Rosemary is hard to replace, but there are a few options if you don’t have this herb on hand! Here’s the best substitute for rosemary (fresh or dried) in recipes.
Making a recipe that calls for rosemary and don’t have it? Or want to substitute dried rosemary for fresh? We’ve got all the answers. Rosemary has a pungent, spruce-like flavor. It is popular in Mediterranean cuisine like Italian, Greek and French style recipes.
We highly recommend growing rosemary in your garden (here’s How to Grow Herbs). Rosemary has such a distinct flavor that it’s hard to swap it out. If you can, the best option is to run to the store and grab some! But if that’s not an option, here are a few of the best substitutes for rosemary.
Best substitute for rosemary
Note that how these options work depend on the type of recipe and how rosemary is used. Of course, it’s best to run out and grab some if at all possible.
How do I substitute dried rosemary for fresh?
One option for fresh rosemary is to use dried if you have it on hand! Caveat: Dried rosemary is very brittle and hard to bite into unless it’s cooked. It doesn’t work as a garnish like fresh rosemary would. But if you’re making a recipe where it’s cooked, here’s the conversion ratio:
- Ratio: For 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (in a cooked dish!), substitute 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. This works for any dried herbs.
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What is a substitute for Rosemary?
Rosemary is part of the ‘Lamiaceae’ mint family, the same as basil, lavender, oregano, and thyme. Three of these related herbs are part of our substitutes selection below! When cooking with rosemary, add it early in the cooking process so that the oils and flavor have ample time to be released.
Can rosemary leaves be picked, chopped up, and eaten?
Yes. Rosemary is ready to pick as soon as you have an established plant that is putting on new tips and branches. There are two parts of rosemary you can harvest, the tender new tips or the leaves. But all parts of the plant are edible. The leaves contain the most flavor and aromatic oils, and are great for cooking, teas, and many other uses.
What can I use instead of Rosemary in a roast?
This is a handy spice blend that already includes rosemary, along with marjoram, basil, oregano, sage, and thyme. Italian seasoning would make a fine substitution anywhere that dried rosemary is used but would work on a roast in place of fresh as well. Use half the amount of rosemary called for and season to taste.
Is Basil a good substitute for Rosemary?
Basil is also part of the same plant family as rosemary, oregano, and thyme. So, it makes sense to use it as a substitute because of its similar flavors. Basil is a little sweeter than rosemary. It tastes a bit like mint, pepper, and anise. It’s not quite as earthy as rosemary.