Thyme to Switch: 10 Flavorful Thyme Substitutes for Cooking

Adding thyme can make or break your dish. Even a pinch of thyme can make your dish flavorful. From roasted vegetables to soups, adding thyme can bring out a delicious taste and aroma in your dish. But what will happen if you don’t have thyme in your kitchen?

Thyme might be small, but it’s a mighty herb that elevates the taste of your dish. But don’t worry! You can have a substitute for thyme. Plenty of other fresh herbs will taste equally good, if not better, than fresh thyme.

In this post, we will learn about substitute for dried and fresh thyme, tips, and tricks on using each of the herbs to boost your dish’s flavor even if you don’t have fresh thyme on hand! But first, let’s learn a little bit about thyme. What is it and how does it taste?

What Is Fresh Thyme?

Thyme has a beautiful fragrance, and it is native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the family of fresh herbs called Lamiaceae. It has a strong, earthy aroma and has been used for decades.

Adding fresh thyme enhances the taste of any dish, but it is specially used to flavor meats, sauces, and vegetables. It also goes well with other herbs such as rosemary, parsley, fresh oregano, fresh basil, and other fresh herbs or dried herbs.

Fresh or dried thyme is not just used to add to food but also has medicinal properties that you can use for sore throat and respiratory and digestive issues. Planting thyme in your garden will give your garden a fresh smell and is often used as aromatherapy.

How Does Thyme Taste?

Depending on the variety of thyme whether it is fresh or dried thyme its taste can range from subtle to bold and intense. In easy words, you can describe this taste as slightly floral with a minty touch. You might also get a taste of lemon.

Generally, fresh thyme has a softer flavor when compared to dried thyme which has a stronger flavor profile and tends to be intense. It is also sometimes called the ‘all-purpose herb’ as you can add it to any food to enhance its flavor.

If you plan to use fresh or dried thyme in your food, add it in the last minute of cooking or if you’re using dried thyme then make sure to crush the leaves into smaller sizes and sprinkle it over your food.

How to Choose the Best Thyme Substitutes?

When you don’t have fresh thyme and are looking for a substitute for thyme, make sure you go for an alternative that has a similar taste to thyme or belongs to the same herb family. While some herbs taste similar to thyme, the flavor profile must be considered.

Fresh oregano and marjoram are two herbs that fall in the same herb family as fresh thyme. Both have a strong earthy flavor with Oregano being slightly stronger and pungent while Marjoram is slightly sweeter and milder in flavor.

10 Flavorful Thyme Substitutes for Cooking

Fresh thyme might be a fragrant herb, but there may be times when you don’t have this herb available at home. Or you want to experiment with other herbs to make your dish taste differently. So, don’t worry, as many substitutes for thyme are easily and readily available, which you might have at home, too! Let’s take a look at 10 thyme substitutes you can use for cooking your favorite dishes:

Rosemary

Rosemary is a herb native to the Mediterranean region but it is now grown worldwide due to its unlimited uses. It has needle-like leaves that are green from the top and white underneath. It also grows flowers that are pale blue to white.

Its taste is strong and piney, with a hint of citrus. When fresh, rosemary has a strong aroma. Apart from being used in food, rosemary has medicinal properties, as shown in a study by WebMD, that provide many health benefits. Making tea out of rosemary leaves helps with indigestion and inflammation and boosts memory.

If you’re looking to improve your health and feel better overall, can add celery juice to your diet. It has many benefits and is good for your health.

Rosemary is an excellent substitute for thyme as it belongs to the mint family just like thyme. You can use rosemary as a fresh herb, especially in potatoes, vegetables, poultry seasoning, and soups. You can use fresh or dried rosemary, but fresh rosemary is more flavorful and will enhance your dish’s taste.

Oregano

Oregano is a small herb shaped like an oval. They are green and fuzzy with a hairy texture. You can describe the taste of fresh oregano as a strong and pungent flavor with a slightly bitter taste.

It is a staple in the Mediterranean region but is also widely used in Italian, Greek, and Spanish dishes. Usually, where a recipe calls to give a strong taste to tomato-based recipes like pizzas and pasta and makes a great combination when used with olive oil, thyme, and basil. Dried oregano has a stronger taste than thyme, and when you want a more robust flavor, then oregano is a great substitute for thyme!

So you can use oregano for dried thyme or fresh thyme. It has a slight undertone and a peppery flavor making it a good option for dishes like pizzas and pasta. Fresh oregano tastes better but even dried oregano will work if you want to give your dish a Mediterranean region touch.

Marjoram

Marjoram, also known as sweet marjoram, is a delicate and versatile herb. It is an aromatic herb and is small with gray-green leaves. When you crush this herb it gives off a pleasant smell. Its sweet floral flavor goes well with many dishes if you want a less strong herb.

This herb is often used in the Mediterranean region and in European cuisines. Add this to replace fresh thyme to your meat, poultry, or fish to add depth to your dishes without overpowering the taste. Like many other herbs, Marjoram also has many health benefits, including relieving indigestion, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality.

On the other hand, turmeric is also a good source of food you can add to your diet with benefits for your digestive health. https://www.muffinmiracle.com/20-benefits-of-turmeric/ Marjoram is not a strong herb but it gives flavor to your dishes without overpowering the taste of other ingredients. It is commonly used in Mediterranean foods and works great for Italian seasoning and you can use it in soups, sauces, and grilled meats and you can use it as a dried herb or fresh. Marjoram will make a good option as substitute for thyme.

Parsley

Parsley is a herb known for its flavor, versatility, and nutritional benefits. It is a bright green herb with flat or curly leaves. The leaves are divided, and the aroma is fresh. There are two types of parsley. Curly leaves are parsley and flat-leaf parsley.

Parsley has a fresh, grassy flavor with a hint of peppery flavor. However, flat-leaf parsley has a stronger taste compared to curly-leaf parsley so when choosing which one to put in your food make sure to add accordingly. Again, this herb is mainly used in the Mediterranean region but you will also find Middle Eastern and European countries use it as it adds flavor. Mainly you can use this herb in salads, stews, and soups.

Parsley can be a great substitute for thyme since it gives a similar taste while retaining a flavor of its own. Parsley does not need to be cooked that’s why you can use it as dressing in salads or soups or you can add it to eggs too. It also makes a great dried thyme substitute!

Its bright green color gives your dish a fresh touch so make sure to add it in the end on top of your dish to give just the right amount of flavor and color. Are you looking for vegan birthday cake recipes? Check out this article!

Sage

Sage herb also known as Salvia Officinalis is known for its distinctive flavor and many different uses including medicinal properties. It is a small evergreen herb with a slightly wrinkled texture. It has a strong flavor with hints of mint, citrus, and eucalyptus.

Sage leave oil also contains a distinctive flavor and fragrance and you can use it in many different ways. It goes well with pork, poultry, beef, and lamb adding depth to savory recipes. You can either use fresh or dice sage leaves.

Sage is a beautiful herb with grey-green leaves however due to its distinctive and strong flavor not many people like it. Some even describe its taste as bitter and it tastes better in savory dishes. That is why it is better if you use Sage in dishes where a strong taste is required and you want to replace it with fresh thyme.

Basil

Basil is a herb that is grown throughout the year with soft and bright green oval-shaped leaves that are smooth and glossy. The basil plant either grows tall or remains a bush. Basil has a sweet flavor with hints of mint, anise and clove.

The basil essential oil also contributes largely to a distinctive flavor and taste. Basil is a staple in the Mediterranean region but is also used as Italian seasoning and Thai cuisine. You can use fresh or dried basil and pairs well with pasta, pizza, soups, and stir-fried vegetables. Fresh herbs always add a unique flavor to the food!

Basil and thyme are almost similar in taste so they are a great alternative for each other too. When you don’t have fresh basil available you can replace it with fresh thyme or the other way round. Fresh or dried basil is sweeter in taste and rich in Vitamin K and magnesium.

Tarragon

Tarragon herb is known for its aromatic qualities and distinct flavor. It is a small, bushy herb with dark green leaves. It has smooth and glossy leaves. Its taste can be described as sweet yet citrusy undertones.

Tarragon herb is popular in French dishes and pairs well with many dishes including fish, eggs, and poultry. You can either use Tarragon leaves fresh or dried. Add them to sauces and vegetables.

Tarragon makes a great thyme substitute as both herbs have a similar flavor profile. Plus, tarragon is available all year round unlike thyme so availability is not an issue either! Tarragon herbs make a great addition to dishes like sauces that go well with chicken and meats and are perfect for italian seasoning.

Savory

Savory herb refers to two types of savory. Winter savory and summer savory. Winter savory is dark green with aromatic and spicy flavor while summer savory is an annual herb with upright stems and is bright green.

Whether you’re using summer savory or winter savory both herbs are a great alternative to dried thyme. Savory has a milder flavor so you can use it in dishes where a milder taste is required. Savory tastes best when paired up with dishes like roasted chicken, roasted vegetables, or even casseroles.

Bay Leaf

Bay leaves are lance-shaped and typically dark green. They have a subtle floral taste with peppery undertones. You can either use dried or fresh bay leaves. Dried bay leaves give out a fresh aroma; however, fresh bay leaves are mild in flavor as compared to dried bay leaves.

Bay leaf provides a different taste than fresh or dried thyme but can be used to add depth to your dishes. For example, it will work great for soups, stews, and braises. It is better to remove bay leaves before serving but it does leave a lasting taste to a dish.

Chives

Chives are a delightful herb that adds flavor, color, and a unique twist to any dish. They are a member of the onion family are bright green and have a grass-like appearance. The taste is similar to the onion with a little bit of garlicky taste.

This is a versatile herb, and you can use it in many ways. It is commonly used as a garnish for soups, salads, and roasted vegetables. They taste best when used fresh, and it is better if you don’t cook this herb too much as its flavor disappears very quickly when cooked for a long time. Chives give a delicate and unique onion flavor when used as an alternative to thyme, especially if you want to add dried herbs to your food. They add a fresh and aromatic flavor to food, particularly in salads and dips.

FAQ’s

What Can I Substitute for Thyme if I Don’t Have Any?

If you don’t have thyme available many other herbs will make a substitute for thyme. It includes oregano, marjoram, basil, or rosemary.

I’m Looking for a Milder Substitute for Thyme. What Should I Add?

If you’re looking for a milder herb to replace thyme then you should use parsley or basil. Parsley and basil both have a similar flavor profile to thyme and make a great substitute especially if you’re looking for a mild taste in food.

Can I Use Dried Thyme as a Substitute for Fresh Thyme?

Yes, you can use dried thyme as a substitute for fresh thyme but do keep in mind that fresh thyme is milder in flavor while dried thyme has a stronger flavor. This is because dried herbs are usually stronger in flavor.

I’m Allergic to Thyme. What Should I Use Instead?

If you’re allergic to thyme then you can use other herbs with a similar flavor profile instead of thyme. This includes rosemary and sage but is not related to mint families. This will keep your allergies under control.

Conclusion

While thyme is a herb beloved by many people and is a staple in many kitchens there are many other substitutes for thyme that you can use to add flavor and depth to your dish. So, if you’re out of thyme, don’t be afraid to use other herbs and experiment with different flavor profiles and tastes.

Although thyme has many benefits apart from making food flavorful it is always a good idea to use other herbs in your food to check which flavor tastes best for you and your taste buds. You can get all of these herbs mentioned above from any superstore and you can grow them at home too!