Old Bay Seasoning Recipe | Kitchenstagram
This Homemade Old Bay Seasoning is a breeze to make and packs layers of bold, complex flavours. A timeless American favorite, this versatile spice blend elevates everything from seafood to snacks. Perfect as an all-purpose seasoning, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen and a beloved addition to your meals.
What is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay Seasoning is a classic American spice blend with a rich history spanning over 80 years. Known for its bold, complex & zesty flavour, it enhances a variety of dishes, from seafood to snacks. Its versatile flavour profile makes it a go-to all-purpose seasoning. Try our copycat recipe, a perfect recreation of this iconic blend that’s sure to delight your taste buds and elevate your cooking.
The origin of Old Bay Seasoning:
Old Bay Seasoning, one of America’s most iconic spice blends, traces its origins back to the harrowing journey of Gustav Brunn, a German spic merchant. During the World War II, Brunn was arrested and sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp. However, his family managed to secure his release by paying an enormous bribe of 10,000 marks. With little more than his determination and a small spice grinder, Brunn fled Germany in 1938, seeking refuge in the United States.
Arriving in Baltimore, Maryland, Brunn Initially found work at McCormick Spice Company. However, his employment was short-lived, as he was fired within days due to his lack of English proficiency. Undeterred, Brunn decided to strike out on his own. In 1939, he rented a small space near Baltimore’s bustling Fish Market and began creating what would become a legendary spice blend.
Observing Maryland’s love for crabs, Brunn developed a seasoning tailored to the region’s seafood. He began selling it under the name “Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning” before renaming it Old Bay, a tribute to the Old Bay Line steamship route on the Chesapeake Bay. The unique seasoning quickly gained popularity through word of mouth, becoming a staple in Maryland and eventually spreading across the United States.
Old Bay Seasoning remained a family-owned business until 1985 when Brunn sold it to Smith Corona Machines. In a full-circle moment, McCormick & Company acquired Old Bay in 1990, preserving Brunn’s original formula and ensuring its legacy continued.
Why you’ll love Old Bay Seasoning?
This seasoning is perfect for seafood dishes like boils, crab cakes, shrimp pó boys, salmon patties and grilled fish. It brings out the best flavours, making every bite irresistible.
It’s a fantastic way to make the fresh spice blend at home using your pantry spices.
Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container at refrigerator to maintain freshness and quality for up to one year.
Ingredients
1 tsp Black Peppercorn, whole
1 tsp White Peppercorn, whole
1/8 tsp All Spice, whole
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1/8 of whole Nutmeg
1/8 of Whole Mace
2 Bay Leaves, torn
1 tbsp Celery Salt
1 tsp Ground Celery seeds
1 tsp Ground Cardamom, cloves & Cinnamon
1/8 tsp Ground Ginger
2 tsp Ground Paprika
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper flakes
Preparation
- Step 1: In a grinder add black Peppercorn, white Peppercorn, all Spice, mustard seed, nutmeg, mace and bay Leaves and blitz them till you have a fine powder.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl combine the ground spice mix, celery Salt, ground Celery seeds, ground Cardamom, cloves & Cinnamon, ground Ginger, ground Paprika, cayenne Pepper and crushed Red Pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Store the Old Bay Seasoning in an airtight container.
About Me
DEBJANI MONDAL
Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.
My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>
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