Copycat Old Bay Seasoning Mix Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

FAQs

What is the closest thing to Old Bay seasoning? ›

Cajun seasonings use many of the same herbs and spices as Old Bay seasoning, including paprika, pepper, and celery salt. Though the mix of ingredients is a bit different, Cajun seasoning works as a substitute for Old Bay. You can use the same amount of Cajun seasoning in your recipe as you would the Old Bay seasoning.

The seasoning is a mix of celery salt (salt, celery seed), spices (including red pepper and black pepper) and paprika. Some of the other spices that may be used are laurel leaves, mustard, cardamom, cloves and ginger as listed in the original product in the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

While the exact ingredients are not revealed on the label or the brand's website, Old Bay reportedly has a mix of 18 spices. It has a complex savory flavor, with bay leaf, celery salt, dry mustard, and pepper at the forefront. Paprika and various other spices add depth and make this a well-rounded seasoning.

It is the key ingredient that brings dishes to life with an extra kick of unique, bold flavor anchored in salt, celery seed, paprika and mustard. OLD BAY Seasoning's blend of 18 herbs and spices not only provides distinct flavor, it also adds excitement and zest to every moment. There truly is no substitute.

What is Old Bay? Sometimes called Chesapeake Bay Seasoning because it originated in Maryland and gets it's name from a ship called the Old Bay Line that traveled the route from Baltimore through Chesapeake Bay to Norfolk.

While both blends are closely guarded secrets, it's generally agreed that J.O. brings more salt and heat, while Old Bay leans savory with eighteen spices, including pepper, cloves, ginger, and coriander. Both businesses also sport solid Maryland pedigrees.

OLD BAY® Seasoning has a shelf life of 540 days when tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place, to protect against flavor loss and moisture.

Ingredients. Salt, Sugar, Paprika (16%), Mustard Flour (13.1%), Ground Celery Seed (12%), Black Pepper (3%), Cayenne Pepper, Bay Leaves, Cloves, Coriander Seed, Thyme, Basil, Anti-Caking Agent (Silicon Dioxide), Ground Nutmeg, Rosemary, Savory, Allspice.

Still, this section of their site confirms that Old Bay contains ginger, bay leaves, mustard, cinnamon, and coriander. It also reveals that Old Bay does not contain onion, garlic, cumin, sesame, turmeric, sugar, starch, yeast, malt extracts, MSG, oregano, gluten, citrus, dairy, soy, tomato, or cilantro.

When you use too much it can make your food salty and/or spicy. It doesn't need to go in everything related to seafood. If you serve seafood and its in your tartar sauce, co*cktail sauce, all you breadings/batters and seasoning blends, you might be using too much.

What state is known for Old Bay Seasoning? ›

Everyone in Maryland knows about Old Bay Seasoning, as the spice that was traditionally used for seafood has grown to be an icon in the state!

Braid the hanger steak and rub in Old Bay. Leave to marinate for 20 mins. Dirty cook on the BBQ for around 8 mins until the internal temperature is just over 55°C. Allow the steak to rest.

Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasonings share several common herbs and spices with Old Bay seasoning — such as paprika, pepper, and celery salt. While the combination of ingredients is slightly different, cajun seasoning can effectively stand in as a substitute for Old Bay seasoning.

Old Bay seasoning is an aromatic and savory blend of 18 spices that's used to season seafood including crab cakes, shrimp dishes and more. Old Bay can also be used on proteins such as poultry, beef and tofu, as well as vegetable-based dishes like these Maryland Boardwalk Fries or Old Bay Butternut Squash.

A: Regular Old Bay seasoning has more sodium and a milder flavor. Blackened Old Bay seasoning has more peppers (spicier), is sweeter and has a much lower sodium content. The blackened seasoning tastes good on pan fried or grilled seafood.

What is a good substitute for Creole Seasoning? Old Bay seasoning has a distinctive celery salt taste that might not be ideal for all Creole dishes, but can be used as a good substitute. Depending on the dish, you may want to also add a bit more black pepper or cayenne pepper to bump up the spice level.

Old Bay is a type of seasoning made from 18 different herbs and spices, including mustard, celery salt, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper, paprika, and bay leaves.

Bay leaves compliment acids and also emphasize the umami flavors in chilis, sauces, and stews. If you don't have whole or ground bay leaves, you can use dried Greek oregano or dried thyme in its place.

The main difference between Creole and Cajun seasoning blends comes down to the ingredients: Cajun seasoning features an array of ground peppers—black, cayenne, and white—while Creole seasoning is more herbal, with recipes often containing oregano, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.