If you're a fan of the iconic taste of Old Bay Seasoning, then you're in for a treat. From seafood boils to roasted vegetables, this beloved blend of spices has been adding a punch of flavor to dishes since 1939.
What if you could recreate that same delicious taste at home? Whether you're running low on Old Bay or just wanting to experiment in the kitchen, this article will dive into the world of copycat recipes for this versatile seasoning.
So, let's spice things up and discover the secrets behind this beloved spice blend.

Reasons to make your own seasoning blends
I have a cabinet full of individual herbs and spices as well as homemade seasoning blends like Cajun Seasoning, Gomasio, garlic and herb salt, gingerbread spice, and cinnamon sugar. It's so convenient to have a blend ready to go to add to a dish.
Additionally, making your own spice mixes lets you
- customize it to your tastes
- adjust the blend before adding to your dish
- make an easy homemade gifts
If you want more seasoning blend recipes, I have an ebook full of ideas available on Amazon.
How to use Old Bay Seasoning
Most people associate Old Bay Seasoning with fish and seafood, like in a seafood boil or in crab cakes.
But, don't limit yourself to that. This blend adds amazing flavor to a variety of dishes, including desserts.
Yes, I said desserts. It adds a spicy little kick in addition to the warm spices. Use it instead of plain cinnamon in snickerdoodles, add some to a vanilla cake to create a simple (and amazing) spice cake, swap out pumpkin spice in ... well just about anything people put that stuff in these days.
Some other ideas
- chicken, pork chops, hamburgers and meatballs
- eggs: scrambled, over easy, boiled, deviled, just about any egg dish you can think of
- vegetables: steamed, grilled, stir fried
- potatoes: French fries and potato salad are scrumptious
- stir it in sauces and dips
- mix it in the breading or flour when you fry fish or chicken
- flavor pasta, rice or other grains
- sprinkle it on popcorn or mix it in crackers
- add it to biscuits or use it on garlic bread
Ingredients
Yes, there are plenty of spices in this blend. Do not get overwhelmed.
The only one that may be a challenge is mace. People just don't use it much anymore so it is a challenge to find in some stores. If you don't have it, just add a bit more allspice and nutmeg or leave it out.
More Spice Blend Recipes from #OurFamilyTable

Make your own spice blends to flavor your foods or give as gifts. Here are some recipes to inspire you:
Cooking with Spice Blends
- Avocado Toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning from Art of Natural Living
- Beer Can Chicken with Spice Rub from Creative Cynchronicity
- Oven Baked Gyros with Greek Seasoning from Jen Around the World
- Tandoori Masala from Magical Ingredients
- Tuscan Pomodoro from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!

Recipe
Ingredients
- 6-8 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground dry mustard
- ⅛ ground allspice
- ⅛ ground cardamom
- ⅛ ground cinnamon
- ⅛ ground cloves
- ⅛ ground ginger
- ⅛ ground mace (omit if you don't have)
Instructions
- Finely crush the bay leaves with a mortar and pestle. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
Sound fabulous? Share it!
Until next time, happy eating!
~Audrey
















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