Oregano Substitute: 7 Best Swaps for Dried and Fresh Oregano

Out of oregano? The closest oregano substitute is marjoram, its milder cousin. Thyme, basil and herb blends also work, depending on the dish. Below are the best swaps, how much of each to use, and how to convert between fresh and dried.

Quick answer

Substitute	Use in place of 1 tsp dried oregano	Best for
Dried marjoram	1½ tsp	Almost anything; milder and sweeter
Dried thyme	¾–1 tsp	Roasts, beans, tomato sauces, marinades
Italian seasoning	1 tsp	Tomato sauces, pizza, pasta
Greek seasoning	1 tsp (watch the salt)	Meat, potatoes, souvlaki
Dried basil	1 tsp	Tomato dishes; sweeter, less earthy
Za’atar	1 tsp (contains salt and sesame)	Flatbreads, eggs, roast vegetables
Mexican oregano	¾ tsp	Chili, beans, Mexican dishes

The best oregano substitutes

1. Marjoram

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) belongs to the same genus as oregano and tastes like a softer, sweeter version of it. It’s the closest match. Use about 1½ times the amount, and add it near the end of cooking, because its delicate aroma fades with long heat. More in our marjoram guide, which also covers marjoram vs oregano.

2. Thyme

Thyme is earthier and slightly minty, and holds up well in long cooking. It’s a good swap in roasts, beans and marinades. Use a little less than the oregano. Our Greek thyme cooking guide has more ideas.

3. Italian seasoning

Most blends sold as Italian seasoning contain oregano along with basil, thyme, rosemary and marjoram, so they’re an easy swap in tomato sauces and on pizza. Check the label for salt.

4. Greek seasoning

Greek seasoning is built on oregano, plus garlic, onion and pepper. Use it 1:1 in meat, potatoes and marinades, and reduce the salt if the blend contains it. Make your own with our Greek seasoning recipe.

5. Basil

Basil is sweeter and less peppery than oregano, but it’s a natural partner for tomato. Use dried basil 1:1 in sauces, or fresh basil at the end of cooking.

6. Za’atar

Za’atar blends usually combine a thyme or oregano-like herb with sumac, sesame and salt. They bring a tangy, nutty flavour. Use it where that tang suits the dish, and cut back on other salt.

7. Mexican oregano

Despite the name, Mexican oregano usually comes from a different plant, Lippia graveolens. The US list of spices generally recognised as safe lists “oregano (Mexican oregano)” under the Lippia genus. It is citrusy and strong, so use a little less, and keep it for chili, beans and salsas rather than Greek dishes.

Which substitute for which dish

• Tomato sauce, pizza and pasta: Italian seasoning or basil, or marjoram if you have it.
• Greek salad and dressings: marjoram, or a pinch of thyme; both are good raw.
• Grilled meat and souvlaki: thyme, or Greek seasoning.
• Beans, lentils and stews: thyme or savory, added early so they soften.
• Roast vegetables and potatoes: thyme, rosemary (use very little) or Greek seasoning.
• Chili and Mexican dishes: Mexican oregano, or a mix of cumin and thyme.

Whatever you use, add dried herbs early enough to soften in the dish, and taste before adding more: it’s easier to add than to take away.

Fresh vs dried oregano

Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones. Oregon State University Extension gives these equivalents: ¼ teaspoon ground herb = 1 teaspoon dried herb = 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herb. So if a recipe asks for 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, use 1 teaspoon dried. Greek oregano is unusual in that many cooks prefer it dried, because drying concentrates its aroma. See whole leaves vs ground oregano. To dry fresh oregano yourself, see how to dry oregano.

When there’s no good substitute

In dishes where oregano is the main flavour, such as a Greek salad, lemon potatoes or a Greek chicken marinade, a substitute will change the character of the dish. They’re still good, just different. It’s worth keeping a jar of dried Greek oregano in the cupboard; browse the Greek oregano collection.

Sources

• Oregon State University Extension: Drying herbs (fresh, dried and powdered equivalents)
• US eCFR: 21 CFR 182.10, spices and other natural seasonings generally recognized as safe

Oregano substitute: frequently asked questions