Homemade Old Bay Seasoning
This easy recipe for homemade Maryland crab seasoning lets you recreate the iconic flavor of Old Bay no matter where you're at in the world. It's a must for crabs, shrimp, and other seafood, but also a game changer for chicken, veggies, potatoes, and even popcorn!
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The flavor of Maryland crab seasoning is really specific to this area of the East Coast, and it's one of my favorite spice blends ever. It always reminds me of home!
The proprietary blend of Old Bay is kept a secret, so no one really knows what's in it. I played around with different proportions of ingredients until I got pretty close.
The base recipe below is for my take on homemade Old Bay seasoning, plus some variations if you want a blend closer that's closer to J.O. Spice No. 2, another local favorite.
Why make it yourself? Old Bay is sometimes hard to find outside of the east coast, and especially outside of America.
It's also a great way to use up lots of different seasonings in your spice drawer that would otherwise go bad if not put to good use! It's also nice to not have to make a special trip to the store when you realize you're all out.
What is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay a spice blend that has a salty, spicy flavor profile with a mix spices like celery salt, paprika, mustard powder and more.
It's traditionally used to season steamed or boiled Maryland blue crabs and other kinds of seafood in the Chesapeake Bay area, which differs from the seasoning blends found in other parts of the country.
Most people know it as Old Bay seasoning in the bright yellow and blue rectangular can, but in Maryland, J.O. spice is even more common.
If you go to a crab house on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, chances are they're using the J.O. seasoning mix, not Old Bay, to spice each layer of crabs.
What's the difference between Old Bay and J.O. Spice?
Old Bay is a finer spice mix with a secret blend of herbs and spices, while J.O. Spice tends to have a coarser grind with large flakes of red pepper and rock salt, making it ideal for steaming crabs.
While they are both similar, J.O. Spice is the go-to crab seasoning for most commercial crab houses in Maryland.
What's the difference between J.O. Spice No. 1 and No. 2?
There are different versions of J.O. spice that are used depending on the application, with J.O. No. 2 being specifically used for steaming crabs.
It has all the usual flavors, but it's more coarse and includes big grains of rock salt and red pepper flakes. J.O. No. 1 is finer and more comparable to Old Bay, but is a bit saltier and spicier.
Want more classic American seafood recipes? Try my rich and brothy cioppino, these New Orleans inspired fish cakes or a rich and creamy bowl of clam chowder.
Why This Recipe Works
- This homemade seasoning captures the savory flavor and complexity of the original Old Bay.
- It's incredibly versatile and can be used for crabs, shrimp, chicken, potatoes and vegetables.
- The base recipe is easily adjustable based on personal preference or if you want to replicate J.O. Spice.
- Keeps well in an airtight container so you'll always have is on hand.
Ingredient Notes
Celery salt - This is the foundational ingredient in any good Maryland-style crab seasoning. It gives that signature herbal, slightly salty flavor that defines both Old Bay and J.O. Spice.
Sweet paprika - Adds a vibrant red color and a mild sweetness that balances the heat from the other spices. It's essential for achieving that familiar golden brown hue when used on roasted seafood or vegetables. You can use hot paprika for extra spice, or smoked paprika for a rich smoky flavor.
Cayenne pepper - Brings the heat. This is what gives the seasoning its subtle kick.
Ground mustard - Adds a tangy sharpness that cuts through the richness of fresh crab meat and seafood. Either dry mustard or yellow mustard powder works well here.
Bay leaves - When finely ground, bay leaves contribute an earthy, slightly floral aroma that's crucial to a true Chesapeake Bay seasoning. Use a spice or coffee grinder for the best texture.
Black and white pepper - This combination adds layered heat and complexity. Black pepper brings a bold, earthy bite, while white pepper offers a more subtle, sharp warmth that blends seamlessly with the other spices. Together, they help round out the seasoning.
Ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon - These warm, aromatic spices are used in small amounts but add subtle sweetness and complexity. They help create that distinct, slightly sweet background flavor that sets this seasoning apart from other blends like Cajun seasoning or Lawry's.
*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
Helpful Equipment
- Large bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spice grinder or coffee grinder
- Fine mesh sieve
- Airtight container
- Glass jar
- Spoon or small whisk
Step by Step Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to a jar or an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
- Use as desired. This blend keeps for up to one year.
Pro Tip: Adjust the ratios to suit your personal taste. Add more cayenne if you like it spicier or bump up the mustard for more tang.
Tips for Success
- For best flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices. Old spices lose their potency.
- Grind whole bay leaves in a clean coffee grinder if possible for a finer consistency and more potent flavor.
- Store in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight to preserve its potency.
- Make a double batch. It last for long time and works on so many kinds of seafood.
- Use a coffee grinder dedicated to spices for the finest, most even texture.
Variations
To make a crab boil seasoning like J.O. Spice No. 2, add:
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Serving Suggestions
Use this spice mix to season steamed crabs, shrimp, and all your favorite crab recipes.
It's great in this classic Maryland crab cakes, these perfectly seasoned steamed Maryland blue crabs, and these flavorful peel and eat shrimp.
Try mixing it into a warm and creamy Maryland hot crab dip or a pot of Maryland crab soup!
Beyond seafood, it adds a lot of flavor to French fries or roasted potatoes, crispy chickpeas, roasted pumpkin seeds, and homemade beet chips.
Storage Tips
Store your homemade seasoning blend in a clean, dry airtight container such as a glass spice jar.
Keep it in a cool, dark cupboard away from moisture and heat.
For peak flavor, use within one year, though it can last longer if properly stored.
FAQs
Crab boil seasoning is typically used in larger quantities in the cooking water itself and often has whole spices like bay leaves and mustard seeds. Old Bay is finer and typically used as a direct seasoning after cooking or in spice rubs.
Old Bay is more herbal and balanced with notes of celery salt, dry mustard, and bay leaf, while Cajun seasoning tends to be heavier on garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper, with a smokier, spicier profile overall.
Lawry's is more of a general all-purpose blend with a sweeter and saltier flavor. Old Bay has a more specific seafood seasoning focus with a sharper, more aromatic flavor profile.
To make a traditional Maryland crab feast, start by filling a large steamer pot with a few inches of seasoned water. Follow my recipe for steamed blue crabs for best results. Bring it to a boil, then place a steamer rack inside. Layer in live crabs, starting with the largest and finishing with smaller crabs on top. Sprinkle this homemade blend generously between each layer to mimic the bold flavor of classic crab seasonings. Cover and steam until bright red and cooked through. This method works well for Maryland blue crabs, snow crab, or any local variety. For the best steamed blue crabs, always use fresh, lively ones and steam in a tightly covered pot. Serve with cold drinks, corn, paper towels, and a spread of your favorite recipes for a true Maryland style feast.
To make a proper Maryland-style crab cake recipe, start with the best crab meat you can find, ideally jumbo lump crab meat. In a large bowl combine about one pound of crab with seasonings and just enough filler or binder to hold it together. Follow my Maryland crab cake recipe for best results. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to break up the crab. Shape into cakes and chill before cooking. Pan-fry or broil until golden brown for a true taste of one of the best dishes of the Chesapeake region using this homemade seasoning blend!
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Homemade Maryland Crab Spice (Old Bay)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons celery salt
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground up bay leaves
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to a jar or an airtight container and use as desired.
- Keeps for up to one year.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices. Old spices lose their potency.
- Grind whole bay leaves in a clean coffee grinder if possible for a finer consistency and more potent flavor.
- Store in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight to preserve its potency.
- Make a double batch. It last for long time and works on so many kinds of seafood.
- Use a coffee grinder dedicated to spices for the finest, most even texture.
Great post, I enjoy reading about it and will try it!!
Thanks! I'll be curious to hear what you think