10.04.2021
Substitute for Bay Leaves
Quick swaps for bay leaf, exact conversions, and tips for using ground or whole leaves in soups, stews, rice, and rubs.
- Use ground bay leaf, dried oregano, or dried thyme as substitutes. Aim for 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per whole bay leaf.
- Ground bay leaf works well in rubs and stews because it builds background flavor and does not need removing.
- Bay leaf adds subtle complexity and enhances acids and umami. It is optional and whole leaves should be removed before serving.
Bay leaves are aromatic and generally used in cooking to bring out the flavor and cut through the richness in a dish. Bay leaves come from the laurel tree and are prominent in many different cuisines from all over the world from India to the Caribbean and East Asia, whole leaves are added to dishes, usually slow cooking sauces or stews and then removed before serving.
Substitute for Bay Leaf
Although it’s widely debated whether or not bay leaves add significant flavor to dishes or if they’re mostly unnecessary, there are a few substitutes you can use if you want to help to bring out the flavors of your favorite dish. Using one of the substitutes below will give you a hint of complexity that is similar to adding bay leaf to your sauce or stew. Use ¼ teaspoon of either of these substitutes for 1 bay leaf.
- Ground bay leaf
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
Considering the debate as to what a bay leaf contributes to dishes, you also have the option to just leave the bay leaf out of the recipe altogether.
Substitute for Ground Bay Leaf
Ground bay leaves can be used similarly to whole bay leaves, without the need to remove before serving. Ground bay leaf can also be used for rubs for meat with some salt and pepper. Ground bay leaf helps build flavor opposed to offering a strong, signature flavor. Bay leaves compliment acids and also emphasize the umami flavors in chilis, sauces, and stews. If you don’t have whole or ground bay leaves, you can use dried Greek oregano or dried thyme in its place.
Common Bay Leaf Questions
What Are Some Common Bay Leaf Recipes?
While bay leaves are generally used in stews and soups like our pea soup, we also love it in rice dishes like this arroz con pollo and even hot beverages like this chai latte recipe.
How Much Ground Bay Leaf Equals 1 Bay Leaf?
Between ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon equals 1 bay leaf. This is the same conversion you should use if you’re substituting dried oregano or dried thyme for a bay leaf.
What Are Some Benefits of Bay Leaves?
Bay leaves emphasize the existing flavors and compliment the other spices in each dish. Bay leaves are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and have even been proven to help treat migraines. Bay leaves can also help with digestion. These benefits make a good case to use bay leaves or ground bay leaves in your favorite dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use if I do not have bay leaves?
Good substitutes are ground bay leaf, dried oregano, or dried thyme. For one whole bay leaf use about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of ground bay leaf, or about 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano or dried thyme.
Can I skip adding bay leaf to a recipe?
Yes. Bay leaf usually adds subtle background notes that boost other flavors. Leaving it out will not ruin most dishes, though the final dish may be slightly less layered.
How do I use ground bay leaf versus whole bay leaf?
Ground bay leaf can be stirred into sauces, stews, and rubs and does not need to be removed. Whole leaves are added during cooking and taken out before serving. Use the same small conversion amounts when switching between them.
Can I eat bay leaves?
Do not eat whole bay leaves. They are stiff and can be sharp. Ground bay leaf is safe to consume because it is incorporated into the dish.
How should I store bay leaves and how long do they keep?
Keep dried whole bay leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Whole dried leaves keep their best flavor for up to a year. Ground bay leaf and other ground spices lose potency faster, about six months to a year.
What dishes commonly use bay leaves?
Bay leaves are common in soups, stews, braises, rice dishes like arroz con pollo, and even some spiced drinks like chai. They work well in slow cooked recipes that develop deep flavors.
Do bay leaves have any health benefits?
Bay leaves contain vitamin A and vitamin C and have long been used to help digestion. Some sources report relief for headaches, but food uses are mainly for flavor, not medical treatment.
What can I use if I do not have bay leaves?
Good substitutes are ground bay leaf, dried oregano, or dried thyme. For one whole bay leaf use about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of ground bay leaf, or about 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano or dried thyme.
Can I skip adding bay leaf to a recipe?
Yes. Bay leaf usually adds subtle background notes that boost other flavors. Leaving it out will not ruin most dishes, though the final dish may be slightly less layered.
How do I use ground bay leaf versus whole bay leaf?
Ground bay leaf can be stirred into sauces, stews, and rubs and does not need to be removed. Whole leaves are added during cooking and taken out before serving. Use the same small conversion amounts when switching between them.
Can I eat bay leaves?
Do not eat whole bay leaves. They are stiff and can be sharp. Ground bay leaf is safe to consume because it is incorporated into the dish.
How should I store bay leaves and how long do they keep?
Keep dried whole bay leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Whole dried leaves keep their best flavor for up to a year. Ground bay leaf and other ground spices lose potency faster, about six months to a year.
What dishes commonly use bay leaves?
Bay leaves are common in soups, stews, braises, rice dishes like arroz con pollo, and even some spiced drinks like chai. They work well in slow cooked recipes that develop deep flavors.
Do bay leaves have any health benefits?
Bay leaves contain vitamin A and vitamin C and have long been used to help digestion. Some sources report relief for headaches, but food uses are mainly for flavor, not medical treatment.
Hi Michele,
We no longer carry ground bay leaves. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Very interesting information on the dried bay leaf. I searched for ground bay leaf, but could not find it. Do you sell it ground?