Sage is often used to flavor roasted turkey or chicken and as a seasoning in a stuffing, which makes it a star at Thanksgiving or during the holidays. But if it's not a spice that you keep in your spice rack, there are other seasonings that you can use as a substitute. Read on to learn your best options.
Different Forms of Sage
Sage is available in fresh, dried(often referred to as rubbed), and ground form. If you don't have the kind that your recipe calls for, but you do have one of the other two types, they are probably your best bets for recipe swap-outs.
Sage is more pungent in its dried and ground form, so it's important to adjust down.For 1 tablespoon of fresh sage, use 1 teaspoon of dried (rubbed) sage or 1/2 teaspoon of ground sage.
However, if you don't have sage in any form, there are still plenty of other herbs or spice blends that you can use as a stand-in. Sage has an earthy, peppery flavor. There's nothing else quite like it, but all of the options described below should stand in nicely.
Poultry Seasoning
As the name suggests, this is a spice blend that's frequently used to season turkey and chicken. It includes sage as an ingredient. It typically also includes marjoram, savory, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and onion powder. Despite the name, poultry seasoning also works well in stuffing. Use an equal amount of poultry seasoning in place of the dried sage called for in your recipe. Or, use 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning in place of each tablespoon of fresh sage the recipe calls for.
If your recipe calls for the other spices in poultry seasoning, you can simply use this seasoning in place of all the individual spices.
Marjoram
This is another herb that works well with meats. It's savory, like sage, but it has a more pine and citrus flavor to it. Use it in equal amounts—for every teaspoon of dried sage, use a teaspoon of marjoram. For every tablespoon of fresh sage called for in your recipe, use a teaspoon of dried marjoram.
Rosemary
This herb has pine needle-like leaves, an intense citrus-and-pine flavor, and a wonderfully distinct aroma. It is also well-suited to use with meats. As with marjoram, replace it measure for measure.
Thyme
Thyme has a woodsy flavor and, depending on the variety, can also have citrus or mint notes. Use it in equal measure.
Savory
As with the other sage-substitution herbs, savory is commonly used to season poultry and stuffing. It has some of the same peppery flavors as sage. Replace it one-for-one, and you should get excellent results.
Other Substitutions
Sage isn't the only ingredient for which you can find great substitutions. You can usesubstitutions for any number of ingredientscalled for in recipes, including other herbs and spices, baking ingredients, alcohol, sugar and sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate substitutes, and much more.
FAQs
What Can I Use in Place of Sage? Rosemary, marjoram, and thyme are good alternatives for sage. You can also use seasonings mixes that contain sage such as poultry seasoning or italian seasoning if you have those on hand.
How much dried sage to substitute for fresh? ›
A general rule of thumb for the dried-to-fresh herb ratio: Use one-third the amount of dried herb for the fresh herb called for in the recipe. For example, if you're converting fresh sage to dried sage in a recipe that calls for 1 Tbsp. of fresh sage, use 1 tsp. of dried sage instead.
Can I use rubbed sage instead of dried sage? ›
Many recipes you come across will call for rubbed sage. This is, quite simply, dried sage leaves that have been rubbed into a fine, fluffy powder. It can be used as a substitute for ground, dried, or fresh sage, and it's very easy to make yourself.
Can you use Italian seasoning instead of sage? ›
Italian Seasoning
This is another handy spice blend that already includes sage, along with marjoram, basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Italian seasoning would make a fine substitution anywhere that dried sage makes a home, like this sausage hash.
Are sage and poultry seasoning the same? ›
Poultry Seasoning
It includes sage as an ingredient. It typically also includes marjoram, savory, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and onion powder. Despite the name, poultry seasoning also works well in stuffing. Use an equal amount of poultry seasoning in place of the dried sage called for in your recipe.
Which is stronger, fresh or dried sage? ›
Dried herbs have a stronger flavour than fresh herbs, so you don't have to use as much in your cooking. The drying process does destroy some of those flavourful, aromatic oils, however, so they don't have the same complexity of flavour as fresh herbs.
What does sage taste like? ›
What Does Sage Taste Like? A few words to describe the taste of sage would be: woodsy, earthy, piney, slightly peppery, yet fresh, with notes of eucalyptus and citrusy mint.
Is dried sage the same as sage leaves? ›
The aromatic leaves are silvery gray in color. Dried sage is usually sold ground or rubbed. Ground sage is made by grinding the entire leaf into a fine powder while rubbed sage is made by rubbing dried whole sage leaves to create a light and fluffy mix.
Which is better, ground or rubbed sage? ›
Ground sage is best in recipes where you are looking for some added piney and woody flavor. For a more pronounced sage flavor and a light and fluffy texture rubbed, is your best choice. Rubbed sage is perfect for holiday turkey stuffing as well as Italian and Greek dishes.
What is the flavor of rubbed sage? ›
McCormick Culinary Rubbed Sage are crumbled leaves with highly aromatic notes and a medicinal, piney-woody flavor.
Dried sage is preferred over fresh by most cooks and comes in a whole leaf, rubbed, and ground form. Rubbed sage has a light, velvety texture, whereas ground sage is more of a free-flowing powder. As with all dried herbs, store any form of dried sage in a closed container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
What can I substitute for sage? ›
10 Best Sage Substitutes
- Marjoram. Also, a mint family member, marjoram, is a woodsy, citrusy, and floral herb that closely mimics sage's distinct aroma. ...
- Rosemary. ...
- Thyme. ...
- Poultry Seasoning. ...
- Oregano. ...
- Savory. ...
- Tarragon. ...
- Bay Leaf.
Marjoram. Marjoram is very similar to oregano and makes a good substitute for thyme. It also has a woody element to it as an herb, but it's a bit more delicate.
Why do chefs use thyme? ›
Its strong flavor complements fish, meat, cheeses, and many vegetables.
What does sage do for a recipe? ›
WHAT IS SAGE USED FOR IN COOKING? When it comes to cooking, sage spice is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a garnish, seasoning, and flavor infuser. Fresh sage leaves can be added to your dishes by chopping them finely or as a garnish.
Is sage the same as bay leaves? ›
Sage - With its savory and slightly bitter flavor, sage can complement savory dishes as a substitute for bay leaves. Use sage in meat dishes, stuffing, and bean soups for a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
Can you replace sage with parsley? ›
While parsley is much softer and leafier, it can be a good way to add some fresh herbiness to a dish if you are missing sage.
