I was in the middle of making my signature dish, Ratatouille when disaster struck; I found I didn’t have any Herbes de Provence.
Instead of panicking, I consulted the pantry for ideas. I didn’t want to have to run to the store.
Long story short, I ended up using a combination of thyme, basil, and oregano. Though I wasn’t sure what the ratio should be, I just eye-balled it and went with what looked right.
It turned out delicious! The dish was full of flavor and smelled amazing. I was so proud of my improvisation skills.
I believe that lack is life’s way of keeping you creative. It’s about you and what you have on hand.
So, if you don’t have any Herbes de Provence on hand? You should know that there are many substitutes you can use.
That’s why I wrote this blog post for you.
Substitutes for Herbes De Provence
- Italian Seasoning
- Italian Sausage Seasoning
- Herbes de la Garrigue
- Fines Herbes
- Pizza Seasoning
- DIY Herbes De Provence
Italian Seasoning
This is a wonderful all-around seasoning that can be used in a lot of different dishes. As a matter of fact, it is your best bet for a Herbes de Provence substitute. This is because it has oregano, thyme, marjoram, basil, savory, and rosemary. These are all ingredients contained in Herbes de Provence.
The ratio for this substitute is a one-to-one ratio. If truth be told, lavender is the only ingredient in Herbes de Provence, which Italian seasoning does not have.
When using Italian seasoning as a substitute, know that the lavender part is entirely up to you. You may choose to go without it if you want. You may even buy the versions of Italian seasoning that also comprise red chili flakes and garlic powder if you’re the type who likes it spicy.
However, when you add additional ingredients or use versions that include over-the-top components, then you can’t use a 1:1 ratio anymore. In this instance, I recommend that you start with a little amount and work your way up until you achieve the perfect flavor for you.
I’ve used this combination in chicken dishes, roasted vegetables, stews, and soup. It’s a very versatile seasoning. I particularly find it a great addition to salad dressings and a gamechanger in my grilled foods.
If you’re averse to store-bought or ready-made products and would like to make your own Italian seasoning as a substitute for Herbes de Provence, you’ll need some basil, cilantro, rosemary, marjoram, savory, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Make sure that you use the dried version of all your ingredients.
Alternatively, you can try to make it with garlic powder, Italian parsley, onion powder, or kosher salt for a contrasting taste. It’s entirely up to you and what you have on hand.
Once you’ve added all of these ingredients, process them together in a food processor until smooth. Pour the mixture into a jar or other airtight container and refrigerate it.
Italian Sausage Seasoning
This is another great option, as it contains all the same herbs in Herbes de Provence – sage, thyme, oregano, rosemary – but with the addition of fennel and red pepper flakes, it has a bit more kick.
So, once again you have all of the key ingredients in Herbes de Provence, except for lavender. You even have the entire Italian seasoning, we previously talked about, in this option. This should not shock you. They are almost the same thing, except for some added ingredients.
The fennel, according to many reports, is a wonderful replacement for lavender because it has a similar flavor to it, which is one of the major components in Herbs de Provence.
Italian sausage seasoning is great on pasta, bread, and poultry. I’ve used this combination when roasting chicken and it turned out amazing! The skin was crispy and the meat was juicy and full of flavor.
However, most people prefer it in traditional Italian-American meals like pizza, meatballs, cheese, or chicken Parmesan. It adds an interesting twist to olive oil for dipping bread or a salad vinaigrette.
The ratio for this substitute is also a one-to-one ratio. So, if the recipe calls for one tablespoon of Herbes de Provence, you would use one tablespoon of Italian sausage seasoning.
Herbes de la Garrigue
This is a classic French spice blend that is very similar to Herbes de Provence. It’s a great combination of marjoram, thyme, oregano, rosemary savory, and so on. That’s not all. Sage, mint, and lavender are also included in the blend. Amazing, I know.
You can find Herbes de la Garrigue in most supermarkets these days or you can make your own version at home. To make your own, you will need:
- Two parts thyme
- One part oregano
- One part rosemary
- One part savory
The ratio for this substitute is also a one-to-one ratio. Thus, substitute one tablespoon of Herbes de la Garrigue for one tablespoon of Herbes de Provence.
I’ve tried this blend on multiple occasions and found it to be revolutionary when added to fish, chicken, vegetables, grilled meat, or vinaigrette. I’ve even used it to make a quick and easy pasta dish. I also went as far as using it to season soups and stews. They all turned out delicious.
Fines Herbes
Fines Herbes is yet another great substitution for Herbes de Provence. This spice is a blend of chopped fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil. You can go buy it in the store or you can make it at home with:
- One-quarter part parsley
- One-quarter part chives
- One-quarter part tarragon
- One-quarter part chervil
The ratio for this substitute is also a one-to-one ratio. Substitute one tablespoon of Fines Herbes for one tablespoon of Herbes de Provence.
This substitute has a distinct flavor. As a result, you will need to strive for balance in your application of it. Furthermore, while Herbes de Provence is always sold as a dried mix, Fines Herbes occasionally appears as a fresh combination of plants.
So, if you’re using the substitute, make sure you use the dried version. This is because Fines Herbes in fresh form may not be appropriate for recipes that require a longer cooking time.
I tend to use it in omelets, quiches, scrambled eggs, soups, and other recipes. It’s also been used in chicken, fish, and vegetable dishes as a seasoning. It’s a wonderful all-purpose spice blend that brings a special aroma to a variety of meals.
If you’re a newbie when it comes to this spice, I advise beginning with salad dressings and other meals that don’t need a lengthy cook time. Also, you can add it to your soup after you have already simmered it.
Ultimately, it would be safest for you to begin with a little amount and increase the quantity as required.
Pizza Seasoning
If you cannot find any of these substitutes, I’m almost certain you’ll be able to find some pizza seasoning.
Similar to Italian seasoning, but much more flavorful and with a spicy kick, this blend is an ideal alternative for Herbes de Provence.
You can use it as a dry rub on meats or poultry before grilling, roasting or baking, or in vegetables. You can also use a 1:1 ratio for this substitute.
This spice has rescued me on so many occasions. I’ve used it in everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies to homemade pizzas. It’s a fantastic all-purpose seasoning that may be used in a wide range of meals. And it delivers all the time.
However, there are complications when it is used in any recipe that specifically calls for Herbes de Provence. In which case you would need to begin with small amounts while carefully considering the other ingredients in your recipe. Consequently, you may go on until you achieve the desired taste.
DIY Herbes De Provence
If you want to get really creative, you can make your own Herbes de Provence substitute by mixing:
- Two teaspoons of dried thyme
- One teaspoon of dried oregano
- One teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Half a teaspoon of dried savory
This is a great blend to have on hand at all times. I use it in so many recipes, from chicken and fish to pasta dishes and soups. It’s also fantastic on grilled meats, roasted veggies, and in soups and stews.
I’ve found that I enjoy making my own spice blends. It’s a fun activity that allows me to be creative and I get to save some money in the process.
When you use this substitute, use a 1-to-1 replacement. I honestly encourage you to experiment with the different substitutes until you find the perfect one for your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Question
What is Herbes de Provence used for?
Herbes de Provence is most commonly used in French cuisine. It is often used to flavor roasted meats and vegetables. The herbs can also be used in soups, stews, sauces, and salad dressings.
What is in McCormick Herbes de Provence?
McCormick’s Herbs de Provence blend includes thyme, basil, rosemary, sage, and oregano.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs as a substitute for dried herbs. The ratio is typically three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
Conclusion
There you are! These brilliant substitutes for Herbes de Provence can easily swap out the classic French spice for something that tastes similar.
So don’t be afraid to experiment with these substitutes in your cooking. I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Now, go do wonders in the kitchen! And don’t forget to enjoy the process. Cooking is meant to be fun, after all. 😉