What can I substitute for dried rosemary?

Running low on dried rosemary? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

dried rosemary — ingredient substitution guide — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

About dried rosemary

Dried rosemary consists of the desiccated needle-like leaves of the rosemary shrub (Salvia rosmarinus), with a concentrated, piney, resinous flavour that is more intense than fresh. It is widely used in Mediterranean cooking to season roasted meats, vegetables, breads, and marinades. The drying process removes moisture and amplifies its camphor-like, woody aromatics, making it a potent and shelf-stable pantry staple.

Best substitute

fresh rosemary

Fresh rosemary has the same flavour profile but with higher moisture content and a slightly brighter, less concentrated aroma. Chop finely before using to ensure even distribution and to replicate the texture of dried leaves.

Use 1 tbsp fresh for every 1 tsp dried — fresh is less concentrated

roastingmarinadesbreadssaucessoupsdry spice rubslong shelf-life blends

Alternative

dried thyme

Dried thyme shares a similarly woody, earthy, and slightly minty character with rosemary and performs well in most of the same applications. It lacks the distinct piney and camphor notes of rosemary but provides comparable aromatic depth.

Use 1 tsp for every 1 tsp dried rosemary

roastingsoupsstewsmarinadessaucesrecipes requiring distinct rosemary flavour

What is dried rosemary called in other countries?

Country	Name
Australia	dried rosemary
IT	rosmarino secco
United Kingdom	dried rosemary
United States	dried rosemary

Common names for dried rosemary

rosemary flakesdried rosemary leavesrosemary herb

Related ingredients

coriander

0 substitutes available

dried oregano

5 substitutes available

dried basil

5 substitutes available

dried thyme

5 substitutes available

dried parsley

5 substitutes available

dried mint

5 substitutes available

Alternative

dried oregano

Dried oregano offers a robust, slightly bitter, and aromatic quality that works as a reasonable stand-in for rosemary in Mediterranean-style dishes. It is more peppery and less piney, but provides a similarly bold herbal presence.

Use 1 tsp for every 1 tsp dried rosemary

roastingpasta saucesmarinadespizzafocaccialamb dishes requiring rosemary character

Alternative

dried sage

Dried sage shares rosemary's woodsy, slightly camphor-like qualities and both herbs belong to the same family. Sage has a more savoury, peppery warmth and works best as a substitute in poultry, pork, and bread applications.

Use ¾ tsp for every 1 tsp dried rosemary — sage is more pungent

roast poultrypork dishesstuffingsbreadslambfishlight vegetable dishes

Alternative

herbes de Provence

Herbes de Provence is a dried herb blend that typically contains rosemary as a primary component, along with thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sometimes lavender. It captures the Mediterranean character of rosemary while adding complementary herbal complexity.

Use 1½ tsp for every 1 tsp dried rosemary — the blend dilutes rosemary's intensity

roastinggrillingmarinadesMediterranean dishesrecipes requiring a single clean herb flavour