Italian Spice

N/A Spice Blend, Herb Blend, Pantry Staple

Italian Spice Spice Blend, Herb Blend, Pantry Staple

At a Glance

  • Category Spice Blend, Herb Blend, Pantry Staple

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlock authentic Italian flavors with the right spice blend."

Definition

A popular dried herb blend, typically featuring oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, delivering a quintessential Mediterranean flavor profile to Italian dishes.

Core Components Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Rosemary (often Marjoram, Sage)
Dried Shelf Life (Optimal Flavor) 6-12 months (after opening)
Volatile Oil Retention Best preserved in whole-leaf form, ground when needed.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Italian Spice are:

Aromatic savory earthy slightly peppery herbaceous robust

Chef’s Secret

Bloom dried Italian spice in a small amount of warm olive oil for a minute before adding to sauces or dishes. This releases and intensifies their essential oils, boosting flavor.

Best Substitutes

Oregano + Basil

combined for cooked dishes
Ratio 1:1

Herbes de Provence

slightly different profile
Ratio 1:1

dried Thyme + Rosemary

combined for roast meats
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Check for vibrant color and strong aroma. Buy in smaller quantities to ensure freshness, or whole herbs and grind yourself.

Recipes Using Italian Spice

Meat Occasion Preparation Main Dish

Flipped Roast Turkey

Get ready to wow your Thanksgiving guests with this show-stopping Flipped Roast Turkey! This unique cooking method, inspired by a viral recipe, delivers the juiciest, most flavorful turkey you'll ever taste. Forget dry, bland turkey – this recipe guarantees a perfectly cooked bird with incredibly crispy skin and incredibly moist meat. Impress your friends and family with this unforgettable centerpiece, a culinary masterpiece that's easier than you think! Don't be intimidated – this detailed recipe will guide you through every step.

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Beginner Cook Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Breads

A Different Garlic Bread

Elevate your dinner with this unbelievably delicious garlic bread recipe! A simple twist on a classic, this recipe combines the savory goodness of garlic with juicy tomatoes and bubbly cheese for a taste sensation that perfectly complements any Italian dish, especially spaghetti. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 30 minutes!

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Italian Vegetables Cuisine Side Dishes

Stuffed Eggplant Aubergine Rolls

A delightful and surprisingly easy recipe for Stuffed Eggplant Aubergine Rolls! This tasty dish is perfect as a light meal or impressive side. Featuring creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara, these rolls are bursting with flavor. Can't find eggplant? No problem! Use zucchini for a delicious twist. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Chicken Breasts Chicken Breasts Comfort Food Cuisine

3 Cheese Chicken Penne

A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on a classic! This 3 Cheese Chicken Penne recipe is inspired by Applebee's, but elevated for your home kitchen. Enjoy tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich three-cheese alfredo sauce – all ready in under an hour! Use pre-cooked chicken for a truly speedy weeknight meal, or marinate your own for extra flavor. This recipe is easily customizable to your taste; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices.

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Preparation Shellfish Main Ingredient Time To Make

Angel Hair Pasta With Scallops Tomato Basil

This incredible Angel Hair Pasta recipe features perfectly seared scallops, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil – a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 20 minutes! Inspired by a store seafood department ad, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant pasta dish bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.

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Main Dish Beef Italian Equipment

Beef And Eggplant Aubergine Casserole

This hearty and comforting Beef and Eggplant Aubergine Casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions! Individually portioned for easy freezing and reheating, this recipe is a freezer-friendly lifesaver. Enjoy tender beef, savory eggplant, and a creamy, cheesy topping – a delicious and satisfying meal any time of year.

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Vegetarian Vegetarian 3 Steps Or Less Main Ingredient

Ann's Lentil Soup

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful lentil soup! Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant spinach, and a zesty pesto kick, this recipe is both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Customize it to your liking – it's incredibly flexible, allowing for ingredient substitutions and adjustments to suit your taste. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.

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Meat Eggs Dairy Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Spaghetti With Chicken

Warning: This cheesy, chicken-packed baked spaghetti is seriously addictive! We're talking a from-scratch sauce (super easy!), a dreamy blend of cheeses including cream cheese, and tender chicken all baked to bubbly perfection. Feel free to adjust the cheese – less for a lighter dish, more if you're a cheese lover! Prep time includes simmering, so don't let that scare you. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Occasion Comfort Food Crock Pot Slow Cooker Dietary

Acadia's Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This hearty and flavorful Chicken Cacciatore simmers to perfection in your slow cooker, creating a tender and juicy chicken dish bursting with garden-fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this adaptable recipe uses pantry staples and is easily scaled to fit any size crockpot. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta, and don't forget the crusty Italian bread for sopping up the delicious sauce! Get ready for a taste of rustic Italian comfort.

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Occasion Side Dishes Dietary Appetizers

Baked Stuffed Artichoke Hearts

Say goodbye to messy artichokes! This recipe delivers delicious, bite-sized stuffed artichoke hearts in a fraction of the time. A quick and easy side dish or appetizer perfect for parties or a weeknight meal. These cheesy, herb-infused hearts can be baked in the oven or grilled for a smoky twist. Plus, the creamy goat cheese topping can be prepped ahead, making this recipe even more convenient. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Time To Make Spaghetti Main Ingredient Time To Make

Baked Spaghetti

This easy, make-ahead Baked Spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks and busy weeknights! Prepare it the day before, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful pasta bake. This recipe travels well and tastes even better reheated – a true family favorite.

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Time To Make Main Dish Main Ingredient Preparation

Any Night Of The Week Chicken Pasta And Broccoli

This 30-minute one-pan chicken pasta and broccoli recipe is a weeknight dinner winner! Packed with flavor and using pantry staples, it's easily customizable to your spice preferences. Kids love it! Serve with crusty bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Dietary Low In Something Vegetables Equipment

Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both comforting and impressive? Look no further than these Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers! This family recipe, passed down through generations, features sweet red and yellow bell peppers brimming with a savory ground beef and rice filling. A touch of Italian seasoning and melted cheese elevates this classic dish to new heights. Perfect for meal prepping (make-ahead and freeze!), this recipe is a weeknight winner and a crowd-pleaser. Serve with crusty bread and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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