Italian seasoning ingredients: what’s inside the blend and how to use it in real cooking

Italian seasoning is a unique blend of herbs and spices. You’ve probably already got all the Italian seasoning ingredients in your home, or a pot of ready-mixed Italian seasoning, and add it to many of your favourite dishes. 

Italian seasoning goes perfectly with almost any dish, from pasta to pizza, and even roasted vegetables. If you’ve ever wondered ‘what is Italian seasoning made of?’ you’re in the right place. 

What Italian seasoning is and why it’s used

You may be surprised to learn that the Italian seasoning ingredients don’t have to be the same every time. The key isn’t in the quantity, it’s in the blend of herbs and the use of authentic Italian ingredients. 

Sure, you can purchase the seasoning ready-made. However, making it yourself using traditional Italian cooking basics, allows you to tweak the recipe and create your perfect blend. 

Traditionally, the Italians have created simple dishes using local ingredients. Many of the moist famous Italian dishes today date from the war and other times of poverty. 

Using a few local ingredients and the right collection of herbs, a delicious meal can be made for the entire family. Italian seasoning simply makes these simple traditional dishes more flavorsome and enjoyable. 

Italian seasoning ingredients: core herbs

Of course, while you can tweak the quantity and even the range of Italian seasoning ingredients, to get an authentic blend you must include the following four ingredients. 

Oregano, basil and thyme

These three are often lumped together, but each of these herbs makes a contribution to the overall taste. 

Oregano

This herb has a distinctive earthy aroma. It’s strong and has a slight bitterness. Don’t be surprised if, when you smell oregano, you instantly think of a classic Italian garden baking in the sunshine. 

This herb is almost always sprinkled on top of a pizza, and it’s often added to pasta dishes, helping to balance and even deepen the flavor. 

Basil

Basil is a great addition to any Italian seasoning, it has a delightful sweet flavor with hints of mint and pepper. These help to balance the bitterness of the oregano and add a little extra flavor. 

You’ll find basil included in many Italian dishes, as well as being one of the key Italian seasoning ingredients.

Thyme

Thyme is a surprisingly complex herb which is why it’s one of the essential Italian seasoning herbs. It also has an earthy flavor. However, unlike oregano, it is more subtle and has floral notes. It also offers hints of mint, not as powerful as basil. 

In other words, it manages to partly mimic oregano and basil, bringing the best out of both of them. In many ways, thyme is the ingredient that brings all the Italian seasoning ingredients together.

Rosemary

This is an extra and you won’t always find it Italian seasoning. However, it’s often added as it adds a woody taste to the mix. It’s best described as a pine aroma with a strong, slightly bitter flavor. It’s especially good when mixed with vegetables or even meat, then roasted. 

Garlic and supporting spices

Garlic needs no introduction. It has a strong aroma and a definitive ‘kick’. Most Italian seasonings will have some garlic in as it gives the food a boost and original flavor. 

It’s not the only supporting spice. Your Italian seasoning herbs may also include:

Sage

This herb also has a slightly earthy/slightly pepper flavor. It even has hints of mint. Interestingly, it doesn’t just enhance the flavor of the other ingredients, it adds a complexity and depth of its own.

Parsley

Parsley is best described as slightly grassy. It’s flavor is mild. However, adding it to any Italian seasoning or dish can add a nice splash of color. 

Majoram

Majoram is surprisingly similar to oregano, but in a less obvious way. It’s mild, allowing a warmth without bitterness to your seasoning.

Italian seasoning ingredients list: dried vs fresh

In principle, the freshest ingredients should give the best flavor. However, when herbs are dried, they retain their flavor. This allows you to put the exact same amount in every time and know your dish will always taste the same – that’s the way you like it. 

You should note, dried herbs generally offer a more concentrated flavor than fresh ingredients. You’ll need to use less dried than fresh to match your preferred taste. 

Of course, a fresh herb will have a much stronger aroma than a dried one. This could make a difference if you’re preparing a dish for a specific event. 

How to use Italian seasoning in cooking

Whether you’re using Umbrian extra virgin olive oil to roast some vegetables, or creating a delightful pasta dish, you should always add the herbs and spices at the start of your meal preparation.

This gives the herbs time to release their flavor into the food, making it truly delicious. The longer the herbs are present, the stronger their presence in the final dish. You simply have to decide how strong you want the dish to be. This will dictate the level of herbs you add at the start of cooking. 

Meat, vegetables and sauces

If you’re cooking meat, we recommend sprinkling your Italian seasoning across the meat before you bake or grill it. You’ll have full control over cooking time and allow all the delightful Italian flavors to soak into the meat.

Vegetables are another story. You’ll want to toss all your vegetables together with some virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, and any salt or pepper you desire. Then, simply roast the vegetables to maximize the flavor.

Italian seasoning is also a great addition to any sauce, whether it’s the one for your pizza base or a traditional Italian pasta dish. In Italian cuisine, when it comes to sauces, less is more. Every piece of pasta should be lightly brushed by the sauce and the associated seasoning. 

The result is a delightfully light, yet balanced flavor. Try it yourself.