What's The Best Bay Leaves Substitute? 11 Options

What Are Bay Leaves?

Bay leaves are a common ingredient in many cuisines around the world. These aromatic leaves are most often used to flavor soups, stews, and braises. Bay leaves come from the bay laurel tree, which is native to the Mediterranean region. Fresh bay leaves have a slightly bitter taste and a pungent aroma.

If you don't have bay leaves on hand, you can substitute other aromatic herbs such as thyme or rosemary. However, be aware that these herbs will impart a different flavor to your dish.

So if you're looking for an exact replacement, you may want to try one of these bay leaf substitutes instead. Let's explore each possible replacement that you can use in more detail.

The List Of 11 Best Best Bay Leaves Substitutes

1. Oregano

Oregano has a very similar flavor profile to bay leaves, with a slightly earthy taste that's perfect for savory dishes. It's also very easy to find in most grocery stores.

• When substituting oregano for bay leaves, use one teaspoon of dried oregano for every three bay leaves. You can also use fresh oregano, but you'll need to use three times as much.

2. Marjoram

Marjoram is one of the best bay leaf substitute. The flavor profile of marjoram is similar to that of bay leaves, but it is slightly sweeter and more pungent. Marjoram is a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes.

• To use marjoram as a substitute for bay leaves, simply add the same amount of marjoram as you would bay leaves to your dish.
• For best results, add the marjoram at the beginning of cooking so that it has time to release its flavor.
• Marjoram can also be used fresh, chopped, or dried. If using dried marjoram, simply add it to your dish along with the other dry ingredients. Keep in mind that dried herbs are generally more potent than fresh herbs, so you may want to use less marjoram than you would bay leaves.
• Try substituting marjoram for bay leaves in soups, stews, sauces, and Braises. You can also use it to flavor roasted vegetables, and grilled meats.

3. Thyme

Thyme is a member of the mint family and has a similar flavor profile to bay leaves. It is often used in savory dishes like stews and soups, but can also be used in sweet dishes like peach pie.

• To substitute dried thyme for bay leaves, simply use one teaspoon of thyme for every three bay leaves called for in the recipe.
• In addition, thyme is best added at the beginning of cooking so that its flavors have time to develop.

4. Rosemary

Herbs are a great way to add flavor to your food without adding any extra calories, fat, or sodium. And while there are many different herbs that can be used for cooking, rosemary is a great all-purpose option that can be used in place of other herbs like bay leaves. Here's what you need to know about rosemary and why it makes a great substitute for bay leaves.

• Rosemary has a strong, pungent flavor that is similar to bay leaves. However, it is also slightly sweeter and less bitter than bay leaves. This makes it a great all-purpose herb that can be used in many different dishes.
• Rosemary is also very versatile and can be used fresh, dried, or ground into a powder.
• When substituting rosemary for bay leaves, it is important to use a lower amount than you would of bay leaves. This is because rosemary is more potent than bay leaves and can easily overpower a dish if too much is used. As a general rule of thumb, use one teaspoon of dried rosemary or one tablespoon of fresh rosemary for every bay leaf called for in a recipe.

5. Sage

Sage is a great alternative to bay leaves and can be easily found. It has a slightly earthy flavor with hints of citrus and mint. It pairs well with poultry, pork, and fish dishes.

• When substituting sage for bay leaves, use half as much sage as you would bay leaves.
• Sage is also a versatile herb and can be used fresh, dry, or ground into a powder.
• Fresh sage leaves can be added to salads or used as a garnish.
• Dry sage leaves are typically used in cooked dishes.
• While ground sage is often used in seasoning rubs or spice blends.

6. Mexican Oregano

Mexican oregano is a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful herb that makes a great substitute for bay leaves in many recipes. Like bay leaves, Mexican oregano has a slightly bitter, pungent taste that adds depth and complexity to soups, stews, and sauces. Mexican oregano also has a hint of citrus flavor, which bay leaves lack.

• In terms of replacement measurements, you can use one Mexican oregano leaf for each bay leaf.
• When using Mexican oregano, be sure to remove the leaves before serving, as they can be quite tough.
• Some tips for using this versatile herb: try adding it to your next pot of chili or soup for extra flavor, or use it to season roasted vegetables or chicken.
• Mexican oregano is also a key ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes, so it's worth keeping some on hand if you like to cook Mexican food at home.

7. Tarragon

Tarragon is a good bay leaf substitute because it has a similar flavor profile. It is also very versatile and can be used in many different dishes. Here are some tips on how to use Tarragon:

• To substitute Tarragon for Bay Leaves, use one tablespoon of chopped Tarragon per bay leaf.
• Tarragon can be used in soups, stews, and sauces. It pairs well with chicken, fish, and vegetables.
• To bring out the flavor of Tarragon, add it near the end of cooking.
• Tarragon can also be used to make a vinegar or oil infusion. Simply add a few sprigs of Tarragon to a jar of vinegar or oil and let it infuse for a few weeks.

8. Basil

Bay leaves are a classic ingredient in many Soups, Stews, and Braises. There's no doubt that they add a depth of flavor to dishes. But what if you don't have any bay leaves on hand? Luckily, basil is a great substitute for bay leaves. Here's why:

• Basil has a similar flavor profile to bay leaves. It's slightly sweet with notes of licorice and minty flavor.
• When used in cooking, it will give your dish a similar flavor to bay leaves without being overpowering.
• Fresh basil is also very versatile. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. So whether you're making a soup or a dessert, basil is a great herb to have on hand.
• Use one teaspoon of minced basil for every bay leaf called for in the recipe.
• If you're using dried basil, make sure to rehydrate it in water for 10 minutes before using it.

9. Red Bay Leaves

Red bay leaves are a great substitute for traditional bay leaves, and they offer a unique flavor profile that can enhance the taste of any dish. Here are some tips for using red bay leaves in your cooking:

• To replace one fresh bay leaf, use two or three dried red bay leaves.
• Red bay leaves have a milder flavor than traditional bay leaves, so you may need to use more of them to get the desired taste.
• When cooked, red bay leaves will turn dark green or black. This is normal and does not affect the taste of the dish.
• Red bay leaves can be used in any recipe that calls for bay leaves, such as soups, stews, sauces, and casseroles.

10. Parsley

Parsley makes a great substitute for bay leaves and can be easily found in most supermarkets. It has a similar flavor profile to bay leaves, with a slightly earthy taste and a hint of mint.

• When substituting parsley for bay leaves, use one teaspoon of chopped parsley per bay leaf.
• In order to preserve its freshness and prevent overcooking the herb, parsley should also be added toward the end of cooking.

11. Boldo Leaves

Boldo leaves are a great alternative to bay leaves. They have a strong aroma and, when crushed, can be quite pungent and could be used in place of crushed bay leaf. They can be used in the same way as bay leaves and can be added to soups, stews, and sauces. Here are some tips for using boldo leaves:

• For every bay leaf called for in a recipe, use 1 boldo leaf.
• Boldo leaves can be used whole or finely chopped.
• Boldo leaves will lose their flavor if overcooked, so add them towards the end of cooking time.
• Boldo leaves can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months.