Italian seasoning is a good substitute for fresh basil.
Fresh basil is essential in cooking, but when it runs out or is unavailable, Italian seasoning offers a suitable substitute because it contains basil as a main ingredient.
Italian seasoning, as it's known in most supermarkets, is the best alternative to basil in a pinch. When it's listed as the first ingredient on a brand, basil is the main herb, followed by oregano, marjoram, garlic, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Check the back label to find the variety with the most basil.
While you wouldn't want to blend it for pesto or try to substitute mint in a mojito, this Italian herb replaces basil in countless dishes. It will work on frozen pizzas, resembling street oregano more than the kind you'd find in an Amalfi Coast trattoria, but both flavors have their place. It also blends better into meat sauces than fresh basil, saving time preparing other herbs it already contains. It works well in other sauces, soups, and recipes that call for basil without it being the star ingredient.
In an ideal culinary world, pantries would restock themselves and everyone would have vibrant herb gardens. In the reality of weekday cooking, Italian seasoning, with its versatile applications, is an excellent addition to the spice rack.
