12.16.2017
Sage Substitute
Quickly find the best sage substitutes, fresh-to-dried conversions, and simple storage tips for cooking and stuffing.
- Use rosemary, thyme, marjoram or poultry/Italian seasoning when you are out of sage.
- Conversion tips: 1 tablespoon fresh sage = 1/2 teaspoon dried; 1 teaspoon rubbed = 1/2 teaspoon ground.
- Store fresh sage in the fridge short term and dried in an airtight, cool, dark spot for best flavor.
Sage is an aromatic dried herb of the fuzzy grey shrub by the same name. Revered for its medicinal properties by cultures around the world, sage also is a staple savory herb. You can find its characteristic flavor in saltimbocca, Lincolnshire sausages, and turkey stuffing. Sage can come fresh, ground, or rubbed which all give different amounts of flavor so be sure to read recipes that involve sage carefully.
Substitutes for Sage
When you don’t have any sage on hand, there are still many other herbs and spices you can use to achieve the same impact. Similar aromatic dried herbs like rosemary and thyme work well as alternatives. Some seasoning blends like poultry seasoning and italian seasoning tend to contain sage so using that is another option as well. Check out some of the other substitutions, below:
Common Sage Substitution Questions
What is Fresh Sage to Ground Sage Equivalent?
If you are looking to substitute fresh sage with ground sage, we recommend using the conversion of 1 tablespoon of fresh sage = ½ teaspoon of dried sage.
Rubbed Sage vs. Ground Sage Conversion
Rubbed sage is a processing technique that releases aroma differently than ground/broken leaf sage. 1 teaspoon of rubbed sage is roughly equivalent to ½ teaspoon of ground sage.
What is a Sprig of Sage?
A sprig of sage is approximately 2-4 inch stem of the herb with a few leaves on it. This is used like a bay leaf or bouquet garni. You can substitute about ½ teaspoon of dried sage when a recipe calls for a sprig.
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.
What is a Sage Substitute for Stuffing?
Marjoram is a good sage substitute for stuffing as both herbs are in the mint family and have a similar flavor profile.
What Can I Substitute for Sage in Soup?
A good substitute for sage in soup is thyme or poultry seasoning which often contains sage in the mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of sage?
Good alternatives are rosemary, thyme, marjoram, savory, oregano, tarragon, bay leaf, basil, or blends like poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning that often contain sage.
How do I convert fresh sage to dried?
A common conversion is 1 tablespoon fresh sage equals 1/2 teaspoon dried sage. This is approximate, so add less first and adjust to taste.
What is the difference between rubbed sage and ground sage?
Rubbed sage is lightly crushed and releases aroma differently. Use 1 teaspoon rubbed sage for about 1/2 teaspoon ground sage.
What is a sprig of sage and how much dried equals one sprig?
A sprig is a 2 to 4 inch stem with leaves, used like a bay leaf. If a recipe calls for a sprig, substitute about 1/2 teaspoon dried sage.
Which substitute is best for stuffing or turkey?
Marjoram is an especially good match for stuffing because it shares a mild, minty flavor with sage. Poultry seasoning or a mix of rosemary and thyme also work well for turkey.
What should I use instead of sage in soup?
Thyme or poultry seasoning are great for soups. Thyme adds a steady savory note while poultry seasoning brings a ready-made mix that often includes sage.
How do I store fresh and dried sage to keep flavor?
For fresh sage, wrap leaves in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in a sealed bag for up to a week. You can also freeze chopped sage in oil. Keep dried sage in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and use within 6 to 12 months for best flavor.
What can I use instead of sage?
Good alternatives are rosemary, thyme, marjoram, savory, oregano, tarragon, bay leaf, basil, or blends like poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning that often contain sage.
How do I convert fresh sage to dried?
A common conversion is 1 tablespoon fresh sage equals 1/2 teaspoon dried sage. This is approximate, so add less first and adjust to taste.
What is the difference between rubbed sage and ground sage?
Rubbed sage is lightly crushed and releases aroma differently. Use 1 teaspoon rubbed sage for about 1/2 teaspoon ground sage.
What is a sprig of sage and how much dried equals one sprig?
A sprig is a 2 to 4 inch stem with leaves, used like a bay leaf. If a recipe calls for a sprig, substitute about 1/2 teaspoon dried sage.
Which substitute is best for stuffing or turkey?
Marjoram is an especially good match for stuffing because it shares a mild, minty flavor with sage. Poultry seasoning or a mix of rosemary and thyme also work well for turkey.
What should I use instead of sage in soup?
Thyme or poultry seasoning are great for soups. Thyme adds a steady savory note while poultry seasoning brings a ready-made mix that often includes sage.
How do I store fresh and dried sage to keep flavor?
For fresh sage, wrap leaves in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in a sealed bag for up to a week. You can also freeze chopped sage in oil. Keep dried sage in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and use within 6 to 12 months for best flavor.
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