Herbs de Provence Recipe - Easy Homemade Spice Mix

This Homemade Herbs de Provence recipe Spice Mix is easy to make with spices you probably already have in your cabinet.  This classic blend of herbs is common in French cooking and goes great with everything from roast chicken, to potatoes, and fish.

Love DIY spice blends? Try my 10 Healthy Homemade Seasoning Mixes to Spice Up Your Pantry.

Herbs de Provence Recipe

This Herbs de Provence recipe is one I have loved for years.  This classic herb blend is most commonly used in French cooking, but it translates well to so many dishes made in a healthy kitchen that lets fresh ingredients shine. It's a staple in my pantry and something I always have on hand because it elevates so many dishes to another level of yumminess.  This is a 7 ingredient, 10 minute recipe you will make again and again.

I've always had a soft spot for French culture and French cuisine, and using this blend of spices makes me feel fancy in the kitchen, even when I'm not.  I'll probably never perfect a soufflé or French omelet... but I'm pretty good at sprinkling some of Herbs de Provence on my roasted potatoes or salmon, making these very basic meals feel gourmet.  This spice mix is also fabulous on everything from chicken and prime rib to soups, stews, and pork!  The light herbaceous flavor of this spice blend makes me dream of the trip I want to take to Provence in the South of France one day to frolic through lavender fields.

Sure you could buy your own Herbs de Provence at the grocery store but making your own mix lets you control the ingredients (like adding a little extra pretty lavender!) You also probably have most of the items to make it in your pantry anyway and it's a great way to save a few dollars.  Plus you know that your mix is healthy without any preservatives!

This recipe is also vegan, vegetarian, keto, and low carb.

 

Do you love making homemade spice mixes?  Also try my Italian Seasoning Mix, Cajun Spice Mix, Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning, DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix & Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix.

 

What is Herbs de Provence?

Herbs de Provence (or Herbes de Provence in France) is a blend of herbs that comes from the Provence region of southeastern France.  It's a delightful blend of spices that elevate so many dishes, including savory marjoram, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, oregano, and lavender flowers.  Some recipes include bay leaves or chervil. This spice blend makes flavoring dishes like fish, chicken, potatoes, or vegetables super simple.

Unlike many spice blends, this one varies widely from one version to another.  While most modern commercially sold mixes in the US include lavender, not all mixes in France do.  It's actually not historically part of the mix.  Many Americans associate Provence with lavender fields (including me!), so it's thought it was added to appeal to Americans. Some blends include fennel seed, and some do not.  My blend includes lavender because I feel like it's the key flavor to this spice mix, but it does not include fennel.

Herbs de Provence is relatively new to the culinary world and became popular after Julia Child started showcasing French cooking on TV in the 1970s.  Her book, The Art of French Cooking, and the show introduced this spice, as well as French cooking, to America.

The blend is aromatic, herbaceous, and fragrant.

 

What do Herbs de Provence taste like?

The two most dominant flavors in most Herbs de Provence blends are thyme and rosemary, so this spice blend has strong notes of those.  You can also taste hints of lavender, savory, basil, and tarragon.  It has a similar flavor to Italian seasoning, but it is lighter, more herb-forward, and more complex because it has more spices.

 

What is the difference between Italian Seasoning and Herbs de Provence?

Herbs de Provence comes from southern France, while Italian Seasoning was actually created in the US.  Italian Seasoning has a similar flavor profile to Herbs de Provence but it's missing the floral taste from the lavender flavors.  Italian Seasoning often has a strong basil flavor that most Herbs de Provence blends do not include.

 

Ingredients:

• Dried Thyme: Dried Thyme is one of the strongest flavors in this Herbs de Provence recipe.  The spice is key in Mediterranean cooking and has an earthy flavor with notes of lemon and mint.
• Dried Summer Savory: Dried Summer Savory is another aromatic herb with a light Thyme-like flavor and a peppery bite.  I prefer the bright green summer savory, but if you can't find it, you can use Ground Savory, which is often easier to find.  If you are having trouble finding it and want to try it, I linked it below.
• Dried Oregano: Dried Oregano has a robust flavor and peppery bite.  It's slightly sweet and minty.
• Dried Rosemary: Rosemary has a very distinctive piney flavor.  It's a strong addition to this herb blend.
• Dried Marjoram Leaves: Marjoram is another Mediterranean herb similar to oregano, but with a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor.
• Dried Tarragon: Tarragon is another distinctive herb with a bittersweet flavor that is common in French cooking, making it a perfect addition to this Herbs de Provence recipe.
• Dried Lavender Flowers: Light and floral, lavender leaves are the shining star of this herb blend.  Look for culinary lavender that is safe to eat.  Lavender is not part of the tradional french mixture, but is often included in ones you buy in America.

Julie's Tip: Use culinary-grade dried lavender intended for cooking, not lavender sold for fragrance or decorative purposes.

You can also reduce or omit the lavender if you prefer a more traditional savory blend.

 

For the best results in making this Herbs de Provence recipe, use the freshest spices.  If you need to replace any, here's where to buy them on Amazon.

• Dried Thyme
• Dried Summer Savory
• Dried Oregano
• Dried Rosemary
• Dried Marjoram
• Dried Tarragon
• Dried Lavender Flowers

 

How to Make Herbs de Provence:

1. Gather all your spices and check for freshness.
2. Measure out the spices.
3. Toss spices into an airtight container and toss until well combined.  You could also mix them in a mixing bowl and stir well.
4. Use a teaspoon at a time in your favorite recipes.
5. Store in a dark pantry or dry place for up to a year.

 

Recipe Tips:

• Use Fresh Herbs: Check the dates on your herbs to make sure they are still fresh.  Fresh herbs will give your homemade Herbs de Provence recipe the best flavor.
• Adjust the Ratios: Adjust the spice-blend ratios to your personal taste.  If you don't like a spice, leave it out!  You can substitute dried parsley, thyme, oregano, or marjoram for one you don't like.  This spice blend is pretty forgiving.
• Double it: You can easily make more or less of this mixture by doubling and halving the recipe.  If you want to double it just click on the 2x or 3x on the recipe card.
• Make a Finer Seasoning: If you want a more refined spice blend or powder for your recipe, put all the spices in a spice grinder and crush them into a powder.  This works well if you are using the blend as a meat rub.  If you prefer a finer spice mix, you can use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind or mix the spices into more of a powder.  This kind of spice blend can be useful for marinades and to season meats or poultry.
• Keep it Salt-Free: You can add salt or pepper to complete the mixture, but I like to keep it plain to keep the sodium down.
• Store it properly. Keep the herbs in an airtight container away from the stove, sunlight, and humidity to help preserve their flavor.

Herbs de Provence FAQ

Storage

Store your homemade Herbs de Provence in a clean, dry, airtight spice jar or container.  Keep it in a cool, dark cupboard away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.

For the freshest flavor, I recommend using it within about 6 months, although properly stored dried herbs may retain some flavor longer.  The actual shelf life depends on how fresh your dried herbs were when you made the mixture. If your seasoning no longer has much aroma, it's time to make a fresh batch! These glass jars are a great way to store them.

 

How long will the spice mix last?

Dried herbs can keep their flavor in a dark pantry or cupboard for up to two years.  They don't go bad, but they just don't taste as good after that.  Your spice mix will last for about a year in the pantry, depending on how old the spices are that you made it with.

 

Is Herbs de Provence the same as Italian seasoning?

No, but they are similar. Both contain aromatic dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Herbs de Provence often includes savory and sometimes lavender, while Italian seasoning commonly features basil.

 

Does Herbs de Provence always contain lavender?

No! Many commercially sold versions include lavender, especially in the United States, but it's not required. Some French blends don't include lavender at all.

 

Can you make Herbs de Provence without lavender?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the lavender and combine the remaining herbs. You'll still have a delicious, savory seasoning blend.

 

Is lavender part of Herbs de Provence?

Yes, it can be! Lavender is a key component of the American version of this spice blend and gives it a mild floral flavor.  Don't overdo it by adding the lavender buds to your mixture, though, because it can give your food a soapy flavor.  A little goes a long way.

 

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

For a shelf-stable seasoning blend, dried herbs are the best choice. Fresh herbs contain moisture and should not be stored in an airtight jar like dried seasonings. You can use fresh herbs when cooking, but they won't produce the same pantry-friendly mixture.

 

Is Herbs de Provence spicy?

No. Herbs de Provence is an aromatic, savory herb blend, not a spicy seasoning. It doesn't traditionally contain hot peppers.

 

Is Herbs de Provence gluten-free?

The herbs in this homemade recipe are naturally gluten-free. If you need to avoid gluten strictly, check the packaging of individual dried herbs for any cross-contact concerns.

 

Can I substitute Herbs de Provence for rosemary?

Yes, in some recipes! Herbs de Provence contains rosemary, along with several other herbs. It can substitute in roasted vegetables, meats, and savory dishes, though the flavor will be more complex.

 

Herbs de Provence Substitute

What if you're making a recipe that calls for Herbs de Provence but don't have all the ingredients? You have several options!

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is one of the easiest substitutes for Herbs de Provence.  Both blends typically contain oregano, thyme, and rosemary, although the exact ingredients vary. Italian seasoning usually has more basil and doesn't typically contain lavender.  You can substitute Italian seasoning in a 1:1 ratio in most savory recipes, although the flavor won't be exactly the same.  Use my recipe for Homemade Italian Spice Mix

Thyme and Rosemary

If you don't have Italian seasoning, a simple combination of dried thyme and rosemary can work in a pinch. Try combining equal parts of the two herbs and using the mixture in place of Herbs de Provence. This won't have the full complexity of the original seasoning, but it provides a similar earthy, aromatic flavor.

Make Your Own Without Lavender

Traditional Herbs de Provence does not have lavender. You can also make this recipe without lavender. Simply omit it and combine the remaining dried herbs. The resulting mixture will have a more savory, herb-forward flavor and still work beautifully in most recipes.

 

Recipes Using Herbs de Provence:

• Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts
• Sprinkle on Roasted Potatoes or Roasted Green Beans.
• Add to Roasted Vegetables.  This would taste wonderful with eggplant or zucchini.
• Sprinkle on top of Scrambled Eggs.
• Add to Fish Foil Packets.
• Add to Grilled Zucchini Packets or Grilled Asparagus Foil Packets.
• Add to Roasted Delicata Squash or Acorn Squash.
• Top with Salmon
• Sprinkle on pork, lamb, chicken, or prime rib.
• Add it to olive oil to make a fabulous dipping sauce for bread.
• Mix it with goat cheese for a homemade herbed goat cheese.
• Add it to your Homemade Salad Dressing.

 

 

More Homemade Spice Mix Recipes to Love:

• 10 Healthy Homemade Seasoning Mixes to Spice Up Your Pantry
• Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
•  Homemade Cajun Seasoning
• Taco Spice Mix
• Homemade Italian Spice Mix
• DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Homemade Ranch Seasoning
• Homemade Blackening Seasoning
• Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix

 

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!

 

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