Out of Oregano? 9 Flavorful Alternatives That Actually Work
You're mid-stir, the sauce is simmering, and the oregano jar is bone dry. It happens.
Oregano is one of those herbs that shows up in everything from Italian classics to Mediterranean salads to Tex-Mex favorites — and when it's missing, you notice. But the good news? There are plenty of easy swaps hiding in your spice rack or herb garden that can pinch-hit with flavor and save your dish.
In this post, I'll walk you through my go-to oregano alternatives (including what to use if your recipe calls for dried, fresh, or even Mexican oregano), plus when it's better to skip a swap altogether. Because let's face it — not every herb plays well in every dish.
Let's find the best oregano replacement for what you're cooking today.
Quick Substitution Chart
Need a fast fix? Start here.
| If your recipe calls for... | Use this instead | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dried oregano | Dried marjoram (1:1) | Pasta sauces, roasted vegetables |
| Fresh oregano | Fresh thyme (1:1) | Dressings, marinades, soups |
| Italian-style dishes | Dried Italian seasoning (1:1) | Pizza, lasagna, meatballs |
| Mexican oregano | Ground coriander + a pinch of lime zest | Tacos, chili, enchiladas |
| Bold, earthy flavor | Fresh rosemary (finely chopped) | Potatoes, meat rubs, stews |
| Milder alternative | Basil (fresh or dried, to taste) | Tomato-based sauces, salads |
| Citrusy undertone | Lemon thyme or savory | Fish, chicken, vinaigrettes |
Why Oregano Is So Hard to Swap (and How to Pick the Right One)
Oregano isn’t just filler — it brings a bold, slightly bitter, peppery flavor that balances rich tomato sauces, hearty meats, and spiced stews. It has Mediterranean roots and is often layered early in a recipe, not just sprinkled at the end.
Fresh and dried oregano also behave differently:
- Dried oregano is more concentrated and ideal for simmered dishes.
- Fresh oregano offers a brighter, herbal aroma and is best for dressings or quick sautés.
When choosing a substitute, consider:
- How the oregano was used in the recipe
- Whether fresh or dried is better
- If a subtle or bold replacement makes sense
Use fresh thyme or basil in uncooked dishes. Reach for marjoram or Italian seasoning blends in soups or sauces.
Fresh vs. Dried Oregano: What to Know Before You Swap
If a recipe calls for fresh oregano and all you have is dried, use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon fresh.
Dried herbs are potent and need time to bloom. Try blooming dried herbs in olive oil early in the cooking process to avoid a dull or dusty flavor.
Skip parsley as a swap — it adds green but not flavor.
Best Oregano Substitutes for Italian & Mediterranean Recipes
Use these herbs in tomato-based sauces, roasted dishes, and pasta favorites:
- Marjoram – A close cousin to oregano, with a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.
- Thyme – Earthy and bold, it works in similar recipes.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend that usually includes oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
- Herbes de Provence – A French blend for a fragrant, floral twist on Mediterranean recipes.
Tip: When I’m out of fresh oregano and using a dried substitute (like marjoram or thyme), I always bloom it in olive oil first. Just warm a little oil in the pan and stir the dried herbs in for about 30 seconds before adding your other ingredients. It makes the flavor come alive and helps avoid that dusty, flat taste dried herbs sometimes have.
Best Oregano Substitutes for Mexican Dishes
Mexican oregano is a totally different plant from Mediterranean oregano. It’s punchier, more citrusy, and has slight licorice undertones.
If you don’t have it:
- Use Mediterranean oregano and add a pinch of cumin or crushed red pepper.
- Try epazote if you can find it.
- Mix marjoram + thyme for a layered backup.
These will get you close, but nothing perfectly mimics the boldness of Mexican oregano — preserve it when you can!
Tip: If I need to mimic Mexican oregano and don’t have any on hand, I’ll add a pinch of coriander plus a bit of lemon or lime zest. The citrus edge helps brighten the dish and really fills the flavor gap — especially in taco meat or enchiladas.
Preserve Your Oregano So You’re Never Without It
Running out of oregano mid-recipe isn’t fun — but it’s preventable. If you’re growing your own or just bought a big bunch, set a little aside to preserve now and save yourself the hassle later.
Two easy ways:
- Dry it: Harvest oregano before flowering, hang bundles upside down in a cool, dry space. You can also dry oregano in the oven. Strip leaves and store in airtight jars.
- Freeze it: Chop leaves and freeze in olive oil or water in ice cube trays. Store frozen cubes in bags.
Even a small stash can save a recipe later!
Common Questions About Oregano Substitutes
It depends on the recipe, but common oregano alternatives include marjoram, thyme, basil, and Italian seasoning blends. Mexican oregano can be swapped with coriander and a touch of lime zest if needed. See our full substitution chart above for quick picks.
No herb matches oregano exactly, but marjoram is the closest in flavor — it’s from the same plant family and slightly milder. Thyme also shares earthy, peppery notes and works well in many of the same dishes.
Only in small amounts. Rosemary is much more pungent and piney, so use it sparingly. It works best in roasted dishes or marinades where its bold flavor won’t overwhelm.
Marjoram is the most similar herb to oregano in both flavor and botanical lineage. But remember — they’re not identical. Marjoram is milder and sweeter, so you may need to use a bit more to get the same impact.
Oregano Growing & Harvesting Tips
Ready to become an oregano expert? Check out my other oregano guides for the complete experience. Learn about the surprising benefits of flowering oregano in your garden, discover foolproof methods to dry and preserve your oregano harvest, explore oregano companion plants for a healthier, more productive garden, or master the basics with my complete oregano growing guide. From planting to harvesting, I've got you covered with practical advice from my decades of herb gardening!
I hope this takes the stress out of dinner! Whether you're simmering a pot of Italian comfort food or adding a finishing touch to spicy tacos, there's always a great oregano alternative — and chances are, it's already sitting in your spice cabinet.
Want to learn more ways to grow, preserve, and cook with herbs? Visit the Herb Index to explore all things oregano — from drying and flowering tips to flavor-packed kitchen projects.
Have a go-to oregano swap you love? Share it in the comments — or tag me @celebratedherb so I can share your clever herb solutions with our community!
Enjoy!
