Best Substitutes For Thyme

Thyme, an aromatic, minty, earthy herb, goes so well in soups, stews, and whatever protein you’re serving. But I get it; not everyone is a fan like I am. So here are ways to substitute thyme if you don’t have it, don’t like it, and can’t leave it out.

The Flavor Profile

The flavor has been described as woody, earthy, slightly minty, and lemony. For me, there’s a clove-like tingling feeling on the tongue. Fresh thyme tends to be brighter, which is great for salad dressing and adding at the end. Dried thyme is more concentrated and robust, making it better for soups, stews, and roasting meats.

That goes for the common English thyme you get at the grocery store. But if you love growing your own herbs, you can find over 300 varieties. Lemon thyme is a definite fav, while caraway thyme has an interesting caraway twist.

How to Substitute Thyme

Honestly, the flavor is similar to oregano, so if I’m out, I just add more oregano. Marjoram also does well, as does savory, which is a little more lemony and bright. Some people use parsley instead, but the flavor profile isn’t a perfect match.

If the thyme is part of a herbal blend including rosemary, basil, parsley, etc., simply increase the amount of the other herbs to compensate. For single herbs, there’s no need to change the amount as a 1:1 ratio is ideal.

To substitute fresh for dried, or vice versa, 1 teaspoon of dried herb gives the same flavor punch as 1 tablespoon of fresh herb.

Oregano is a bit more intense but is the first choice for most home cooks.
Marjoram delivers a sweeter substitute, but it has the stronger aroma that thyme is known for.
Savory is my favorite substitute because it’s pungent and citrusy.
Bay leaf is a surprisingly good substitute for thyme. It’s aromatic and minty, but not as pungent. If using a whole leaf, remove it before serving. One whole leaf can replace ½ teaspoon fresh thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried, and ¼ teaspoon ground bay leaf can replace a teaspoon of dried thyme.
Rosemary has been recommended, but the piney aroma is stronger. So if you need to use this one, reduce the amount so you don’t overpower the dish.
Herb blends that work well are poultry seasonings and herbes de Provence because they usually have thyme. Italian seasonings are also a good option.