Thyme

Thymus vulgaris Herb, Seasoning

Thyme Herb, Seasoning

At a Glance

  • Category Herb, Seasoning

The Forktionary Angle

"A robust herb that gracefully bridges the gap between delicate and hearty flavors."

Definition

An aromatic herb with small, intensely fragrant leaves, known for its earthy, minty, and slightly lemony notes, especially prominent in Mediterranean cuisine.

Aromatic Compound Contains thymol, a phenolic compound responsible for its distinct aroma and antiseptic properties.
Culinary Pairing A core component of classic herb blends like "herbes de Provence" and "bouquet garni."
Flavor Release Benefits from longer cooking times to fully release its essential oils.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Thyme are:

Earthy Woody Minty Lemony Slightly Floral

Chef’s Secret

Instead of stripping fresh thyme leaves, toss whole sprigs into simmering dishes like stews or roasts; the leaves will detach, and the woody stem can be easily removed before serving.

Best Substitutes

Oregano

stronger
Ratio 1:1

Marjoram

milder
Ratio 1:1

Rosemary

stronger
Ratio 1:2

Bay Leaf

1 leaf per 1 tsp dried thyme, for long cooks

Buying Guide

Choose fresh thyme with vibrant green leaves; dried thyme should be fragrant and not dusty.

Recipes Using Thyme

Time To Make Course Side Dishes Main Ingredient

Asparagus With Cambozola Sauce

Elevate your dinner party with this elegant and flavorful Asparagus with Creamy Cambozola Sauce recipe! Perfectly toasted bread provides a delightful base for tender asparagus spears bathed in a rich, decadent Cambozola cheese sauce. This stunning appetizer or side dish is surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

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Grains North American Soups Stews Inexpensive

Barley Lentil Soup

Inspired by Canadian Living, this warming barley and lentil soup is the perfect autumnal meal! Packed with wholesome grains and vegetables, it's both comforting and satisfying. A simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a cozy night in. Get ready to savor every delicious spoonful!

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Kid Friendly Turkey Main Ingredient Meat

Gobble Up Turkey Cottage Pie

This comforting and kid-friendly turkey cottage pie recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or potlucks! Made with lean ground turkey, it's a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef cottage pie. Perfect for meal prepping (OAMC friendly!), bringing to a friend in need, or simply enjoying a family dinner. Get ready to gobble this one up!

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Taste Mood Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Inexpensive

3 Step Pork Chops W Mushroom Gravy

Juicy, tender pork chops smothered in a rich and flavorful mushroom gravy? Yes, please! This incredibly easy recipe is ready in under 5 minutes and then it's hands-off! Impress your family with this restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant-quality effort. Perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice, asparagus, green beans, or your favorite sides. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Savory Potatoes Savory Beginner Cook

Beer Bacon Onion Braised New Potatoes

Unleash the ultimate comfort food with this Beer Bacon Onion Braised New Potato recipe! Simple, yet bursting with savory flavor, this easy one-pot dish features tender potatoes slow-cooked to perfection with smoky bacon, sweet onions, and aromatic herbs. The rich beer adds depth and complexity, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience. Perfect as a side dish alongside slow-cooked pork roast, short ribs, or baked chicken – or enjoy it as a hearty meal on its own! Easily halved for two.

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60 Minutes Or Less Cheese Meat Summer

Baked Beef Patties

Experience the taste of home with these incredibly juicy and flavorful baked beef patties! This family-favorite recipe features tender beef patties coated in breadcrumbs, smothered in rich spaghetti sauce, and topped with melted cheese. A comforting and delicious meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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Easy 3 Steps Or Less Refrigerator Chicken Breasts

A Jerky Chicken

Unleash your inner chef with this unforgettable Jamaican Jerky Chicken recipe! A fiery blend of herbs, vinegar, and habanero pepper creates a spicy and succulent chicken dish that will leave you craving more. Serve with fluffy rice for a truly authentic and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a vibrant weekend feast!

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Rice Low Calorie Pasta Rice And Grains American

Beef And Cabbage Bake

Comfort food at its finest! This incredibly tasty Beef and Cabbage Bake is an easy, budget-friendly recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal. A delicious way to use up leftover rice, this hearty bake is packed with flavor and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready for a warm, satisfying dish that's both simple and impressive!

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Ground Beef Spring Number Of Servings Eggs Dairy

Baked Breakfast Meatballs

Fuel your morning with these delicious, low-carb, high-protein Baked Breakfast Meatballs! A quick and easy recipe perfect for a satisfying and healthy breakfast that will keep you full and energized. No more boring breakfasts – these savory meatballs are packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!

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Barbecue Smoker Cuisine Pork

Bbq Ribs With Cola Sauce

Get ready to experience BBQ ribs like never before! This recipe uses the surprisingly amazing sweetness of cola (or root beer/Dr. Pepper) to create a mouthwatering, caramel-like BBQ sauce that will have your ribs falling off the bone. We'll use a proven 3-2-1 method for ultimate tenderness, but feel free to adapt it to your favorite cooking style. A secret mustard paint adds incredible moisture and enhances the flavor without leaving a mustard taste. Prepare for unbelievably juicy, flavorful ribs that will be the star of your next barbecue!

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Equipment Beef Course Meat

Beef And Wild Mushroom Ragout

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Beef and Wild Mushroom Ragout, a culinary masterpiece perfect for a cozy night in. Tender beef braised to perfection in a luscious sauce with earthy wild mushrooms. Serve alongside creamy garlic-herb mashed potatoes for a truly unforgettable meal. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.

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Ground Beef Taste Mood 4 Hours Or Less Ground Beef

Aromatic And Cheese Stuffed Meat Loaf

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this decadent Aromatic and Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf! Inspired by Williams Sonoma, this recipe boasts a savory blend of sautéed vegetables, herbs, and two types of cheese, all nestled within a juicy beef meatloaf. The perfect comfort food, this show-stopping meatloaf is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes (Recipe #336506), a vibrant side salad (Recipe #339838), and for a sweet finish, try our delicious dessert (Recipe #319186) served over vanilla ice cream.

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Poultry Chowders Meat Soups Stews

Beggar's Chowder

This decadent Beggar's Chowder isn't begging for anything – it's offering a rich, creamy bowl of slow-cooked turkey and corn goodness! This heartwarming recipe, adapted from "Slow Cooker Favorites," features tender turkey thighs simmered in a flavorful broth with sweet corn, vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of cream. So delicious, you'll be begging for seconds (we warned you!). Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Eggs Course Greek Food Processor Blender

Bean And Olive Pate With Eggs

A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pâté, perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or light entrée! This make-ahead recipe features creamy cannellini beans (or your favorite bean!), briny olives, and fragrant herbs, all topped with perfectly cooked eggs and crusty garlic toast. Easily customizable, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Serve with warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean feast.

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Dietary Preparation Easy Rice

Banana Chicken Stew

This surprisingly delicious stew combines the sweetness of banana with a spicy kick from cayenne pepper, creating a unique and flavorful experience. Tender chicken simmers in a rich broth, complemented by warming spices. Serve this comforting dish warm over brown rice with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Even better the next day! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Main Ingredient Occasion Low Calorie Course

Beer Braised Brisket With Carrots And Parsnips

Impress your St. Patrick's Day guests (or any day!) with this tender, flavorful beer-braised brisket. A delicious alternative to corned beef, this Good Food Magazine (March 1986) recipe features melt-in-your-mouth brisket, perfectly roasted carrots, and sweet parsnips. This rich and satisfying dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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North American Low Cholesterol Clams 4 Hours Or Less

Bc Ferries Manhattan Clam Chowder

Taste the legendary BC Ferries experience with this incredible Manhattan Clam Chowder recipe! This tomato-based chowder, originally from a cherished free recipe card, is a flavour explosion. While the recipe traditionally calls for clam nectar, we've adapted it using clam juice for easy accessibility. Get ready for a hearty and delicious meal that evokes the charm of the BC Ferries journey.

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Taste Mood Pork Course Stews

A Grape Picker's Lunch Sausages And Lentils With Thyme And Wine

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched vineyards of Southwest France with this authentic recipe! Inspired by a harvest feast in the Charente-Maritime region, this hearty sausage and lentil dish is bursting with rustic charm and flavor. Imagine yourself enjoying this comforting meal alongside locals, under ancient beams in a rustic barn, just like the author did during the 2009 grape harvest. The secret? Simple, high-quality ingredients – succulent sausages (Toulouse sausages are ideal, but good quality venison or Angus beef will also work beautifully), earthy Puy lentils, fragrant thyme, and a rich, local wine. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a memorable get-together. Serve with fresh salads, crusty bread, cheese, and of course, plenty of wine! Vive la vendange!

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