Substitute for Bay Leaves: Ratios and Best Uses

By The Recipes by Mom kitchen · Last checked October 21, 2026 · Not kitchen-tested; see how our recipes are made

When a recipe calls for a bay leaf and you do not have one, a pinch of dried thyme or oregano can be used instead. For many dishes, especially those with numerous other seasonings, you can also simply leave the bay leaf out. The change in the final result is often subtle.

Bay leaves release their flavor slowly, making them ideal for dishes that simmer for a long time, such as soups, stews, and sauces. The best substitutes work in a similar way, infusing the liquid with an aromatic background note. Always remove the whole bay leaf before serving, as it remains stiff and can be a choking hazard.

Substitutes for bay leaves (per 1 leaf)

Ratios are common kitchen equivalents; results vary by recipe, so try a swap in a forgiving recipe first.

Good to know

• Remove whole bay leaves before serving: they stay stiff and can be a choking hazard

How to choose the right bay leaf substitute

Choosing a substitute for bay leaves depends on the other ingredients in your dish. Bay leaves provide a subtle aroma that supports other savory flavors without overpowering them.

• Dried thyme is a good substitute in the same types of recipes as bay leaves, such as braises and stews. A pinch of thyme for each leaf is a balanced replacement.
• Dried oregano has a stronger flavor. It is a suitable choice for tomato-based sauces and dishes where its more assertive character will be a good fit. Use a pinch per leaf.
• Leaving it out is the simplest option. If your recipe is already rich with herbs and spices, omitting the bay leaf may not make a noticeable difference. This is a good choice if you do not want to introduce a different herb flavor.

Substitutions by recipe type

The best substitute is often determined by the type of dish you are making.

• For soups, stews, and braises: These long-simmered dishes benefit from an herb that can stand up to heat. Dried thyme is a good substitute, providing a complementary note for vegetables and meats. Add a pinch of thyme for every bay leaf the recipe requires.
• For tomato sauces: The stronger quality of dried oregano works well with tomatoes. Use a pinch of oregano to replace one bay leaf in pasta sauces or other tomato-heavy preparations.
• For most other recipes: In stocks, rice dishes, or bean preparations where the bay leaf is one of many seasonings, you can typically omit it without a significant loss of character.

What changes when you swap

Replacing a bay leaf with another herb will slightly alter the flavor profile of your dish. While bay leaf is known for its subtle background notes, its substitutes are more distinct.

Using thyme will introduce a different herb flavor that is complementary to many savory dishes. Oregano is stronger and will make its presence known, which is why it is best suited for robust sauces. If you choose to omit the bay leaf entirely, the dish might have a slightly less complex aroma, but the primary flavors will remain unchanged. Because the difference is subtle, this is often the most practical substitution.

Sources and method

• Substitution ratios: common equivalents from US university extension substitution tables and standard cookbooks, cross-checked by the editors

Last checked October 21, 2026.