Do you have rosemary? There’s no problem. These kitchen tested rosemary alternatives offer similar flavours and aromas in precise proportions to keep your recipes perfectly balanced.
Whether you cook Prime Rib recipes, season with seasonings, or simmer in a hearty soup, rosemary adds a distinctive pine aroma. However, if you find yourself in rosemary, there are many rosemary alternatives to it that you will use instead.
Tips to keep in mind
My #1 Tip – If you need to get used to the flavor levels of your selected ingredients, start with a quick look. You can add it at any time, but you cannot delete it.
My #2 Tips – Check out my favourite recipes using rosemary: prime ribs, racks on racks, telesmetal steaks, Italian crumbs.
Rosemary alternative
The following recommendations are listed in order of “best to worst.” We also focused on ratio recommendations and flavor profiles to help us decide which rosemary alternative would be the best.
Thyme (Overall substitute vest)
Thyme is your biggest choice when replacing rosemary. It is slightly minty and earthy, and blends effortlessly with most flavorful dishes, especially roasted meats and vegetables.
Alternative ratio:
1 tsp dried thyme = 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tsp fresh thyme = 1 tsp fresh rosemary
Best: Roasted meat, stew, potatoes, soup
Sage
The sage is similarly earthy and slightly peppery, but has a stronger herbal aroma. It works well with stuffing, poultry and delicious baked dishes.
Alternative ratio:
1 ½ tsp Dried Sage = 1 tsp Dried Rosemary 1 ½ tsp Fresh Sage = 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary
Best for: Poultry, pork, stuffing, beans
marjoram
Mild and sweeter than rosemary, Marjoram is a great alternative to delicate dishes where soft herb notes are preferred.
Alternative ratio:
1 ½ tsp dried marjoram = 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram = 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
Perfect: sauce, vegetables, chicken, light soup
oregano
Oregano is more stimulating and peppery than rosemary, but can represent a stronger, tasty recipe that requires a bold flavour.
Alternative ratio:
1 ½ tsp dried oregano = 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tablespoon fresh oregano = 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
Perfect: Lean meat, pasta sauce, grilled vegetables
Tarragon
Taragon has a slightly anise-like flavor and does not closely match rosemary, but it can be a unique alternative to creamy sauces and chicken dishes.
Alternative ratio:
1 ½ tsp dried tarragon = 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon = 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
Best for: chicken, cream-based sauce, eggs
Bay leaves
Beylelev does not accurately mimic the texture or taste of rosemary, but can bring a similar earthy aroma when simmered in soups or stews.
Alternative ratio:
1 bay leaf = 1 tsp dry rosemary (deleted before serving)
Best for: Soup, Stew, Blaze
Italian seasonings
This blend often includes rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil. It’s not a one-on-one match, but it works well with Italian-style recipes.
Alternative ratio:
1 tsp Italian seasoning = 1 tsp dry rosemary
Best for: Pasta, meatballs, marinated
basil
Basil is sweet and lacks a rosemary pineny profile, but when nothing else is available you can work with tomato-based dishes and Mediterranean recipes.
Alternative ratio:
1½ tsp dried basil = 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tablespoon fresh basil = 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
Best for: tomato sauce, salad, pizza
Caraway Seed
Caraway seeds offer a sharp, earthy flavour, but they are far from a true rosemary alternative. Use sparingly on bread or cabbage dishes. Caraway seeds should be considered a last resort.
Alternative ratio:
¼4 cups of caraway seeds = 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Best for: Bread, sauerkraut, roasted root vegetables
For quick reference, we present some more articles on food alternatives.
