Old Bay Seasoning
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Bring the bold, zesty flavors of Old Bay Seasoning to your kitchen with this simple homemade blend. Perfect for seafood, roasted veggies or any protein of choice, this blend captures the classic taste of Old Bay with pantry spices you likely already have on hand.
Old Bay seasoning has been a staple in kitchens for decades. It’s a popular blend of herbs and spices known for its savory, slightly spicy, and comforting flavor.
Originally created to season seafood, it has since found its way into everything from potato salad to popcorn. This homemade Old Bay Seasoning substitute delivers all the flavor of the classic blend with just a few simple spices!
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
The flavor of this homemade blend tastes just like the original McCormick Old Bay Seasoning. It’s super simple to make with basic spices that just about everyone keeps on hand.
Unlike store-bought blends, you can adjust the ratios of spices to create a taste that’s perfect for you! The best part is, making it yourself is less expensive than buying it!
Tips for Success
My mom-tested tips will ensure your success!
- Blend everything well. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure each bite has an even distribution of flavors!
- Store it properly. Keep your seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend its shelf life. It should stay fresh for about 6 months.
- Adjust to taste. Feel free to tweak the spice level to suit your preferences. You can add more black pepper for heat or extra paprika for a smokier, sweeter flavor.
Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
Celery seed: You can try using celery seed and salt in place of celery salt. This will result in more celery flavor and a slightly coarser texture.
Cayenne: Want things spicy? Try adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Warm spices: If you’d like your spice blend to have even more warmth, try adding warm spices like nutmeg, clove, or cinnamon.
How to Make Old Bay Seasoning
Making this homemade spice blend is so easy! Here’s how we do it:
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Stir well until thoroughly combined. That’s it!
FAQ
It depends on your taste, but a good starting point is 1 teaspoon per serving for seafood, poultry, or roasted vegetables. You can always add more if you want a stronger flavor.
Absolutely! To give it more heat, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper or increasing the black pepper.
This homemade blend is very similar to the popular spice blend created in Baltimore, but it allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.
Uses for Old Bay
We love this smoky, savory spice blend at my house. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
Mix it into avocado oil mayo for a delicious sandwich spread.
Use it to season fish and seafood dishes like shrimp, crab legs, and clam chowder.
Try it on corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, French fries, or other vegetable sides.
Other Seasoning Blend Recipes
If you enjoyed this spice blend, be sure to try these other reader-favorites.
This Greek seasoning blend is fantastic on grilled chicken and in salad dressings, and this Italian seasoning is perfect for any Italian dish.
If you’re craving Mexican flavors, give this fajita seasoning a try!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons celery salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- Stir until thoroughly combined.
Notes
- Keep your seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend its shelf life. It should stay fresh for about 6 months.
- Feel free to tweak the spice levels to suit your preference. You can add more black pepper for heat or extra paprika for a smokier, sweeter flavor.
