The Best Fresh Thyme Substitutes For Every Use

From Grandma’s roasted chicken to a fancy herbed shortbread, fresh thyme offers a unique flavor among common herbs. But there are times when you may not have it, or you simply may not like it. When it comes to a good substitute for this versatile herb, using something else depends entirely on why you need the substitute. Luckily, you can swap in something else without sacrificing the finished dish. Here are a few suggestions to get you through a recipe without any fresh thyme.

Substitutes for Fresh Thyme

Thyme is a hard herb, meaning it grows on a semi-firm wooden stick and has a heartier quality to the leaves. The other most common hard herb that makes for a decent substitute is rosemary. Rosemary is also unique in flavor but it can almost always be used in place of thyme for both savory and sweet recipes. Conveniently, rosemary grows wild all over the South and is easy to identify, so chances are good that you can find some during a quick walk around the neighborhood.

You can also use fresh marjoram or basil. Marjoram has a similar flavor to thyme. While minty and earthy like thyme, it’s slightly sweeter. Use it in chicken or tomato-based dishes. Basil is in the same herb family as thyme and can also make a good substitute. The licorice profile makes it a standout in tomato sauces, sweet lemony dishes, and cocktails. Use about half the amount of fresh basil as you would fresh thyme since basil has a stronger flavor.

New Flavor Options

Maybe you don’t like the taste of thyme or you’re ready to try something different. Thyme isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. Rosemary is still a good substitute, but if you want to explore a different fresh herb that beautifully complements most savory dishes that include thyme, give fresh oregano a try. Fresh oregano has a strong fragrance similar to thyme, but it’s unique in its slightly bitter and robust minty flavor. Unlike most other herbs, dried oregano is rarely a good substitute for fresh oregano, so if you’re able to find the fresh stuff, use that! It’s also important to note that oregano doesn’t make an easy substitute for thyme in sweet recipes, so save it for your roasted chicken or tomatoey ragu.

All of our palates need a break occasionally. Too much of one flavor is bound to create a brief aversion, and thyme is no different. A unique species of herb that resembles thyme in flavor but is distinct in origin is lemon thyme. With some of the same earthy notes as thyme, lemon thyme has the unmistakable citrus aroma of lemon balm or lemon verbena, making it the ideal substitution for sweet recipes that you want to enhance with something more than traditional thyme. Not as bold as lemon zest and definitely not as acidic as the juice from citrus, lemon thyme offers a delicate lemony complement to the rich undertones of thyme.

Dried Thyme Substitute

While dried thyme has a stronger flavor than fresh thyme, it’s good to keep it handy. It’s a good substitute for fresh thyme, just make sure to use less. Dried Italian seasoning will also work because it has a mix of herbs with similar flavors. When using dried instead of fresh herbs, use a 1:3 ratio, so 1 teaspoon of dried thyme will replace a tablespoon of fresh.

Recipes Using Fresh Thyme

When you do have fresh thyme on hand, try a recipe that showcases the flavor. You may find that using the herb in an unexpected way, such as in a cocktail, makes you fall in love with it again. Perfect for fall gatherings, our Bourbon Apple Cider Thyme Punch gets help from a thyme-infused simple syrup that’s also delicious in iced tea. If you’re used to thyme in savory dishes, this Thyme-Cornmeal Pound Cake is a sweet option. Warm up to cozy Beef Bourguignon, which uses thyme sprigs and leaves during cooking and for garnish.

Fresh Thyme Storage

When you do buy fresh thyme for a recipe, make sure to store it properly to maintain freshness. It’s disappointing to prepare a meal only to realize the fresh herbs you bought have gone bad in the refrigerator. Not only does it put a dent in your dinner plan, but it also wastes money. Keep those herbs fresh for weeks by storing washed and dried herbs in a container or plastic bag with a damp paper towel. Depending on the herb, you can keep them right on your counter or in a warm part of the fridge, like the door. You can also freeze fresh herbs or dry them yourself to use later.