Ever started a recipe only to realize you’re out of Italian seasoning? Don’t panic. Making your own homemade Italian seasoning substitute is quick, easy, and customizable. With just a few pantry spices, you can whip up a blend of the best Italian seasoning substitute that’s perfect for your recipes.
Homemade Italian seasoning is fresher, tastier, and more flexible than store-bought versions. It allows me to control the flavors and adjust the mix to suit my liking. I like making my own because it’s a budget-friendly way to ensure I never run out of this essential seasoning again.
Make Your Own Italian Seasoning Substitute
Making your own Italian seasoning means you get a fresher, more customizable mix with no added junk. You can adjust the ratios to suit your tastes and make it as bold or mild as you like. It’s also a great way to use up the spices you already have, saving you money and reducing food waste.
The Use of Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a go-to spice blend that works for almost any dish. It can add flavor to marinara sauce, soups, lasagna casseroles, and marinades. You can sprinkle it over chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables to take your meal up.
This seasoning is especially handy for those who watch what they eat because it improves flavor without adding extra flavorings. Try it as a pizza topper for bacon fathead pizza, or mix it into any Italian dish or recipe like carbonara, pasta sauce such as bolognese, or gnocchi tomato basil. You can even use it in homemade ranch salad dressings, the possibilities are endless.

Choosing the Right Spice Blend
The beauty of making this Italian seasoning blend is that you can customize it to your liking. While the classic mix includes basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, you can easily tweak it. For example, add a pinch of marjoram if you prefer a sweeter note. Want a smoky touch? Try smoked paprika.
The key is experimenting and finding a blend that matches your cooking style and favorite recipe. Choosing the right Italian seasoning mix can transform simple ingredients into something truly delicious.
Kitchen Gadgets Needed:
- Mason Jar: Use a small mason jar to store your seasoning. It keeps the spices fresh and makes it easy to shake and mix.
- Spoon: A regular spoon or teaspoon is all you need to measure and transfer the spices. Use this to mix everything properly.
Ingredients Needed:
- Basil: This dried basil herb adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor.
- Oregano: A classic for Italian seasoning, it provides that earthy, savory kick.
- Rosemary: Its pine-like aroma gives depth to the blend.
- Marjoram: Similar to dried oregano but milder, it rounds out the flavor.
- Thyme: Add dried thyme for a subtle herbal touch with a hint of citrus.
- Dry Garlic: Garlic powder brings a robust, savory flavor.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and enhances the overall flavor.
- Dry Chili: Use as much or as little as you like for a touch of heat.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE ITALIAN SEASONING SUBSTITUTE
First Step: Prepare All Ingredients
Gather all the dried herbs and spices you need: rosemary, marjoram, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, dry chili flakes, oregano, and basil. Measure out the right quantities for each. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor.

Second Step: Transfer All the Spices into the Jar
Take a clean mason jar or any airtight container. Carefully spoon each spice into the jar, layering them if you like a visual guide before mixing.

Third Step: Mix Everything
Using a spoon mix all of the herbs and spices. Once mixed, label your jar, and your Italian seasoning substitute is ready to use. Now you have a homemade blend that’s fresher, tastier, and free of any added fillers or preservatives.

TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use fresh, dried spices for the best flavor—older spices can lose their potency.
- Adjust the ratios to suit your preferences or the dish you’re preparing.
- Make a big batch and store it in an airtight container for months of convenience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Substitute For Italian Seasoning
If you don’t have all the ingredients to make your Italian seasoning, don’t worry. You can create a quick substitute with just a few basic herbs. Combine equal parts of basil, oregano, and thyme for a simple and effective mix.
You can also use herb blends like dried parsley and garlic powder for a slightly different flavor profile similar to Italian seasoning. These substitutions will still bring that herby goodness to your dishes.

What To Serve With Italian Seasoning Substitute?
Italian seasoning is incredibly flexible and can improve so many dishes. Sprinkle it on your crust or sauce for an extra flavor, like our rainbow pizza recipe. Add it to tomato-based soup or marinara for a rich, herby taste.
Toss zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers with olive oil and your Italian seasoning recipe for a perfect side dish.
Store your homemade Italian seasoning substitute in a clean, airtight jar. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat, to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Properly stored, your seasoning can last up to 6 months. Just shake the jar before each use to re-blend the spices.
Can I Freeze the Italian Seasoning Substitute?
Dried spices don’t require freezing to stay fresh and flavorful, so skipping the freezer is okay. Luckily, Italian seasoning doesn’t require freezing to keep fresh.
Focus on storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. If your jar is sealed and kept in a dry area, your seasoning will stay flavorful and ready to use whenever you need it.
More Tasty Ideas for You
If you love this recipe, you’ll enjoy these simple and flavorful dishes that you can try. Our super easy baked spinach stuffed chicken breast recipe is a perfect idea for a quick weekend family meal everyone will enjoy. This juicy chicken rolled in spinach and mozzarella gives you a burst of flavor in every bite.
Cold brew coffee is quick and easy, super smooth, flavourful, non-bitter, and aromatic iced coffee, which will make a difference to the hot coffee you are used to. Another cold brew that you will definitely like is our hibiscus drink, which is easy to prepare.
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Italian Seasoning Substitute
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Oregano
- 1 Tablespoon Rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon Basil
- 1 Tablespoon Marjoram
- 1 Tablespoon Thyme
- 1 Tablespoon Granulated Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Tablespoon Dry Chili
Video
Instructions
- Gather all the dried herbs and spices you need: rosemary, marjoram, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, dry chili flakes, oregano, and basil. Measure out the right quantities for each. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor.
- Take a clean mason jar or any airtight container. Carefully spoon each spice into the jar, layering them if you like a visual guide before mixing.
- Using a spoon mix all of the herbs and spices. Once mixed, label your jar, and your Italian seasoning substitute is ready to use. Now you have a homemade blend that’s fresher, tastier, and free of any added fillers or preservatives.
Notes
- Use fresh, dried spices for the best flavor—older spices can lose their potency.
- Adjust the ratios to suit your preferences or the dish you’re preparing.
- Make a big batch and store it in an airtight container for months of convenience.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Additional Spices
Feel free to experiment with these spices to make your blend truly your own. The best part of making your own seasoning is the freedom to tailor it exactly how you like it.