Homemade Old Bay seasoning is a unique blend of spices. It's a zesty blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for seafood, chicken, pork, even your favorite veggies! It adds flavor and tastes just like the real thing!
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- Homemade old bay seasoning
- Ingredients for old bay seasoning
- Creative variations to try
- Step-by-step instructions
- Essential tools for this recipe
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
- Deb's tips
- The best way to store spice mixes
- More spice mixes you’ll love
- 10+ ways to use old bay spice mix
- Homemade Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
Homemade old bay seasoning
I love making my own spice mixes and it's easy to make iconic spices that cost a ton at the grocery store for just pennies! Here's why you'll love this combination.
You'll love this zesty seasoning, it's bursting with flavor and look at that beautiful color! Save yourself a trip to the grocery store because you'll already have the spices on hand.
This seasoning is versatile it's great for meats, salads, vegetables and so much more.
Ingredients for old bay seasoning
I've adjusted this recipe to include things you already have in your spice cabinet. For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground celery seed and celery salt - adds a grassy, herby flavor.
- Hot or smoked paprika, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger for a slightly sweet flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, dry mustard for that peppery bite.
- Warm spices like ground cloves, cinnamon, and ground allspice
These are the main ingredients for this homemade version. Additional traditional spices (if desired) include: cayenne pepper, ground bay leaf or bay leaf powder, and white pepper.
Creative variations to try
- Don't like spicy? Leave out the crushed red pepper flakes for less heat. Or if you like it spicy, double the amount of pepper flakes!
- If you like a lemon flavor, add in one teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning to your seasoning blend.
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Spoon all of the ingredients to an air tight container or small bowl.
- Stir or add the lid and shake to combine.
Essential tools for this recipe
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the recipe card. Click on the photo to enlarge it up for clear instruction!
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
Keep Old Bay on hand for up to 6 months.
Yes, you can change up the ingredients to match your family's preferred taste.
Yes, these seasonings are gluten-free.
Deb's tips
I always recommend storing this homemade seasoning mix away from moisture to prevent clumping. So don't refrigerate the mix, store it in the spice cabinet.
- To make this powder finer, you can use a small spice grinder to break up the larger spices.
- Fresh spices will always have more flavor than old spices.
The best way to store spice mixes
Store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months. You can freeze seasoning and it will stay fresh even longer!
More spice mixes you’ll love
Want to make some of your own spice mixes? Here are more to try!
- Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe - this homemade version is a ton better than the packets!
- Fajitas Seasoning - You have all of the ingredients in your pantry already, why not make your own!
- Chef's Blend Seasoning - my use-all handy spice mix that works for just about everything!
- Homemade Pork Rub - this is also great for chicken and shrimp!
10+ ways to use old bay spice mix
This seasoning mix would taste amazing on these recipes!
- Steamed Brussel Sprouts - even better than salt & pepper.
- Making a cocktail? Use this spice mix to rim the glass of your next Bloody Mary!
- Delicious on french fries!
- Grilled Chicken - remember, this isn't just for seafood.
- Air Fryer Fried Shrimp - super simple to make just a teaspoon or so will add a ton of flavor.
- Add to the Mo's Clam Chowder Recipe - it will be even tastier!
- Sprinkle a teaspoon in your Old Fashioned Potato Salad - I promise it will make it even yummier!
- Sheet Pan Low Country Boil - sub out the spicy Cajun seasoning for Old Bay for classic flavor.
- This is a great spice mix for all of your favorite seafood dishes. Perfect for a shrimp boil or to season crab cakes.
- Movie night? Top your popcorn with butter and add the seafood seasoning!
What do yo think? Isn't this a great spice mix? AND more versatile than you think, for sure! What’s your favorite way to use Old Bay? Tell us in the comments!
Homemade Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 1-½ teaspoons dry mustard
- 1-½ teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground celery seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Spoon all of the ingredients to an air tight container.
- Stir or add the lid and shake to combine.
Susan Turcsany says
I've always had a tin can or now it's a plastic container of Old Bay Seasoning in my spice cabinet for as long as I can remember. Never even thought to try to make a homemade version. I have all of these spices in my pantry and now am curious to see if this copycat version actually tastes like the real thing, or possibly better. When I am motivated, I'm going to try this to see for myself. I'll let you know what I thought.
Debra Clark says
This is excellent, let me know what you think Susan!