Marjoram Substitute

If you're on the lookout for a great marjoram substitute, I have put together this list of the best 10 alternatives! Whether you don't have it on hand, can't find it at the store, or simply want to try something new, I have an option you can use! In fact, you might already have some of these at home!

What Is Marjoram

Marjoram is an herb that is a member of the mint family. This aromatic herb has a complex flavor with woodsy and earthy notes that are balanced by a mild sweetness and a hint of citrus. Sometimes it is even referred to as “sweet marjoram.”

However, this mild sweetness acts as a balancing flavor for the more earthy flavors rather than adding a distinct sweetness to a dish. The different flavor elements of marjoram make it a versatile herb and it is especially wonderful when paired with richly flavored meats and red sauces.

Jump to:

• What Is Marjoram
• Why You Should Use A Substitute For Marjoram
• Best Substitutes For Dried Marjoram
• 1. Oregano
• 2. Thyme
• 3. Lemon Thyme
• 4. Sage
• 5. Basil
• 6. Tarragon
• 7. Summer Savory
• 8. Italian Seasoning
• 9. Herbes de Provence
• 10. Za’atar
• Fresh Herbs as Substitutes
• Fresh Majoram
• 🌿 Recipes That Use Marjoram
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Reviews

In addition, it is also a lovely flavor to add to roasted potatoes, vegetables, and dressings. Due to its versatility marjoram is a popular spice used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Italian cooking.

You will also find it used in French and German cooking.

Why You Should Use A Substitute For Marjoram

While marjoram is a popular spice in several areas around the world, it is not commonly used in the United States. Therefore, many home cooks don’t keep marjoram on hand.

In fact, it is often one of those spices that only gets picked up for a special occasion recipe.

Since marjoram is not a popular spice in American cuisine, you may not want to invest in a whole bottle. You may also find that you want to try a recipe today, but don’t want to run to the store for marjoram.

The great thing about marjoram is that while it is not popular in the United States, there are many spices that are more common and great substitutes.

Best Substitutes For Dried Marjoram

Most spices are available for cooking in both a fresh and dried form. However, most of the time marjoram is used in its dried form. Therefore, I’ve listed the best substitutes for dried marjoram below.

If you have fresh marjoram on hand though (or your recipe specifically calls for fresh marjoram) I will discuss how to use fresh marjoram in place of dried at the end of this post. Moreover, I will talk about how to use other fresh herbs as a substitute.

1. Oregano

Oregano is one of the best substitutes for marjoram because of its flavor. Moreover, it is a great substitute because it is one that most people already have in their kitchen, making it easy to grab and use at the moment. 

This herb shares similar earthy qualities in flavor and is also used in similar food pairings and types of cuisine as marjoram. You probably recognize its aroma and flavor from your favorite Italian dishes!

While similar in flavor, oregano is stronger than marjoram. Therefore, you will only want to use ⅔ to ¾ the amount the recipe calls for. If in doubt, start with less and add more to taste!

2. Thyme

While oregano is on the bolder side of marjoram, thyme is on the milder side. However, it is in the same mint family as both marjoram and oregano and shares similar flavor notes that work well as a substitute.

Thyme can be used in place of marjoram in any recipe but is especially good for roasts and stews. Due to its milder flavor, you can start with an easy 1:1 exchange. If the flavor is not strong enough, slowly add more to taste.

3. Lemon Thyme

Lemon thyme is less common to have in your spice cabinet than regular thyme. As its name suggests, it also has a more citrusy flavor profile than regular thyme. Therefore, it may not be the best substitute for every dish.

However, the citrusy flavor of lemon thyme pairs well with mild and bitter foods (like lentil beans). Therefore, you can use it as a substitute for marjoram in dishes like lentil soup. Start with ¾ the amount called for and add more if desired.

4. Sage

Sage is a spice that gets a lot of use around Thanksgiving, but not as much throughout the rest of the year. However, if you use sage for the holidays, you may have this spice ready to use at home.

The flavor of sage is a bit stronger than marjoram. However, this savory spice has citrus undertones that resemble those in marjoram and make it a good substitute in many dishes.

To avoid overpowering your recipe, begin with ½ the amount of sage that the recipe calls for in marjoram. You may find that you want more but do a quick taste test first. 

5. Basil

Basil is another common spice that many people enjoy. It is also milder than marjoram. Therefore, it may be a good alternative if you want to substitute marjoram with a more familiar flavor that you know people will enjoy!

Even though this milder flavor is enjoyed by most, it won’t pair perfectly with every recipe that calls for marjoram. Although basil is known for its sweeter flavor profile it also has a bit of a peppery aftertaste.

Therefore, it is best used in soups and sauces that have a sweeter profile to help balance the peppery notes of the basil.

Basil can be used in a simple 1:1 substitution for marjoram.

6. Tarragon

Tarragon is an herb used regularly in Mediterranean and French cooking. It has a slightly bittersweet taste with hints of licorice. While the earthiness of tarragon pairs well with many foods that marjoram is paired with, it will lend a slightly different flavor.

However, if you enjoy cooking with tarragon and are familiar with the flavor then it can be a delightful substitute for marjoram. Especially in dishes with roasted potatoes, veggies, or chicken. 

However, tarragon can quickly overpower a dish so it is best to begin with only ½ the amount the recipe calls for.

7. Summer Savory

There are two types of savory: summer and winter. When substituting for marjoram you want to aim for summer savory as it most resembles the flavor of marjoram.

If you have never used summer savory, its taste resembles the earthiness of sage. This is what makes it a good substitute for marjoram.

While this herb can be used to substitute marjoram in any dish it is an especially good choice for seasoning sausages or pork dishes. You can swap it in a 1:1 substitute for marjoram.

8. Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning includes not only marjoram but many other seasonings that can be used as marjoram substitutes (like oregano and thyme). Therefore, it is a great choice as a substitute.

Due to the bold flavor of Italian seasoning that comes from an oregano base, this mix is best used as a substitute for dishes you want to have a rich flavor. Red meats and red sauces are great choices.

Start with ½ to ¾ the amount your recipe calls for and then add more to taste as desired. 

9. Herbes de Provence

Herbs de Provence is a seasoning mix that is popularly used in French cooking. Like other herb mixes, it also includes marjoram and several other herbs that can be used in place of marjoram.

However, it also includes fennel, lavender, mint, and rosemary that lend a new unique flavor.

In French cuisine, Herbs de Provence is mostly paired with poultry rather than red meat. Therefore, when using it as a substitute for marjoram, try it with chicken dishes.

In addition, it is also lovely paired with potatoes and other roasted veggies. I personally enjoy adding it to lamb seasoning!

Start with half the amount of Herbs de Provence that the recipe calls for in marjoram. Feel free to add more if desired.

10. Za’atar

Za’atar is a seasoning mix commonly used in the Middle East. However, due to the popularity of Middle Eastern food around the world, you can find this seasoning in most grocery stores.

This is another herb mix that contains marjoram. It also has thyme and oregano like Italian seasoning and Herbs de Provence.

Two unique additions to Za’atar are sesame seeds and sumac. Using this blend will offer a familiar taste of the marjoram, plus a new flavor twist with the added seasonings 

When using Za’atar as a substitute for marjoram is best paired with roasted vegetables. It is also a good choice for seasoning salad dressings. Make sure to start with half the amount and add more if you would like. 

Fresh Herbs as Substitutes

It is easiest to exchange one dry herb for another dry herb or a fresh herb in place of another fresh herb. However, this is not always what is available.

The substitute ratios mentioned above are for swapping any of the dried herbs mentioned in place of dried marjoram.

In the case that you only have fresh herbs on hand though, you can still use them. As a general rule, dried herbs are stronger than fresh herbs because they are more concentrated.

Therefore, to use fresh herbs in place of dried herbs you need 3x the amount.

If using fresh herbs as a substitute for dried marjoram, simply multiply the suggested ratio by 3.

For example, if you are using fresh oregano in place of dried marjoram, start with the suggested ratio of using ½ the amount of dried oregano: ½ teaspoon of dried oregano in place of 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram. Then multiply it by 3 so that 1½ teaspoon chopped fresh oregano = 1 teaspoon dried marjoram.

Fresh Majoram

If a recipe calls for dried marjoram and you only have fresh, use 3x the amount of fresh marjoram in place of dried. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram = 1 teaspoon dried marjoram.

When a recipe calls for fresh marjoram and all you have is dried, then use ⅓ of the amount. 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram in place of 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram (or ⅓ teaspoon dried for 1 teaspoon fresh).

Substitutes For Fresh Marjoram

If a recipe calls for fresh marjoram and you are using another fresh herb, follow the same ratios provided above for each substitute. This is a good starting point that won’t overpower your dish.

Then you can add more if the flavor is not quite strong enough.

I hope this list gave you some ideas for some fantastic alternatives to marjoram! Leave a comment down below and let me know which ones you want to try out first!

🌿 Recipes That Use Marjoram

• Lamb Gyros
• Slow Cooker Boneless Leg of Lamb
• Italian Seasoning
• Buttered Peas & Carrots
• Beef Stew Seasoning
• Herbes de Provence Roasted Turkey

📖 Recipe Card