Old Bay Seasoning substitutes
Old Bay Seasoning is Classic American seafood seasoning blend with celery salt, paprika, and other spices, originally from Maryland.
Homemade Old Bay Blend
Use 1 tsp celery salt + ½ tsp paprika + ¼ tsp black pepper + ¼ tsp cayenne pepper + ¼ tsp ground bay leaves + ¼ tsp ground allspice + ¼ tsp ground cloves + ¼ tsp ground ginger + ¼ tsp ground nutmeg + ¼ tsp ground cardamom for every 1 tbsp Old Bay
Classic homemade version that recreates the authentic Old Bay flavor profile
At a glance
| # | Substitute | Instead of old bay seasoning, use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade Old Bay Blend | 1 tsp celery salt + ½ tsp paprika + ¼ tsp black pepper + ¼ tsp cayenne pepper + ¼ tsp ground bay leaves + ¼ tsp ground allspice + ¼ tsp ground cloves + ¼ tsp ground ginger + ¼ tsp ground nutmeg + ¼ tsp ground cardamom per 1 tbsp Old Bay |
| 2 | Celery Salt + Paprika + Cayenne + Black Pepper | 2 tsp celery salt + 1 tsp paprika + ½ tsp cayenne pepper + ½ tsp black pepper per 1 tbsp Old Bay |
| 3 | Zatarain's Creole Seasoning | Same amount |
| 4 | Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning | Same amount |
| 5 | Cajun Seasoning + Celery Salt | 2 tsp cajun seasoning + 1 tsp celery salt per 1 tbsp Old Bay |
| 6 | Paprika + Garlic Powder + Onion Powder + Celery Salt + Cayenne | 1 tsp paprika + ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder + 1 tsp celery salt + ½ tsp cayenne pepper per 1 tbsp Old Bay |
| 7 | Seafood Seasoning + Celery Salt | 2 tsp seafood seasoning + 1 tsp celery salt per 1 tbsp Old Bay |
Every old bay seasoning substitute
Substitutes for Old Bay Seasoning with ratios
1. Homemade Old Bay Blend
Use 1 tsp celery salt + ½ tsp paprika + ¼ tsp black pepper + ¼ tsp cayenne pepper + ¼ tsp ground bay leaves + ¼ tsp ground allspice + ¼ tsp ground cloves + ¼ tsp ground ginger + ¼ tsp ground nutmeg + ¼ tsp ground cardamom for every 1 tbsp Old Bay
Classic homemade version that recreates the authentic Old Bay flavor profile
What changes
2. Celery Salt + Paprika + Cayenne + Black Pepper
Use 2 tsp celery salt + 1 tsp paprika + ½ tsp cayenne pepper + ½ tsp black pepper for every 1 tbsp Old Bay
Simplified version with the most essential Old Bay components
What changes
3. Zatarain's Creole Seasoning
Use the same amount
Commercial Louisiana-style seasoning with similar spicy, savory profile
What changes
4. Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning
Use the same amount
Another Louisiana-style seasoning with spicy, salty characteristics
What changes
5. Cajun Seasoning + Celery Salt
Use 2 tsp cajun seasoning + 1 tsp celery salt for every 1 tbsp Old Bay
Combines cajun spices with celery salt for Old Bay-like flavor
What changes
6. Paprika + Garlic Powder + Onion Powder + Celery Salt + Cayenne
Use 1 tsp paprika + ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder + 1 tsp celery salt + ½ tsp cayenne pepper for every 1 tbsp Old Bay
Simple pantry spice blend that captures Old Bay's essence
What changes
7. Seafood Seasoning + Celery Salt
Use 2 tsp seafood seasoning + 1 tsp celery salt for every 1 tbsp Old Bay
Generic seafood seasoning enhanced with celery salt
What changes
Tips for substituting old bay seasoning
- Old Bay seasoning is perfect for seafood, especially crab, shrimp, and lobster
- It works great on french fries, popcorn, and roasted vegetables
- The seasoning contains celery salt, which is a key flavor component
- Old Bay is quite salty, so reduce salt in your recipes when using it
- It's excellent for grilling, roasting, and pan-frying seafood
- The spice blend includes warming spices like allspice, cloves, and nutmeg
- Store homemade blends in airtight containers away from heat and light
- Old Bay pairs well with lemon, butter, and garlic in seafood dishes
- It can be used as a dry rub or mixed with oil for marinades
- The seasoning is versatile and works on chicken, pork, and vegetables too