What Is a Substitute for Oregano?

What's the best oregano substitute?

Marjoram is the closest 1-to-1 oregano substitute because the two herbs are from the same plant family. Marjoram is slightly milder and sweeter than oregano, but the flavor profile is similar. Use 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.

Thyme works as a 1-to-1 swap with a more earthy, slightly minty flavor. Basil substitutes 1-to-1 too, with a sweeter, more peppery direction. For tomato-based Italian dishes, any of these herbs work without ruining the dish.

How does Mexican oregano differ from Italian oregano?

Mexican oregano is a different plant from Italian oregano (it's actually in the verbena family, not the mint family). The flavor is more citrusy and earthy than Italian oregano, with notes that pair well with chiles and Mexican spices.

For Mexican oregano specifically, regular Italian oregano is the closest substitute. Use 1-to-1, adding a small pinch of ground cumin (about 1/8 teaspoon per teaspoon of oregano) to approximate Mexican oregano's earthiness. Marjoram also works as a 1-to-1 substitute for Mexican oregano in tacos, mole, and chili recipes.

Can you use Italian seasoning instead?

Italian seasoning blends typically contain oregano, basil, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary. Use 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for 1 teaspoon of oregano in any Italian recipe. The result has more layers of flavor than oregano alone but works well in tomato sauces, pizza, pasta, and chicken dishes.

For pure oregano applications (Greek salad, oregano-rubbed lamb), Italian seasoning adds notes that might not fit. Use single herbs (thyme or marjoram alone) for these recipes. For Mexican applications, Italian seasoning isn't the right substitute because the basil and rosemary notes don't fit Mexican cuisine.

When does the oregano substitute fail?

For Greek recipes (Greek salad, souvlaki, tzatziki seasoning), Greek oregano (a specific variety) is often the defining herb. Italian oregano substitutes work but taste subtly different. Marjoram is the closest match for Greek oregano.

For pizza specifically, the dried oregano flavor is iconic. Substitutes work but produce pizza that tastes different from traditional Italian-American versions. Marjoram and thyme are the best swaps. For Mexican mole and authentic Mexican cooking, the difference between Italian and Mexican oregano matters more than for most dishes; sourcing actual Mexican oregano improves the result noticeably for these recipes.