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Herbes de Provence is one of those little secrets of the French kitchen — a simple blend of dried herbs that instantly transforms everyday cooking into something special. With just a pinch, your roast chicken, potatoes, or even a simple soup will carry the flavors of Provence.
Why Make Your Own Herbes de Provence
Of course, you can buy jars at the grocery store. But once you make it, you will never go back. Here’s why:
Always on hand – It takes just five minutes to mix a jar, and it makes a thoughtful homemade gift too.
Authentic flavor – Homemade blends taste fresher and closer to what you’d actually find in Provence.
No unnecessary extras – Many store-bought blends add fillers or odd spices that take away from the true flavor.
Control over ingredients – Choose the best herbs you can find, or even dry your own from the garden.
Flexibility – Adjust the amounts to suit your taste or the dish you’re making. Ratios aren’t rigid.
What’s in Herbes de Provence?
There isn’t one “official” recipe, but most blends contain these staples:
- Thyme
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Savory
- Marjoram
Sometimes you’ll see oregano, bay leaf, or even tarragon included. Dried lavender occasionally makes an appearance, but traditionally it isn’t part of the classic mix — and personally, I prefer to leave it out. Without the lavender, the blend is much more versatile and works with just about everything.
What is in Herbes de Provence?
I checked out the label that was on the last bag that I bought from the market in Cucuron, France. It listed the following ingredients:
- Thyme
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Savory
- Marjoram
Sometimes you will also see other herbs, such as Tarragon, Bay leaf, or Oregano added.
Dried lavender occasionally makes an appearance, but traditionally it isn’t part of the classic mix — and personally, I prefer to leave it out. Without the lavender, the blend is much more versatile and works with just about everything.
How to Make Herbes de Provence
This couldn’t be simpler.
Ingredients (for about ⅔ cup):
- 2 tbsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp dried savory
- 2 tbsp dried marjoram
Instructions:
- Place all the herbs in a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake until well combined.
- For homegrown, dried herbs, you can pulse the mix in a food processor to create a finer texture if you prefer.
That’s it — your homemade Herbes de Provence is ready to use.
How to Use It
Herbes de Provence is one of the most versatile blends you can keep in your pantry. Try it:
- Sprinkled over chicken or fish before roasting
- Tossed with vegetables before baking
- Stirred into soups, stews, or sauces
- Added to bread dough for a rustic flavor
- Mixed with olive oil for dipping warm baguette
It’s the kind of blend you’ll find yourself reaching for every single day.
Storing Your Blend
Keep your Herbes de Provence in a tightly sealed jar, away from direct sunlight and heat. It will stay fragrant for 1–3 years, though I recommend making smaller batches so you always have a fresh, aromatic mix on hand.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Herbes de Provence is quick, practical, and rewarding. Once you taste the difference, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in French kitchens. Keep a jar in your pantry, and don’t be surprised when you start putting it on just about everything.
Bon Appétit!
Gaby
Herbes de Provence
Equipment
- food processor – optional
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp dried Thyme
- 2 tbsp dried Basil
- 2 tbsp dried Rosemary
- 2 tbsp dried Savory
- 2 tbsp dried Marjoram
Instructions
- Measure out all of the ingredients into a jar with a lid, and shake until combined.
- If you are using your home grown dried herbs, measure out all of the ingredients into a food processor, and blend until the desired consistency is reached.
- Yields approximately 2/3 cup of herbs
