Making your own Old Bay seasoning lets you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh, additive-free blend. Store-bought versions may contain preservatives or extra salt.

But a homemade mix allows you to adjust the flavors to your taste. Whether you prefer it spicier, milder, or salt-free, customizing your seasoning ensures it suits your favorite dishes.
Plus, it's a budget-friendly option since you can use spices you already have in your pantry. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the bold, zesty taste of Old Bay at home and enjoy it anytime!
Why You'll Love This Homemade Seasoning Mix
Making your own Old Bay seasoning at home is easier than you think, and the flavor is just as bold and zesty as the store-bought version!
One of the biggest benefits is customization; you can adjust the spice level, salt content, or specific ingredients to match your taste.
Love heat? Add extra cayenne pepper. Prefer it milder? Reduce the black pepper.
Homemade spice blends like my homemade creole seasoning and easy chicken taco seasoning recipe let you control the ingredients while avoiding additives and preservatives.
With simple pantry staples, you'll always have fresh, flavorful seasoning ready to use. Plus, you can tailor it to fit dietary needs or allergens.
Use this DIY old seasoning to spice up seafood, chicken, fries, and more. It's sure to become a kitchen staple.
What Makes This Bold Spice Blend So Special?
Old Bay seasoning is a bold, zesty spice blend that originated in the Chesapeake Bay area. It combines a mix of spices like celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and other seasonings.
It's known for its distinct, savory, and slightly spicy flavor.
Common uses for this spice blend are.
- It's a classic seasoning for shrimp, crab, and lobster. And is often used in seafood boils.
- Great for seasoning grilled, baked, or fried chicken.
- It's a tasty way to add flavor to French fries or potato wedges.
- A fun twist for flavoring popcorn.
- Add a savory kick to roasted or grilled vegetables.
- Enhances the flavor of broths for soups and stews.
- Coat the rim of a glass to spice up a Bloody Mary
Step-By- Step Instructions
Mixing this homemade spice blend is quite simple. Gather all the ingredients needed and measure them out.
In the same mixing bowl, whisk the spices together until well blended. You could put them in a spice blender and grind them for a finer texture.
Store in an airtight container in a pantry or spice cabinet. Don't forget to put a label on the jar.
Keep the jar of Old Bay seasoning away from steam to prevent clumping and spoilage. This homemade Old Bay seasoning blend will last 6-12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salt-free? Yes, you can easily make it salt-free simply omit the celery salt or reduce the amount of regular salt.
What are some substitutes I can use? If you're missing a specific ingredient like sweet or smoky paprika, you could use regular paprika.
For the cayenne pepper, you could use chili powder or red pepper flakes. For the celery salt, you could grind up equal parts celery seed and salt together. Ground turmeric would be a great mild alternative for mustard powder.
Bring Bold Flavor To Every Dish
Are you ready to elevate your cooking with bold, homemade seasoning? Give this DIY blend a try and bring fresh, zesty flavor to all your favorite dishes. Don't forget to share your creations and let us know how you're using it!
Here are some more homemade seasoning blends you may enjoy.
Homemade Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
Old Bay seasoning is a kitchen staple with bold, complex flavors. Learn how to make your own homemade blend with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Celery Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Hot Hungarian Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1½ Teaspoon Ground Mustard
- ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon White Pepper
- ⅓ Teaspoon Ground Bay Leaves
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
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Into a spice grinder, add in 1-2 bay leaves and some of the other seasonings. Grind until the bay leaves are fine. Adding some of the other spices helps to get those bay leaves ground up.
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Add the ground bay leaves and the other spices into a small mixing bowl.
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Whisk together until combined.
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Add the homemade Old Bay seasoning to a labeled airtight container. Store for 6 months to 1 year.
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Use on fish, seafood, meats, or vegetables.
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