Perhaps you’re getting ready to whip up a recipe and need rosemary. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can likely get away with dried rosemary. But what happens if you don’t have either one or the taste of rosemary in any form doesn’t agree with you? Don’t worry. These 25 best substitutes for rosemary can help!
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Table of Contents
About Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb with a piney, citrusy taste that is often used in Mediterranean dishes. It adds more complexity to any savory recipe.
Dried vs. Fresh Rosemary
Dried rosemary has more of a sharp and piney flavor, along with a texture that can be a bit intrusive. Fresh rosemary pops with more of those citrusy flavors and you need less of it for a recipe compared to the dried varieties.
Rosemary Nutrition
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L) is not just a flavor enhancer. It’s a source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, contributing to overall health and wellness.
A double-blinded randomized controlled trial concluded that consuming 500 mg of rosemary improves retrospective memory, perspective, and sleep quality. In addition, it was found to reduce depression and anxiety in participants [1].
Another study showed that consuming 4 grams (2 tsp) of rosemary in 150ml (2/3 cup) of water daily resulted in less burnout [2].
The List: 25 Best Rosemary Substitutes
When you need a stand-in for rosemary in your recipes, these 25 best rosemary substitutes can help.
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- Fresh Rosemary: Using fresh rosemary to substitute dried rosemary is a great choice. You’ll also need less of it to impart its distinctive flavors.
- Dried Rosemary: Conversely, if your recipe calls for fresh rosemary but you only have dried, add it during the cooking process and reduce the amount called for by 1/3rd.
- Fresh Sage: Sage is the next best option, though since this herb is strong, you shouldn’t add more than you would of fresh rosemary.
- Dried Sage: Dried sage has an even stronger taste, which is why I advise only using about ¼ of the amount in dried sage to replace rosemary in your recipe.
- Fresh Thyme: Perfect for savory roast dishes, thyme can absolutely replace your rosemary. The flavor of fresh thyme is quite close to that of fresh rosemary, too.
- Dried Thyme: Dried thyme won’t overpower things, but it will give your dish that extra depth that rosemary would have provided if you added it to your dish.
- Fresh Marjoram: Fresh marjoram is a great rosemary substitute if you’ve gone to the store and they’re all out of rosemary. It’s savory and has similar flavors that will keep the balance in your meal.
- Dried Marjoram: Like fresh marjoram, dried marjoram can also work. If you don’t have time to run to the store, check your spice rack for this herb.
- Fresh Oregano: Woodsy oregano can also be a nice choice when you need a rosemary substitute. You’ll amplify those savory flavors with ease!
- Dried Oregano: Like the fresh variety, dried oregano is a great option. For both dried or fresh varieties, you can make a 1:1 swap. (Here are the best oregano substitutions if you’re wondering!)
- Fresh Tarragon: The aromatic licorice-like flavor of fresh tarragon will give your dishes a different distinction from rosemary, but it can certainly work as a replacement.
- Dried Tarragon: Similarly, relying on the dried tarragon in your spice rack can also help elevate the taste when you add it during the cooking process. (Here are the best tarragon substitutions if you’re looking for them!)
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is a little sweeter and peppery in flavor, though when looking to add herbs to substitute for rosemary, it’s a great option.
- Dried Basil: If you’re looking to replace rosemary because you find it overpowering, dried basil will give you a different flavor profile, though one that serves to elevate your meal. (If you are looking for the best basil substitutions, here they are.)
- Fresh Summer Savory: Subtle and peppery with undertones of mint, fresh summer savory can help make your soups and main dishes soar with spectacular taste.
- Fresh Winter Savory: This fresh herb is more peppery than the summer savory, ideal for adding subdued flavor instead of rosemary.
- Dried Savory: Dried savory is a fantastic choice when you’re going to make soup or any dish that requires using liquids. It will help open up the aromas of this herb.
- Fresh Italian Parsley: If your dish will work with the bright and clean flavors of fresh Italian parsley, you should add it at the end of your cooking time.
- Fresh Curly Parsley: Sharper in taste than Italian parsley, this one isn’t the best swap for rosemary as it lacks that flavor profile you need. However, if you’re looking to add a hit of fresh herbs, it can do the trick, especially as a garnish. (Here are the best parsley substitutions.)
- Dried Curly Parsley: As in with using fresh parsley varieties for rosemary, you won’t be getting the same flavor. Dried curly parsley can help when you need to add some herby notes to your dish.
- Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is known for its bright, grassy, and slightly sweet flavor notes, and while it won’t be an exact match to what rosemary can do, it can still perk up your meal.
- Dried Dill: Dried dill also works, but again, dried herbs are best when added during the cooking process. (Here are the best substitutes for dill.)
- Herbes de Provence: This French herb blend also contains rosemary, so it may not be too far off the mark for the flavors you want to achieve in your recipe
- Italian Seasoning: Just like its French counterpart, Italian seasoning will also have a blend of herbs that includes rosemary, making it a good substitute for rosemary.
- Bay Leaf: Bay leaves are floral and woody, which can bode well as a replacement for rosemary. However, it would not be ideal if you needed rosemary to be topped onto your dish, as bay leaves should be cooked with your food to release their savory flavors.
Servings Suggestions
Not sure where you can use rosemary or even any of its potential substitutes? Check these ideas out!
- Soups & Stews: Add either fresh or dry rosemary or thyme to your soups and stews like Lentil Soup Recipe and Traditional Minestrone Soup.
- Seasonings: Rosemary is so distinctive that a little bit can add a distinctive pop to anything, such as this Vegan Popcorn Flavoring.
- Sides: Vegetable dishes become even more delightful when they have rosemary added in. I love its robust flavor in these Crispy Rosemary Fries, Baked Home Fries, and Roasted Asparagus recipes.
- Drinks: Make your drinks more unique with a sprig of rosemary in your next batch of Homemade Lemonade, or make this rosemary-infused Grapefruit Water.
Storage Tips
Keeping your herbs in prime condition is the best way to ensure they uphold their flavors. Here’s the best way to keep your rosemary:
- Fresh Rosemary: Wrap fresh rosemary loosely with a slightly damp paper towel. You can then put them in a plastic bag and keep them in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Dried Rosemary: Dried rosemary will last longest when you keep it in a glass jar tucked in a dark, cool location, such as inside your kitchen cabinets.
FAQ
Dried rosemary, marjoram, thyme, or even herbs de Provence are some of the best options you can use.
Thyme, tarragon, and savory are all remarkably similar to rosemary.
Yes, especially if you think rosemary might be a bit too powerful for what you’re making. Basil’s sweet, earthy flavors will be a nice addition to any meal.
If you need to use both rosemary and thyme, it might be ideal to reach for your Italian seasoning. It will contain both of these herbs and a few others, making a wonderful match that your taste buds will surely appreciate.
Final Words
When you’re in need of a rosemary substitute, it’s good to know that you have so many potential substitutes. Whether you’re all out of rosemary or just don’t care for it, try one of these options in your recipe!
Reference
[1] Nematolahi, P., Mehrabani, M., Karami-Mohajeri, S., & Dabaghzadeh, F. (2018). Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on memory performance, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in university students: A randomized clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 30, 24–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.11.004
[2] Mehrabi, T., Gorji, S., Zolfaghari, B., & Razmjoo, R. (2015). The effect of Rosmarinus herbal tea on occupational burnout in Iran Chemical Industry Investment company employees. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 20(4), 460–464. https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-9066.161004
