Homemade Old Bay Seasoning

This Homemade Old Bay Seasoning is a versatile, flavorful blend that brings the iconic taste of Maryland straight to your kitchen. It’s perfect for adding a zesty kick to seafood, chicken, fries, and vegetables. With just a few pantry staples, you can make your own version of this classic seasoning, and customize it to your liking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: You only need a few basic spices that you probably already have at home.
• Cost-effective: Making your own seasoning blend can save money compared to store-bought versions.
• Customizable: You can adjust the levels of heat or sweetness to suit your personal taste.
• Long shelf life: Once prepared, this seasoning can be stored for months in an airtight container.
• Versatile: It can be used on a variety of dishes like seafood, meats, vegetables, and even snacks like popcorn or fries.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Celery salt
• Paprika
• Ground black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Ground mustard
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Ground allspice
• Ground cardamom
• Ground ginger
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Bay leaves, crushed

Directions

1. Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine all the spices including the crushed bay leaves.
2. Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or spice jar.
3. Use: Sprinkle it on seafood, meats, or veggies for a burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about ½ cup of seasoning, enough for multiple uses.
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Herbal Version: Add dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley for a more herbal twist.
• Smoky Version: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to add a deeper, smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your homemade Old Bay seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will keep for up to 6 months.
• Reheating: This seasoning doesn’t require reheating, but make sure to shake or stir it before each use to ensure the spices are evenly mixed.

FAQs

What can I use this seasoning on?

You can use this Old Bay seasoning on seafood, chicken, fries, popcorn, vegetables, and more. It’s especially great on crab and shrimp!

Can I make this seasoning in a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch. Just adjust the proportions accordingly.

How long does homemade Old Bay seasoning last?

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it should last for up to 6 months.

Can I adjust the heat level of this seasoning?

Absolutely! If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

Is homemade Old Bay seasoning gluten-free?

Yes, this seasoning is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your spices are labeled gluten-free if needed.

Can I substitute celery salt with regular salt?

You can, but celery salt gives the distinctive flavor to Old Bay seasoning. If using regular salt, consider adding some dried celery seeds.

Can I omit any spices if I don’t have them?

Yes, you can omit or replace spices to suit your taste or what you have on hand. However, omitting key ingredients like paprika or celery salt will alter the final flavor.

Can I use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika?

Yes, smoked paprika will give the seasoning a deeper, smoky flavor, which can be a nice variation.

Does this seasoning contain MSG?

No, this homemade version does not contain MSG, but you can add it if desired for extra umami flavor.

What’s the difference between Old Bay seasoning and Cajun seasoning?

Old Bay has a more complex, aromatic flavor with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Cajun seasoning typically focuses more on heat and may contain fewer spices.

Conclusion

Making your own Homemade Old Bay Seasoning is simple and rewarding. With just a few spices, you can create a versatile blend that adds bold flavor to a variety of dishes. Best of all, you can customize it to fit your personal tastes. Whether you’re seasoning seafood or spicing up fries, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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