13 Recipes That Make the Most of Old Bay Seasoning
This iconic Maryland blend of herbs and spices is great on so much more than crab
When Gustav Brunn arrived in Baltimore in 1938, he brought one important thing with him: a spice grinder. He used this to make "Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning," but later decided to shorten it and ended up with Old Bay, named after a steamship route on the Chesapeake Bay.
The spice blend became a Maryland staple best known as a seasoning for Maryland crabs, but this complex mix can go with just about anything. Sprinkle it on any steamed or roasted vegetable, throw it in some guacamole or dip, put it in ice cream, add a dash to your popcorn, or use it in any of the 13 recipes below.
Salmon Croquettes
These croquettes from Atlanta’s Watershed are all meat with minimal breading. It’s important to chill them thoroughly—ideally overnight—so they hold together in the hot skillet. Get the recipe for Salmon Croquettes »
Maryland Crab Hot Dog
Buttery corn, fresh crab, and Old Bay-spiced potato chips are piled on top this Maryland-inspired hot dog. Get the recipe for Maryland Crab Hot Dog »
Steamed Blue Crabs
Well-seasoned crabs steamed with beer and vinegar are an East Coast summer classic. Old Bay seasoning gives these crabs a spicier flavor. Get the recipe for Steamed Blue Crabs »
Maryland Crab Soup
Eddie’s Market in Baltimore, Maryland, shared this recipe with us; it’s a great way to use up the corn and steamed crab left over from a crab feast. Get the recipe for Maryland Crab Soup »
Crawfish Boil
The crawfish in this Cajun seafood boil is seasoned with both Old Bay and Creole seasoning. Get the recipe for Crawfish Boil »
Cream of Crab Soup
Jumbo lump crabmeat stars in an impossibly rich, creamy soup from test kitchen director Farideh Sadeghin. Get the recipe for Cream of Crab Soup »
Lamb Shanks in Red Wine with Creamy Eggplant
A creamy eggplant purée, enriched with béchamel and Gruyère cheese serves as a bed for meltingly tender lamb shanks, slow-braised in red wine and aromatics. Get the recipe for Lamb Shanks in Red Wine with Creamy Eggplant »
Crab and Shrimp Quiche
Sweet shrimp and crabmeat elevate cheese-filled quiche in this recipe from Long Island, New York’s Modern Snack Bar. Get the recipe for Crab and Shrimp Quiche »
Hot Crab Dip with Pita Chips
The best party foods are ones that combine comfort with luxury. Crab is an extravagant ingredient, but when used in a warm, savory dip, a little goes a long way. Get the recipe for Hot Crab Dip with Pita Chips »
Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aïoli and Pineapple Salsa
Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aïoli and Pineapple Salsa
Old Bay Bloody Mary
Old Bay gives this Bloody Mary an extra savory kick. Get the recipe for Old Bay Bloody Mary »
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