Old Bay Seasoning is a beloved spice blend that’s most commonly associated with seafood dishes, but its versatility goes far beyond that! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to spice up your meals, Old Bay Seasoning can add an unexpected punch of flavor to a variety of dishes.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 surprising ways to use Old Bay Seasoning in your recipes. From enhancing the flavor of roasted vegetables to giving a unique twist to your popcorn, these creative ideas will take your meals to the next level.
You’ll learn how to use Old Bay Seasoning in everything from meats and sauces to snacks, making it your secret ingredient for bold and exciting flavors. Not only will you discover new ways to incorporate this iconic seasoning into your cooking, but you’ll also see how easy it is to transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones.
So, if you’re ready to discover the full potential of Old Bay Seasoning, keep reading for these delicious and surprising recipes!
Old Bay Potatoes
If you haven’t tried Old Bay Seasoning on potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re making roasted or mashed potatoes, a sprinkle of this iconic spice will elevate the flavor and give your dish a unique twist. The combination of savory, slightly spicy, and herbal notes in Old Bay Seasoning makes it the perfect seasoning for crispy roasted potatoes. Toss your cut potatoes in olive oil, salt, and a generous amount of Old Bay Seasoning, then roast them until golden and crispy for a simple yet irresistible side dish.
For mashed potatoes, try adding a pinch of Old Bay Seasoning to the butter and cream mixture while mashing the potatoes. The result? A deliciously seasoned side that pairs wonderfully with almost any main course. The versatility of Old Bay Seasoning allows it to enhance the flavor of your potatoes in ways other spices simply can’t achieve.
To make your Old Bay Potatoes even more indulgent, top them with melted cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an added creamy layer. This unexpected twist on traditional potatoes will impress your guests and become a regular addition to your meals.
Old Bay Seafood Boil
A classic Old Bay Seafood Boil is a must-try dish for seafood lovers! The rich and zesty flavor of Old Bay Seasoning perfectly complements a variety of seafood, from shrimp and crab to mussels and lobster. By simmering your seafood in a blend of water, butter, garlic, and Old Bay Seasoning, you can infuse the flavors deep into each shell, creating a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Don’t forget to add vegetables like corn on the cob and baby potatoes to your Old Bay Seafood Boil. The vegetables will absorb the seasoning and become just as flavorful as the seafood itself. If you’re hosting a seafood feast, this dish is an excellent choice to serve family-style, as it encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy the savory goodness.
For an even more decadent version of your Old Bay Seafood Boil, consider adding a splash of white wine or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick. The beauty of this dish is that it’s customizable and can be tailored to your taste. With Old Bay Seasoning, you can turn an ordinary seafood boil into a memorable meal.
Shrimp Cakes with Old Bay
These Shrimp Cakes with Old Bay Seasoning offer a unique twist on traditional crab cakes, using shrimp as the base for a flavor-packed seafood treat. The Old Bay Seasoning gives the cakes a burst of bold flavor that perfectly complements the tender shrimp. Simply mix shrimp with breadcrumbs, egg, and a generous sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning before frying or baking. The result is crispy, golden-brown cakes with a deliciously seasoned inside.
Adding Old Bay Seasoning to your shrimp cakes is a game changer. The signature blend of spices, including celery salt, paprika, and black pepper, enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while providing a tangy kick. Whether you serve these shrimp cakes as an appetizer or as part of a main course, they’ll be the star of your meal.
Serve your Shrimp Cakes with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a lemon aioli or spicy tartar sauce, to further enhance the flavors of Old Bay Seasoning. These shrimp cakes make for an impressive yet easy dish to prepare, perfect for a casual dinner or a festive occasion.
Spicy Old Bay Skinny Fries
Who doesn’t love crispy fries with a bold, spicy kick? These Spicy Old Bay Skinny Fries will quickly become your go-to snack. By using Old Bay Seasoning, you can give your fries a unique flavor that’s unlike anything you can get from store-bought fries. The spice blend’s balance of heat and savory flavors is a perfect match for crispy, golden fries, making every bite a flavorful experience.
To make these fries, simply slice your potatoes into thin strips, toss them in olive oil, and coat them with Old Bay Seasoning. Then, bake or air fry them to crispy perfection. You’ll find that Old Bay Seasoning not only adds flavor but also gives the fries a beautiful color, making them even more appetizing.
For a fun twist, try pairing these Spicy Old Bay Skinny Fries with a spicy ketchup or a creamy dipping sauce. The combination of heat and flavor will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether served as a side or snack, these fries are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Old Bay Tilapia with Broccoli
Old Bay Seasoning pairs wonderfully with light, flaky fish like tilapia. This recipe for Old Bay Tilapia with Broccoli is simple yet packed with flavor. The Old Bay Seasoning enhances the mild taste of the tilapia, giving it a rich, savory coating that balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of the broccoli. Season your tilapia fillets with Old Bay Seasoning and a touch of olive oil, then bake until perfectly cooked.
Not only does Old Bay Seasoning add depth of flavor to the fish, but it also complements the steamed broccoli, creating a deliciously balanced dish. For added richness, top with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of melted butter before serving. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re looking for something healthy yet flavorful.
If you want to turn this into a complete meal, serve your Old Bay Tilapia with Broccoli over a bed of rice or quinoa. The rice will soak up the savory juices from the tilapia, creating a comforting and filling dish that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Beer-boiled shrimp with Old Bay
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy shrimp, try Beer-Boiled Shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning. The combination of beer and Old Bay Seasoning creates a flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the shrimp with a deliciously savory, slightly tangy taste. The beer adds a malty richness while the Old Bay Seasoning provides its signature boldness. This easy method for cooking shrimp is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend cookout.
The beauty of Beer-Boiled Shrimp with Old Bay is in its simplicity. Just bring a pot of beer, water, and Old Bay Seasoning to a boil, then drop in your shrimp and cook until they’re pink and juicy. The result is perfectly seasoned shrimp that’s full of flavor without being overly spicy. You can serve them on their own or add them to salads, pastas, or tacos.
For an added touch, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the shrimp after cooking or serve with a spicy dipping sauce. These Beer-Boiled Shrimp with Old Bay are the perfect balance of bold and refreshing, making them a hit at your next gathering.
Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings
If you’re a fan of crispy chicken wings, then these Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings are a must-try! The Old Bay Seasoning gives the wings a savory, slightly spicy coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Toss your chicken wings in olive oil and Old Bay Seasoning, then cook them in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings, without sacrificing flavor or crunch.
The air fryer ensures that the wings cook evenly and become golden brown, while the Old Bay Seasoning adds a perfect balance of heat and tang. These wings are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for a quick snack or a main dish.
Serve your Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings with a side of celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing. The dip helps balance the heat from the Old Bay Seasoning and makes each bite even more delicious.
Old Bay Shrimp and Pasta Alfredo
Creamy pasta dishes like Old Bay Shrimp and Pasta Alfredo are taken to new heights with the addition of Old Bay Seasoning. The spice blend adds a touch of flavor that complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce and the natural sweetness of shrimp. To make this dish, sauté shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning before tossing them into a creamy, Parmesan-based Alfredo sauce. Combine the shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta for a decadent meal.
The key to making this dish stand out is using just the right amount of Old Bay Seasoning. A little goes a long way, so be sure to season the shrimp perfectly before cooking. The result is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. Old Bay Seasoning will ensure that your shrimp stand out and add depth to the sauce.
For added flair, garnish your Old Bay Shrimp and Pasta Alfredo with fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan. This dish will make any dinner feel special and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Old Bay-Seasoned Steamed Shrimp
Steaming shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning is one of the simplest yet most flavorful ways to prepare this beloved seafood. The key to making Old Bay-Seasoned Steamed Shrimp is creating a flavorful steaming liquid. Combine water, a splash of lemon juice, and a generous amount of Old Bay Seasoning in a pot. The steam infuses the shrimp with a savory, herby flavor while keeping them tender and juicy.
This method of cooking shrimp preserves its natural sweetness while allowing the Old Bay Seasoning to shine. Serve the shrimp with a side of cocktail sauce or melted butter for dipping, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer or main dish ready in minutes. Old Bay-Seasoned Steamed Shrimp are perfect for a casual dinner or a festive seafood feast.
For an extra burst of flavor, add a few whole garlic cloves or fresh herbs to the steaming liquid. The resulting shrimp will be packed with the bold, zesty flavor of Old Bay Seasoning, making them irresistible.
Cheddar Biscuits with Old Bay Seasoning
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your biscuit recipe, try making Cheddar Biscuits with Old Bay Seasoning. The combination of sharp cheddar and Old Bay Seasoning creates a flavor-packed biscuit that pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or a seafood meal. The Old Bay Seasoning adds a unique twist, with its signature blend of spices that enhance the rich, cheesy flavor of the biscuits.
To make these cheddar biscuits, simply mix flour, baking powder, shredded cheddar cheese, and a generous amount of Old Bay Seasoning. Bake them until golden and flaky, then enjoy the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. The seasoning adds just the right amount of heat and spice to make each bite flavorful without overwhelming the dish.
These Cheddar Biscuits with Old Bay Seasoning are perfect for serving alongside a hearty bowl of soup or as a side to your favorite seafood dish. Their cheesy, spiced flavor will make them a standout at any meal, turning ordinary biscuits into a memorable treat.
