For a poultry seasoning substitute to use on chicken, turkey, vegetables, stuffing, and more, you've come to the right place! Whether you're out of poultry seasoning or just want to try something different, these substitutes will give your recipe the perfect flavor. Read on to learn more about the various alternatives for poultry seasoning and how to use them in your cooking!
Best Poultry Seasoning Substitutes
If you have a recipe that calls for poultry seasoning, your first question may be, “what is poultry seasoning?” This is not an uncommon question since poultry seasoning is not the most common ingredient. However, it is made up of several common spices.
Poultry seasoning is a blend of thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram, and black pepper. It is a seasoning blend commonly used for seasoning chicken and turkey. It also works well for adding flavor to lamb and pork dishes.
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Since you may be new to poultry seasoning, you may be looking for a substitute. Since poultry seasoning contains several ingredients, not one spice will work as an exact flavor match. However, several alternatives are quite close. Take a look at the poultry seasoning substitutes below to find the one that is best for you!
1. Homemade Poultry Seasoning
If you want the real thing and keep your spice cabinet somewhat stocked, you can make your own poultry seasoning at home! It's super simple, just grab the ingredients, combine them, and use your homemade seasoning in any recipe calling for poultry seasoning.
Poultry Seasoning Ingredients
- Marjoram - 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram.
- Rosemary - ¾ teaspoon of dried rosemary.
- Nutmeg - ¾ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
- Pepper - ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Sage - 2 teaspoons of ground sage.
- Thyme - 1½ teaspoons of dried thyme.
How To Make Poultry Seasoning
- Combine the ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir to combine (2 teaspoons of ground sage, 1 ½ teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram, ¾ teaspoon of dried rosemary, ¾ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper).
- Use or store. You can use your homemade poultry seasoning right away, or place it in an airtight container or spice jar and store it somewhere dark and cool (like a cabinet or pantry) until ready to use.
2. Dry Thyme
Thyme is one of the most common spices to find in a spice rack. It is also a primary flavor in poultry seasoning. Therefore, making it an excellent substitute.
In addition to being easy to find, thyme is also a familiar flavor to many people. It is commonly used to season stuffing at Thanksgiving, vegetables, and meat. Therefore, it can be a good substitute if want a simple flavor that most people will enjoy.
½ teaspoon of thyme = 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
3. Dry Sage
Another primary flavor in poultry seasoning is sage. Like dry thyme, dry sage is a familiar flavor found in holiday cooking. Often, thyme and sage are paired to make holiday stuffing.
In addition, sage can be used on its own to season vegetables, meat, sauces, and soups. It is also a seasoning typically sold in premade spice racks which means you may already have it in your cupboard.
½ teaspoon of sage = 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
4. Dry Rosemary
Rosemary has a lovely and distinctive flavor that pairs well with many dishes, especially chicken. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is included in poultry seasoning or that it works well on its own as a substitute.
The woodsy flavor of rosemary has a distinct smell and flavor that includes notes of citrus, floral, and even a bit of sweetness. Since rosemary is only one ingredient found in poultry seasoning it will provide a different overall flavor when used on its own.
If you choose to use rosemary or any other spice on its own, choose a spice that you enjoy since it will be the primary flavor.
½ teaspoon of dry rosemary = 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Dry sage + Dry Rosemary
If you have more than one spice available, you will get a better flavor by combining at least two of them. Sage, rosemary, and thyme can all be mixed to create a lovely substitute for poultry seasoning.
¼ teaspoon sage + ¼ teaspoon rosemary = 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Dry Sage + Dry Thyme
If you don’t have rosemary on hand, sage and time are a suitable combination.
¼ teaspoon sage + ¼ teaspoon thyme = 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Dry Sage + Dry Thyme + Dry Rosemary
If you can access all three of these spices, you can create a blend closer to poultry seasoning. Moreover, since they are being blended their flavors will not be as bold as if they were used on their own, so you can use a bit more.
¼ teaspoon sage + ¼ teaspoon rosemary = 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
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5. Dry Marjoram
One of the lesser-known spices found in poultry seasoning is marjoram. Marjoram has a similar earthy flavor profile to thyme and sage. It also has some hints of floral and citrus, like rosemary.
Compared to the other herbs already mentioned, the flavor of marjoram on its own can be quite powerful. Therefore, it is best to use this in smaller quantities.
Although marjoram is used in poultry seasoning it is a flavor that may not be familiar on its own. So, make sure it is a primary flavor you enjoy before using it on its own.
⅓ teaspoon of marjoram = 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
6. Herbs De Provence
For those who want a seasoning blend that can replace poultry seasoning, look for Herbs De Provence. While this may not be a blend you have in your cupboard it is a lovely one to try if you can’t find poultry seasoning at the store.
This spice blend is named after the many spices that can be found in the Provence region of France. Such as marjoram, rosemary, and thyme.
As you can see, it includes several of the same spices used in poultry seasoning. However, one additional seasoning often used in Herbs De Provence shifts the flavor – lavender.
The use of lavender adds a wonderful aromatic quality to any poultry dish. It is distinctly different from regular poultry seasoning though, so keep that in mind if you use this blend instead.
1 teaspoon of Herbs De Provence = 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
7. Italian Seasoning
While you may not have Herbs De Provence in your spice cabinet you likely have another spice blend. Italian seasoning.
Italian seasoning includes some spices found in poultry seasoning, like thyme and rosemary. However, it also has several different spices.
The base of Italian seasoning is oregano. In addition, it often includes basil, garlic powder, and even red pepper flakes. These spices create a distinctly different flavor profile than poultry seasoning; however, they pair well with the same foods.
Italian seasoning is a delicious addition to chicken, turkey, and root vegetables. It is also a wonderful addition to sauces and soups. Therefore, while it may change the flavor profile it will still create a tasty dish.
Italian seasoning can be used in a 1:1 ratio: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning = 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
8. Zaatar
Another spice blend that can be used in place of poultry seasoning is Zaatar. Zaatar is a blend used in Middle Eastern cooking.
Like poultry seasoning, it includes thyme and marjoram. However, it also has a heavy base of oregano. In addition, Zaatar also has sesame seeds.
While this blend is a lovely alternative, the nutty and herbal flavor is quite different from poultry seasoning. Like Italian seasoning though, it pairs well with many of the same foods.
If you can access Zaatar and enjoy the flavor, give it a try when you run out of poultry seasoning. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
9. Oregano
Since oregano is the primary base in Italian seasoning and Zaatar, it can also be used on its own as a substitute. However, on its own, oregano can be quite powerful.
Although oregano will change its flavor quite a bit, oregano is a spice most people enjoy. It is also one of the most common spices to have at home. Therefore, it can be an easy and well-liked substitute.
Only use ⅓ teaspoon of oregano in place of 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
Oregano + Dry Thyme
If you have oregano and thyme on hand, combining these two spices is best. This blend softens the oregano and gives you a closer flavor to poultry seasoning.
¼ teaspoon oregano + ¼ teaspoon of thyme = 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
Choosing The Best Poultry Seasoning Substitute
Choosing the best substitute for poultry seasoning will depend on what spices you have at home and your taste preferences. Any of the suggestions above will add a tasty flavor to your recipe and keep you from having a bland poultry dish.
In the end, if you can’t find a spice from above, reach for simple salt and pepper. While it won’t give you the complex flavors of poultry seasoning it will at least add some flavor in a pinch.
I hope this list helped you find the perfect poultry seasoning substitute for your recipe! Let me know how everything turns out in the comments down below!
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📖 Recipe Card
Best Poultry Seasoning Substitute: Homemade Poultry Seasoning (+More Easy Alternatives!)
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- ¾ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, nutmeg, and pepper. (*see note). Stir gently to combine.
- Place the spice blend into a spice jar or airtight container and store until ready to use.
Notes
- This recipe yields 6 teaspoons, or 2 tablespoons, of poultry seasoning.
- Use 1-2 teaspoons for stuffing recipes, or season chicken and turkey with 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning per pound.
- If you don't have any dried marjoram on hand, the best substitute is oregano for both look and taste. For more options, check out my post on the best substitutes for marjoram.
- Spices will last for 2-3 years when stored properly. This timeframe varies based on how fresh the spices were when you made your poultry seasoning, as the flavor in herbs and spices weakens over time.
- To store: Place your poultry seasoning into a spice jar or another airtight container and store it in a cabinet or pantry, out of direct sunlight, for up to 2-3 years.
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