If you’ve ever enjoyed a pot of steamed crabs or a bowl of spicy shrimp, you’ve likely experienced the magic of Old Bay seasoning. This iconic blend, originally created in Maryland, has been a staple in kitchens across the United States for decades. While you can certainly buy it at the store, making your own homemade Old Bay seasoning not only allows you to customize the flavor to your liking but also ensures you know exactly what goes into it. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the simple process of creating your own Old Bay seasoning, complete with tips on how to use it.
Why Make Your Own Old Bay Seasoning?
1. Customization: Everyone has different tastes. By making your own seasoning blend, you can adjust the ratio of spices to match your palate. Want it spicier? Add more black pepper or cayenne. Prefer a hint of sweetness? Increase the paprika.
2. Freshness: Homemade seasoning is made with fresh spices, which can enhance the overall flavor of your dishes compared to store-bought varieties that may have been sitting on the shelf for months. Fresh spices not only taste better but also pack a more potent punch in terms of aroma and flavor.
3. No Additives: Many commercial seasonings contain anti-caking agents and preservatives that you might prefer to avoid. By preparing your own, you ensure that you’re using natural ingredients that you can trust. Plus, when buying your own spices, you can ensure their quality and choose options that are free from additives.
4. Cost-Effective: Purchasing individual spices and mixing them can often be less expensive than buying a pre-made blend. Plus, since many spices are used in a variety of dishes, you’ll find that the investment in whole bottles pays off.
– **Seafood**: Sprinkle generously on crabs, shrimp, or fish before grilling or boiling for an unforgettable taste.
– **Vegetables**: Toss vegetables with olive oil and Old Bay before roasting for an exciting twist on your sides.
– **Soups and Stews**: Stir a teaspoon or two into your favorite seafood chowder or clam bake for an added depth of flavor.
– **Popcorn**: For a fun snack, mix it with melted butter and drizzle over freshly popped popcorn.
Follow the link below if you would like the printable 26 essential spice list
Old Bay Seasoning
Equipment
- spice grinder, blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 5-6 bay leaves
- 3/4 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp paprika sweet or hot or a mix of both
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/16 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- In your spice grinder, food processor, or blender, grind the bay leaves and salt until they are a powder.
- Add the remaining ingredients and process again until it is all very finelly blended
- Transfer your homemade Old Bay seasoning into a clean, airtight container. A glass jar is ideal, as it keeps the spices fresh and allows you to easily see how much you have left.
- Don’t forget to label your jar with the name and date. This blend will stay fresh for several months,