italian seasoning

Herbs & SpicesYear-round

Dried herbs in Italian seasoning contain concentrated amounts of antioxidants and trace minerals; the blend is virtually calorie-free and contains negligible amounts of sodium unless salt has been added to the commercial mix.

About

Italian seasoning is a commercial dried herb blend originating in North America, designed to approximate the flavor profile of Mediterranean herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine. The blend typically contains dried basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary, often with the addition of sage and sometimes fennel or garlic. While not a traditional Italian preparation, the blend reflects the dried herb pantry of Southern European cooking and has become a standard convenience ingredient in American and global kitchens. The individual herbs are harvested, dried, and combined in proportions intended to create a balanced, herbaceous flavor suitable for a wide range of applications.

Culinary Uses

Italian seasoning is widely employed in pasta sauces, vinaigrettes, marinades for meats and vegetables, and seasoning rubs. It is commonly used in soups (particularly minestrone and vegetable broths), rice dishes, and as a finishing herb for roasted vegetables and grilled proteins. The blend's versatility makes it a staple in Italian-American cuisine and Mediterranean-inspired home cooking. It should be added early in cooking to allow the dried herbs to rehydrate and release their flavors, and is best suited to cooked dishes rather than raw applications where fresh herbs are preferable.

Forms & Preparations

Dried herb blend — Mixed dried herbs in loose form, either as coarse leaf fragments or more finely ground; the standard retail form.
Ground/powdered — Finely milled to a powder consistency for more even distribution in dishes and longer shelf stability.
Freeze-dried blend — Premium version using freeze-drying technology to preserve more volatile aromatics and brighter color than conventional drying.
With garlic and onion — Commercial variations that include dehydrated garlic and/or onion powder for additional savory depth.
Salt blend — Pre-mixed with salt for convenience; useful for dry rubs but less flexible for recipes where salt content is controlled separately.

Substitutes

Unknown — Substitute 1 tablespoon dried blend with 3 tablespoons fresh basil, oregano, and thyme combined; add near the end of cooking to preserve flavor and color.
Unknown — A similar French dried herb blend; use in equal measure, though the flavor profile will be subtly different with more emphasis on lavender and fennel.
Unknown — Use equal parts dried oregano and basil (roughly 1.5 teaspoons each to replace 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning) for a simpler two-herb approach.
Unknown — A Middle Eastern blend; offers herbaceous notes but with sesame and sumac undertones; use in slightly smaller quantities as the flavor is more assertive.

Recipes Using italian seasoning (53)

RCI-MT.005.0328.001

Vegetable-stuffed Meatloaf

Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.004.1501.001

Vegetarian Bean Soup

American cuisine | Vegetarian Cuisine | Soups

RCI-VG.005.0281.001