more aromatic, while thyme is earthier and more woodsy. Basil works in tomato-based sauces, pesto-style spreads, or salads, but oregano, marjoram, or rosemary are closer matches for long-simmered stews or roasted meats.
Marjoram and oregano are usually the closest seasonings to thyme. Summer savory is another good option with a similar peppery aroma.
For fresh thyme, try oregano, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon, or summer savory. Dorot Gardens’ basil and parsley cubes also work well when you want a convenient fresh-herb substitute. For dried thyme, use blends like poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, za’atar, or herbes de Provence.
Yes. A good rule is to use three times as much fresh herb as dried. When swapping one dried herb blend for dried thyme, start with the same amount and adjust to taste.