Are you a fan of that iconic Old Bay seasoning flavor but find yourself running out at the worst times? Fear not! With our easy-to-follow Old Bay seasoning recipe, you can whip up this classic blend right in your own kitchen.
Today, we’ll share the secret ingredients and proportions needed to recreate that distinctive Old Bay taste. Whether you’re a seafood lover looking to spice up your next crab feast or just want to add a pinch of Chesapeake Bay flair to your dishes, this homemade Old Bay seasoning recipe will have you covered. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this flavorful blend that’s sure to become a staple in your spice cabinet.

What is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay Seasoning is a popular spice blend created in Maryland, renowned for its bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. It’s widely used to season seafood, especially crabs and shrimp, but also enhances chicken, vegetables, fries, and soups. A versatile kitchen staple, it has been a favorite for decades, adding a unique taste to dishes while celebrating its roots in coastal cuisine.
What Is Old Bay Seasoning Made Of?
Old Bay Seasoning is a popular spice blend that originated in Maryland, particularly known for enhancing seafood dishes. While the exact recipe is proprietary and not publicly disclosed, the ingredients are generally known and can be replicated at home.
Salt 3/4 Tablespoon
Salt provides a savory base for the blend. Salt not only enhances the overall taste of the seasoning but also helps to bring out the flavors of other spices and herbs in the mix.
Celery Seed 1 Tablespoon
Celery seed adds a unique flavor profile to dishes. Celery seed has a warm, slightly bitter taste with notes of earthiness and citrus, making it a versatile ingredient in seasoning blends.
Sweet Paprika 2 Teaspoons
sweet paprika adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to dishes. Sweet paprika is made from ground sweet bell peppers, adding a mild heat and rich flavor to the seasoning blend.
Ground Dry Mustard 1 Teaspoon
dry mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the mix. Dry mustard is made from ground mustard seeds, which are known for their pungent taste and distinctive aroma.
Ground Ginger 1 Teaspoon
This unique combination of spices gives Old Bay Seasoning its signature savory and slightly spicy flavor that complements seafood dishes, meats, and even vegetables.
Bay Leaves 5
These aromatic leaves add a subtle yet distinctive flavor to dishes, enhancing the overall taste profile of Old Bay Seasoning.
Smoked Paprika 1/2 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning contains smoked paprika, which brings a rich, smoky flavor with a mild heat. This ingredient enhances the blend’s depth, making it perfect for adding a savory, robust taste to various dishes.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper 1/2 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning includes ground black pepper, adding a sharp, earthy heat that complements the blend’s savory and spicy flavors. This ingredient enhances the seasoning’s versatility for seafood, meats, vegetables, and more.
Freshly Ground White Pepper 1/2 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning may occasionally include ground white pepper as a variation, adding a milder, slightly musty heat that balances the blend’s bold spices, making it suitable for delicate dishes like seafood and soups.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 1/4 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning includes red pepper flakes, which contribute a vibrant, spicy kick and a hint of smokiness. This ingredient enhances the seasoning’s bold flavor, making it perfect for seafood, meats, and savory dishes.
Ground Nutmeg 1/8 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning contains ground nutmeg, adding a warm, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. This spice balances the blend’s bold and savory notes, enhancing the seasoning’s complexity for seafood, meats, and vegetables.
Ground Mace 1/8 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning may include ground mace, which provides a warm, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor similar to nutmeg. It enhances the blend’s complexity, adding depth to seafood, soups, and savory dishes.
Ground Cardamom 1/8 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning may include ground cardamom, offering a unique, aromatic sweetness with hints of citrus and spice. It enhances the seasoning’s complexity, complementing the bold flavors in seafood, meats, and savory dishes.
Ground Allspice 1/8 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning includes ground allspice, adding a warm, aromatic flavor with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This spice enhances the seasoning’s depth, making it perfect for seafood, soups, and savory dishes.
Ground Cinnamon 1/8 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning includes ground cinnamon, which adds a subtle warmth and sweetness with a hint of spice. This ingredient balances the bold, savory flavors, enhancing its versatility for seafood, meats, and vegetable dishes.
Ground Cloves 1/16 Teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning includes ground cloves, offering a warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness. This spice enhances the seasoning’s complexity, making it ideal for seafood, meats, and savory dishes.
Essential Equipment For Old Bay Seasoning
When preparing or using Old Bay seasoning, whether you’re making it from scratch or using the store-bought version, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that can enhance your experience:
Measuring Spoons
Accurate measurements are crucial for replicating the flavor profile of Old Bay seasoning. Using measuring spoons ensures that you get the right balance of spices.
Mixing Bowl
If you’re making homemade Old Bay seasoning, a mixing bowl is essential for combining the various spices and herbs.
Spice Grinder
For those who prefer a fresher taste, a spice grinder can be used to grind whole spices, such as bay leaves, which are a key ingredient in Old Bay seasoning.
Storage Container
Once you’ve prepared your seasoning, a good storage container is important to keep it fresh. An airtight jar or spice container will help maintain the flavor over time.
Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer
If you’re grinding your own spices, a sifter can help remove larger pieces and ensure a fine, even blend.
Mortar and Pestle
For those who enjoy a more traditional approach, a mortar and pestle can be used to grind spices by hand, allowing for a more personalized texture and flavor.
How to Make Old Bay Seasoning From Scratch?
- Gather all of the spices and properly measure them into a small bowl.
- Mix the spices thoroughly to ensure even distribution and remove any clumps.
- Put the mixture in a jar with a lid.

Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ Tablespoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Celery Seed
- 2 Teaspoons Sweet Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Dry Mustard
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 5 Bay Leaves
- ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground White Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Mace
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Cardamom
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Allspice
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/16 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
Instructions
- Collect all the spices and accurately measure them into a small bowl.
- Mix the spices thoroughly to ensure an even distribution and eliminate any clumps
- Transfer the mixture to a jar with a lid
Nutrition
Final Words
Old Bay seasoning is a versatile blend that can add a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes, from seafood to vegetables and beyond. Creating your own Old Bay seasoning at home allows you to customize the flavors to suit your preferences perfectly. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Old Bay in your cooking while knowing exactly what goes into it. So why not give it a try and elevate your dishes with this iconic seasoning blend? Happy cooking!
FAQs
What Can You Use Old Bay Seasoning For?
Old Bay Seasoning is a versatile spice blend ideal for seafood, chicken, fries, soups, popcorn, and vegetables. Its zesty, savory flavor enhances marinades, dips, and dressings, making it a popular choice for adding a flavorful kick to various dishes.
How to Store Homemade Old Bay Seasoning?
Keep homemade Old Bay Seasoning out of direct sunlight and dampness and in an airtight container or spice jar. Its flavor and freshness can be maintained for up to six months with proper preservation.
Can You Adjust The Spice Level In Old Bay Seasoning?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level in Old Bay Seasoning. Increase cayenne pepper for more heat or reduce it for a milder flavor. Customizing the spice blend allows you to tailor it to your preferred taste and heat tolerance.