Top Rosemary Alternatives When You're Out of the Real Thing

The scent of rosemary wafting through the kitchen is one of the most comforting and inviting aromas. Its year-round availability makes it a go-to herb, often associated with hearty, roasted dishes, particularly in the cooler months of fall and winter.

Rosemary is easy to grow and stays fresh for an extended period, allowing you to snip off only what you need while the rest remains usable. However, if growing it yourself isn't an option, or you're unable to get to the store, don't worry—there are great alternatives you can turn to.

What Does Rosemary Taste Like?

Rosemary is a bold, aromatic herb with a flavor profile that's often described as piney, earthy, peppery, lemony, woodsy, and even minty. It has a robust and complex taste, making it ideal for pairing with rich meats, potatoes, and other root vegetables.

Top Rosemary Alternatives

When choosing a substitute for rosemary, consider what will best enhance the specific dish you're preparing with the ingredients you have on hand. The best replacement may vary depending on the recipe.

You can replace fresh rosemary with an equal amount of any of the following herbs in their fresh form. For reference, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary equals about 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, or 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary. So, if the recipe asks for 1 sprig of rosemary and you decide to use dried thyme, you would need 1/4 teaspoon of it.

Get the recipe: Grilled Lemon and Rosemary Lamb Chops

Sage

Sage has a bold flavor similar to rosemary, especially when dried or ground, with a piney, woodsy aroma. It works well as a substitute for rosemary in meat dishes featuring beef, pork, or chicken, adding an extra layer of complexity. Use fresh sage in equal amounts to fresh rosemary, but reduce the quantity to 1/4 if using dried. Remember, you can always add more, but it's hard to remove once it's in.

Thyme

Thyme is another robust herb often paired with rosemary in cooking. While it can easily stand in for rosemary, its flavor is milder and can sometimes be more floral or even minty. It's widely available in stores and, while not an exact match for rosemary, it makes a delightful addition to many dishes. Use thyme in equal amounts in poultry dishes, tomato-based dishes, or when roasting potatoes and vegetables.

Marjoram

Marjoram shares a similar flavor to rosemary, but with a distinct twist, adding a subtle citrus note. Use fresh marjoram in equal amounts as fresh rosemary, or one-quarter the amount if using dried. You can always adjust based on your preference or if your spice is a little older (since marjoram isn't one of the most commonly used herbs). Its mild sweetness with bitter undertones complements meats beautifully, and it pairs especially well with mushrooms, stews, soups, and casseroles.

Savory

Savory has a flavor somewhat akin to rosemary, but with less depth and woodiness. It's not the most commonly used herb, so you may not always have it on hand, but if you do, it's a fine substitute in a pinch. Summer savory is preferable over winter savory due to its milder and more subtle flavor. It works well with chicken or fish.

Oregano

Oregano is another aromatic, woodsy herb in the mint family. Use it in equal amounts, whether fresh or dried. Its bold, savory flavor makes it a versatile replacement for rosemary, especially in dishes with pork, beef, lamb, chicken, mushrooms, or tomato-based recipes.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a convenient blend that typically includes rosemary, along with marjoram, basil, oregano, sage, and thyme. It makes a great substitute for dried rosemary and can even replace fresh rosemary in a roast. Use half the amount of rosemary called for, and adjust to taste.

Bay Leaf

Bay leaves, from the laurel tree, are a wonderful addition to stews or hearty roasts. They offer a woody, floral flavor with underlying bitter notes. Use no more than two leaves per dish. When replacing rosemary, one bay leaf is roughly equivalent to two tablespoons of rosemary.