7 Best Herbs De Provence Substitutes (+ Make Your Own)

Herbs from Provence, also known as Herbs de Provence is a blend of dried herbs that originated in the Provence region of southeast France. The exact ingredients in the blend can vary, but it typically includes a combination of savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sometimes lavender flowers. Some blends may also contain other herbs such as basil, tarragon, bay leaves, fennel, or sage.

The herbs are commonly used in French cuisine, particularly in dishes from the Provence region, such as ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and grilled meats. They can also be used to flavor roasted vegetables, soups, stews, and sauces. The blend of herbs is known for its aromatic and savory flavor, with a slightly floral note from the lavender.

Recently I found myself in a pinch and could not find any at my grocery store, so I had to improvise. Below are my top alternatives for Herbs from Provence

Herbs From Provence substitutes

Best Herbs From Provence Substitutes

1. Italian seasoning blend

The most common substitute for herbs de Provence that I like is Italian seasoning. This was actually the substitute that I used in my own kitchen recently. They both contain a similar blend of herbs, although the exact composition may differ. Italian seasoning blend typically contains a mix of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes garlic and red pepper flakes.

While Italian seasoning blend does not contain savory and lavender, which are commonly found in Herbs de Provence, it can still provide a similar flavor profile and be used in similar dishes, such as roasted vegetables, meats, or in tomato-based sauces. However, keep in mind that the overall taste may differ slightly, so you may need to adjust the quantity of the seasoning and other ingredients to achieve the desired flavor.

2. Dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano

To substitute for Herbs de Provence using dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano, you can use the following ratio as a starting point:

  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Mix these herbs together in a bowl or a mortar and pestle and use the mixture as a substitute for Herbs de Provence in your recipe.

Keep in mind that this blend does not include savory or lavender, which are typically found in Herbs de Provence. To add a touch of floral notes, you can consider adding a pinch of dried lavender flowers to the mixture. Alternatively, you can also add other herbs to the blend, such as marjoram, basil, or tarragon, to better replicate the flavor of Herbs de Provence.

Adjust the quantity of the herb blend according to your taste preference and the recipe requirements.

3. Dried basil, thyme, and oregano

Here’s your ratios for this option, give it a shot:

  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano

Mix these herbs together in a bowl or a mortar and pestle and use the mixture as a substitute for Herbs de Provence in your recipe.

Keep in mind that this blend does not include savory or rosemary, which are typically found in Herbs de Provence. To add a touch of savory, you can consider adding a pinch of dried savory to the mixture. Additionally, you can also add other herbs to the blend, such as marjoram or tarragon, to better replicate the flavor of Herbs de Provence.

Adjust the quantity of the herb blend according to your taste preference and the recipe requirements.

4. Dried thyme and rosemary

Dried thyme and rosemary can be a good substitute for Herbs de Provence as both herbs are commonly found in the blend. However, keep in mind that this blend does not include other herbs that are typically found in Herbs de Provence, such as savory, oregano, and sometimes lavender.

To make a blend of dried thyme and rosemary to substitute for Herbs de Provence, you can use the following ratio as a starting point:

  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons dried rosemary

Mix these herbs together in a bowl or a mortar and pestle and use the mixture as a substitute for Herbs de Provence in your recipe.

If you want to add a touch of lavender, you can also consider adding a small amount of dried lavender flowers to the mixture. Additionally, you can also add other herbs to the blend, such as oregano, marjoram, or tarragon, to better replicate the flavor of Herbs de Provence.

Adjust the quantity of the herb blend according to your taste preference and the recipe requirements.

5. Dried savory, thyme, and rosemary

Here’s another solid combo that you can try:

  • 2 tablespoons dried savory
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

Add a dash of lavender or other herbs, you can also consider adding a small amount of dried lavender flowers or other herbs, such as oregano, marjoram, or tarragon, to better replicate the flavor of Herbs de Provence.

6. Dried thyme, tarragon, and marjoram

  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram

If you want to try this combination, here are your ratios:

7. Dried basil, marjoram, and thyme.

Last one- give these 3 a try with the following ratios:

  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

How to Make your own Herbes De Provence

Making your own Herbs de Provence at home can be a fun and super rewarding! All you need is a few common herbs and a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to make a flavorful blend that can be used to enhance the taste of your favorite dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons dried savory
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Gather Your Ingredients: Make sure all your dried herbs are of good quality. If you have access to fresh herbs, you can dry them yourself or use them directly in the blend.
  2. Mixing the Herbs: In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, rosemary, savory, oregano, marjoram, and any optional herbs like basil and lavender.
  3. Crushing the Herbs (Optional): If you prefer a finer blend, you can use a mortar and pestle to crush the herbs slightly. This helps release more of the flavors.
  4. Storage: Once you have mixed your herbs, store the blend in an airtight container. A glass jar or a spice jar with a tight-fitting lid works well.
  5. Labeling: Don’t forget to label your Herbes de Provence container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
  6. Usage: Use Herbes de Provence in various dishes like roasted meats, grilled vegetables, soups, stews, and more. It adds a fragrant and savory flavor to your dishes.

Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your personal taste preferences. The beauty of making your own herb blends is that you can customize them to your liking. Enjoy experimenting with different ratios until you find the perfect blend for your palate.

Not only does making your own blend give you control over the quality and freshness of the herbs, but it can also be a fun and creative process to experiment with different ratios and combinations of herbs.

Plus, once you have your own blend, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences and culinary needs. Overall, making your own Herbs de Provence at home is a simple and satisfying way to elevate the flavor of your dishes.

About Rachelle

Hi, I'm Rachel! I love cooking and finding new recipes but was always missing one of the ingredients in my kitchen. I created Can I Substitute? for people like me who are one substitute away from a great meal. If you're looking for great ingredient substitutes you've come to the right place. Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.