I don’t know about you but I can’t imagine preparing chicken or turkey without adding poultry seasoning. When I run out of it, I choose some of the spice blend substitutes similar to it or I add different herbs and spices that are found in poultry seasoning.
Given that poultry seasoning is a blend of marjoram, thyme, nutmeg, sage, rosemary, and black pepper, it’s relatively easy to make a homemade version of this seasoning (see the recipe below substitutes).
If you’re not interested in making your own poultry seasoning (which is totally okay), then find the right substitute from the list below. Here we go!
Spice Blend Substitutes For Poultry Seasoning
From Herbes de Provence to Zaatar, here are my top 3 seasoning blend substitutes for poultry seasoning:
1. Herbes de Provence
Herbes de Provence is an aromatic blend of dried Provençal herbs and spices. This spice blend is a great substitute for Italian seasoning as well. Here’s how it compares to poultry seasoning:
Similarities
• Shared ingredients: Both Herbes de Provence and poultry seasoning contain thyme and rosemary.
• Texture: Both Herbes de Provence blend and poultry seasoning are made of a dry herb mixture.
• Flavor: Herbes de Provence blend has a similar flavor profile to poultry seasoning. Their base flavor is herbal and they have slightly sweet undertones.
• Availability: Both Herbes de Provence blend and poultry seasoning can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping websites.
Differences
• Separate ingredients: Herbes de Provence doesn’t contain marjoram, nutmeg, sage, and pepper as poultry seasoning does. Also, the Herbes de Provence blend contains two additional ingredients: oregano and basil.
• Price: Herbes de Provence blend is a somewhat more expensive alternative than poultry seasoning. 1 oz of Herbes de Provence blend costs around $7, whereas 1 oz of poultry seasoning costs around $4.
How to use Herbes de Provence
Herbes de Provence blend is best used with stews, soups, rice, quinoa dishes, sauces, meat, seafood, and salad dressings. This blend also goes well with wrap fillings and veggies.
Substitute ratio: Add 1 tsp of Herbes de Provence for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
2. Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning originated somewhere along the Mediterranean as the ancient Greeks and Romans experimented with special blends for flavoring. Apart from being a great substitute for poultry seasoning, it can also be used as a substitute for creole seasoning.
Similarities
• Shared ingredients: Both Italian seasoning and poultry seasoning contain marjoram, thyme, and rosemary.
• Texture: Both Italian seasoning blend and poultry seasoning are made of a dry herb mixture.
• Flavor: Italian seasoning blend has a similar flavor profile to poultry seasoning. They have a herbal base with slightly sweet undertones.
• Availability: Both Italian seasoning blend and poultry seasoning can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping websites.
Differences
• Separate ingredients: Italian seasoning doesn’t contain nutmeg, sage, and black pepper as poultry seasoning does. Also, Italian seasoning blend contains two additional ingredients: oregano and basil.
• Price: Italian seasoning blend is a cheaper alternative than poultry seasoning. 1 oz of Italian seasoning blend costs around $2, whereas 1 oz of poultry seasoning costs around $4.
How to use Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning is best used with all kinds of meat, stews, soups, rice, quinoa dishes, sauces, and salad dressings.
Substitute ratio: Add 1 tsp of Italian seasoning for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
3. Zaatar
After Herbes de Provence and Italian seasoning, the Zaatar blend is the next best choice because it goes well with almost any dish that calls for poultry seasoning.
Similarities
• Shared ingredients: Both Zaatar and poultry seasoning contain marjoram and thyme.
• Texture: Both Zaatar blend and poultry seasoning are made of a dry herb mixture.
• Availability: Both Zaatar blend and poultry seasoning can be found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online shopping websites.
• Price: Zaatar blend and poultry seasoning cost around $4 per 1 oz.
Differences
• Flavor: Zaatar has a nutty and herbal flavor, while poultry seasoning has a herbal flavor with sweet undertones.
• Separate ingredients: Zaatar doesn’t contain rosemary, nutmeg, sage, and pepper as poultry seasoning does. Also, Zaatar blend contains three additional ingredients: oregano, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds.
How to use Zaatar
Zaatar pairs especially well with chicken, beef, seafood, roasted veggies, and many other dishes.
Substitute ratio: Add 1 tsp of Zaatar for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
Herb Substitutes For Poultry Seasoning
All of these herb substitutes can be found in poultry seasoning except for oregano. I’ve also added some herb combinations that are also great alternatives for poultry seasoning.
1. Dry rosemary
You can use dry rosemary in salads, soups, stews, poultry, casseroles, lamb, pork, and fish. It also pairs well with potatoes, mushrooms, and spinach.
Substitute ratio: Add ½ tsp of dry rosemary for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
See Also: 16 Best Substitutes For Rosemary To Imitate Its Unique Flavor
2. Dry thyme
Good old thyme! I like to use thyme with cheese, tomatoes, eggs, and lentils. I also use it to season poultry or for recipes that require stuffing.
Substitute ratio: Add ½ tsp of dry thyme for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
3. Dry sage
If you need to season sausages, soups, or poultry, then sage is the best choice! I’ve also noticed that it pairs well with sweet potatoes, and it’s great for stuffing.
Substitute ratio: Add ½ tsp of dry sage for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
4. Dry marjoram
Use marjoram to season red meats like beef and lamb. You can also add it to veggies, poultry, sausages, stuffings, and dishes with tomatoes.
Substitute ratio: Add ⅓ tsp of dry marjoram for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
5. Dry oregano
One simply cannot make pasta sauce or pizza without adding some oregano. I also add it to beans, seafood, chicken, or pesto.
Substitute ratio: Add ⅓ tsp of dry oregano for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
Herb Combinations
These herb combinations are also great substitutes for poultry seasoning. Here’s how to substitute them:
1. Dry sage + dry rosemary: Add ¼ tsp of dry sage and ¼ tsp of dry rosemary for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
2. Dry sage + dry thyme: Add ¼ tsp of dry sage and ¼ tsp of dry thyme for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
3. Dry sage + dry rosemary + dry thyme: Add ¼ tsp of dry sage, ¼ of dry rosemary, and ¼ tsp of dry thyme for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
4. Dry thyme + dry oregano: Add ¼ tsp of dry thyme and ¼ tsp of dry oregano for 1 tsp of poultry seasoning.
Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe
The best substitute for poultry seasoning is always homemade! With only a few ingredients, you can easily prepare your own poultry seasoning at home. Use this seasoning for turkey, chicken, veggies, stuffing, and more.
Ingredients
- ¾ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp ground sage
- ¾ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
Instructions
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, and then pour the spice blend into an air-tight container.
Storage: Store your homemade poultry seasoning in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 years.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 4Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Did You Find The Right Poultry Seasoning Substitute?
Feel free to experiment when finding the best replacement for poultry seasoning. There are numerous herb combinations waiting to be discovered.
Also, sometimes it’s best to use a single poultry seasoning dried herb rather than seasoning blends that contain more warm spices than dried herbs. I learned it the hard way.
Happy cooking!
