What herb can replace thyme in a recipe?

Ives
  • Posted by: Ives
  • January 29, 2012
  • 118459 views
  • 7 Comments

7 Comments

Cassie J. November 29, 2017
You really can't 'replace' thyme. But if I think about making poplette(meatballs) with my mother in law, we use rosemary, thyme and lemon zest. I think the reality is that thyme has a lighter, sweeter taste than rosemary, but if you combine a little bit of rosemary, a little lemon zest, you'll get an agreeable flavor with some sweetness, but no one will mis-take it for thyme. I wouldn't use oregano as the flavor is VERY strong and easily distinguishable.. and frankly, overused.
 
paizley November 28, 2017
I don't like thyme so I usually go with sage or marjoram.
 
Antoinette R. July 16, 2017
Chicken
 
pierino January 29, 2012
Without knowing what your recipe is it's really hard to suggest a substitution. Is it poultry? Is it fish? Certain herbs complement certain foods but clash with others.
 

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Foodelf January 29, 2012
I don't think anything really replaces thyme, but I'd use one of the "softer" herbs - savory, marjoram (a particular favourite of mine), oregano, even a little tarragon, if you have it - these will just add a slightly different dimension to your dish. I'm fortunate enough to have a bay tree and fresh bay provides a lovely herbal kick to almost anything, but especially potato and chicken dishes and most soups.
 
Nancy July 17, 2017
But which soft herbs?
If the dish is Italian or Provencal, use single herbs or blends used in that cooking.
If chicken, go for sage or marjoram.
If like omelet or salad, not connected to a particular cuisine or traditional preparation, use what you have or like best.
 
Greenstuff January 29, 2012
Rosemary, savory, marjoram, oregano. But I'd probably use less, as those options are generally more intense than thyme. An herb mix like herbes de Provence would be my go-to if I didn't have thyme on hand.
 
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