6 Best Herbes de Provence Substitutes

What are herbes de Provence?

Provence is known for fresh produce and delicious meals, and I was fortunate to spend some time there a few years ago. Herbes de Provence is, as the name suggests, a blend of dried herbs typical of this region of France.

Exact combinations of these dried herbs vary a little amongst brands, but the most common herbs included are rosemary, thyme, savory, oregano and marjoram. Rosemary and thyme tend to have higher quantities in the blends than the other herbs.

After searching both my own pantry and stores, we can see that tarragon, basil, bay leaf and dried lavender are also present in some blends.

Why may you wish to substitute herbes de Provence?

We often need to find a replacement for an ingredient when cooking don't you find? So if a recipe calls for herbes de Provence you may head to the pantry and find you're out, or there isn't any left at the store.

Or it may be that you don't tolerate a particular herbs in this blend. Thankfully it's very easy to make or find an alternative for your chicken, fish or plant-based meals!

7 herbes de Provence substitutes

Here I share how to make your own blend, or pick a singular herb to replace herbes de Provence, as well as set out some herb blends you can find in the store.

Make your own blend of herbes de Provence

If you have the individual herbs to make your own blend, it's very quick and easy to do! Simply grab the herbs from your pantry and mix together in a small bowl.

A benefit of making your own homemade herbes de Provence blend is that you can adjust the quantities of each herb to preference. You may like to keep it quite simple, and use the most common herbs you are likely to have, so I suggest the following blend:

• 2 tablespoon rosemary
• 2 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon marjoram
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon savory

If you wish, you can also add a small pinch of dried tarragon, basil or lavender flowers.

Italian seasoning

Italian seasoning shares some dried herbs with Italian seasoning, such as thyme, oregano and marjoram.

As an alternative to herbes de Provence, Italian seasoning is perfect for seasoning chicken, fish and vegetable dishes. It's also a staple in most spice racks so you can easily grab some for making dinner!

If you are looking for the floral note that some brands of herbes de Provence have with their inclusion of dried lavender flowers, you can add a touch to your Italian seasoning if you have them.

Why not try my Italian herb crusted cod or my Italian herb chicken to enjoy this flavorful herb!

And check out my Italian herb seasoning substitutes post for even more ideas for herb blends!

French fines herbes

French fines herbes is a delicate herb mix, traditionally using equal amounts of fresh parsley, tarragon, chives and chervil. It has a much lighter and fresher flavor than herbes de Provence, and is quite delightful during the spring and summer months for summer salads, egg or chicken dishes.

If using fresh herbs, which is most typical, then you would add this blend towards the end of cook time rather than towards the beginning, as you do with dried herbs.

Herbes de le Garrigue

Herbes de la Garrigue isn't as common as herbes de Provence, or at least where I live, but is another French herb blend to try.

This herb blend contains rosemary, thyme, basil, sage marjoram, savory, fennel, mint, bay leaves and lavender flowers. This recipe for herbs de la Garrigue is easy and sounds delicious!

Herbes de la Garrigue is a good substitute for herbes de Provence as it contains the same herbs of rosemary, marjoram and savory. It's a little more pungent with the addition of sage. You can use this herb blend for soups, stews or to flavor meats or fish dishes.

Bouquet Garni

Bouquet garni means 'bouquet for garnish' and comprises fresh herbs tied with cooking string, or dried herbs contained within a small bag. While there isn't a set combination of herbs for this mix, thyme, parsley and bay leaves are common ingredients. The jar of dried bouquet garni in my pantry also includes rosemary and marjoram.

This combination of herbs is often used for making casseroles, stocks, stews and soups, where it can infuse the liquids with the herbs. Always remember to remove the bouquet garni before serving your dish!

Rosemary

Using single herbs won't replicate the depth of flavor of a blend of herbs, but if you simply want to add some herbs to your recipes to make them sing a little flavor-wise, then they work so well.

Rosemary is particularly good as a herbes de Provence substitute if you don't have time to make a blend as it is quite pungent. Both fresh rosemary sprigs and dried rosemary pack a punch!

Perhaps you would like to see my rosemary chicken breast fillets and rosemary roasted zucchini and sweet potato.

Thyme

Dried thyme is a staple in most pantries, and very easy to find in the store. It has an earthy flavor, with a hint of mint. Although it doesn't have the same complexity as the blend of herbes de Provence, it makes a food substitute for soups, stews, meats and fish if you're in a pinch!