Fresh and dried herbs
Substitutes for thyme
How to swap fresh and dried thyme, and what to use when you have neither. Thyme dries well, so dried works in most cooked dishes.
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In place of fresh thyme
Dried thyme
- How much
- 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much)
- How
- Crumble it between your fingers and add it early, with the liquid or the onions, so it has time to soften and give up its flavor.
- What changes
- Earthier and a little less bright, but dried thyme holds up well in soups, stews and roasts.
-
In place of dried thyme
Fresh thyme
- How much
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh for each 1 tsp dried (three times as much)
- How
- Add most of it near the end of cooking and a little more just before serving.
- What changes
- Brighter and more lemony. Strip the leaves and toss out the woody stems.
-
In place of fresh thyme
Fresh oregano or marjoram
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- Oregano is stronger; marjoram is sweeter and milder.
- Best in
- Roasts, soups, sauces.
-
In place of fresh thyme
Fresh rosemary
- How much
- Half as much
- What changes
- Piney and stronger.
- Best in
- Roast chicken, potatoes.
-
In place of dried thyme
Italian seasoning or dried marjoram
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- Close; Italian seasoning adds oregano and basil.
- Best in
- Soups, stews, roasts.
Good to know
- A rough guide for leaves: 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs, 1 tsp dried, ½ tsp ground (for herbs sold ground).
- A sprig of fresh thyme gives roughly ½ tsp leaves.
Simmerbee recipes with thyme (46)
- Air Fryer Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Buttery Rice Pilaf
- Cajun-Style Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
- Cheddar-Topped Beef Cottage Pie
- Classic Chicken Pot Pie
- Classic Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
- Classic French Onion Soup
- Classic Herb Bread Stuffing
- Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Classic Homemade Chicken Stock
- Classic Lamb Shepherd's Pie
- Classic Oven-Braised Beef Stew
- Classic Stovetop Ratatouille
- Coq au Vin with Chicken Thighs
- Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
- Creole-Style Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
- Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast
- Garlic Mustard Herb Pork Loin Roast
- Herb Butter Roast Chicken
- Herb-Butter Roast Turkey
- Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast
- Homemade Vegetable Broth
- Honey Thyme Roasted Carrots
- Juicy Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts
- Lemon-Herb Roast Leg of Lamb
- Lemony Vegetable Lentil Soup
- New England Clam Chowder
- One-Pot Hoppin' John for New Year's Day
- Oven-Braised Holiday Brisket with Onions
- Oven-Roasted Jerk-Inspired Chicken
On those recipes, tap Swaps next to the ingredient for the short version.