Best Sage Substitutes
Out of sage? These are the best sage substitutes you can use in cooking and baking — ranked by how well they work in most recipes. Whether you need a dairy-free swap, a pantry staple alternative, or just ran out mid-recipe, one of these 4 options will have you covered.
Sage Substitution Options
Dried Thyme
Use instead of Dried Sage (or 1 tbsp Fresh)
Thyme shares sage's earthy, slightly minty character and is used in many of the same recipes — stuffings, roasted meats, and soups. Use 1:1. It's milder and less camphor-forward than sage.
Dried Rosemary, finely crumbled
Use instead of Dried Sage
Rosemary has a similar bold, piney, slightly peppery character. Crumble or chop it finely as rosemary needles can be coarse. Use 1:1 in stuffings, roasted vegetables, and pasta with brown butter.
Dried Marjoram
Use instead of Dried Sage
Marjoram is sweeter and milder than sage. Use 1:1 when you want the herbal quality without sage's intensity. Works well in stuffings, pasta, and poultry dishes.
Poultry Seasoning
Use instead of Dried Sage
Poultry seasoning is a blend that typically includes sage as the dominant herb. Use 1:1 in stuffings, chicken dishes, and holiday recipes — it adds exactly the herbal depth sage provides with complementary spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for sage?
The best substitutes for sage are Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary, finely crumbled, Dried Marjoram. Thyme shares sage's earthy, slightly minty character and is used in many of the same recipes — stuffings, roasted meats, and soups. Use 1:1. It's milder and less camphor-forward than sage.
Can I use Dried Rosemary, finely crumbled instead of sage?
Rosemary has a similar bold, piney, slightly peppery character. Crumble or chop it finely as rosemary needles can be coarse. Use 1:1 in stuffings, roasted vegetables, and pasta with brown butter.
How do I substitute sage in baking?
When substituting sage in baking, it's important to match the ratio carefully. Check the individual substitution notes above for exact measurements and tips for each swap.