Best Rosemary Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Rosemary in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. More delicate and herbaceous than rosemary's piney flavor. Use equal amounts but taste as you go.
Looking for the best Rosemary substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 7 reliable Rosemary replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store. The top pick is Thyme — it's the closest match for most recipes. More delicate and herbaceous than rosemary's piney flavor. Use equal amounts but taste as you go.
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Get ratios for Rosemary →All Rosemary Substitutes (7 options)
More delicate and herbaceous than rosemary's piney flavor. Use equal amounts but taste as you go.
Milder and sweeter than rosemary. Use ¾ the amount and add late in cooking to preserve flavor.
Concentrated and woodsy; use one-third the amount. Flavor is more intense.
Fine powder of dried rosemary; use one-third the amount. Disperses evenly but flavor is intense.
Blend of rosemary, basil, oregano, and thyme. Use 1:1 by volume but expect different flavor profile.
Milder and less piney than rosemary. Use about ¾ teaspoon per 1 teaspoon rosemary and adjust to taste.
Highly concentrated liquid; add drop by drop. Very potent; use sparingly.
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Tips for Substituting Rosemary
For most recipes, Thyme is the best starting point. More delicate and herbaceous than rosemary's piney flavor. Use equal amounts but taste as you go. Watching your grocery budget? Dried Rosemary is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Rosemary substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Rosemary Substitutes
The best substitute for Rosemary is Thyme. Use the same amount. More delicate and herbaceous than rosemary's piney flavor. Use equal amounts but taste as you go.
This guide lists 7 Rosemary alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Also commonly substituted
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