It’s easy to make at home and even better than the store-bought stuff.

To appreciate Old Bay on a deeper level, it pays to know its remarkable past.

The Origins of Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay is a Maryland creation through and through.

Bowl of Old Bay Seasoning With a a Spoon, Sitting on a White Kitchen Towel Next to Lemon Leaves and Lemon Wedges

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Lydia Pursell

Brunn sold spice mixes to sausage makers, many of whom were likewise German immigrants.

Going into business on his own across from the Baltimore Wholesale Fish Market changed his fortunes.

It caught on and grew into a household pantry staple beyond the Mid-Atlantic.

Glass Bowl With Old Bay Seasoning Next to a Spoon on a White Kitchen Towel Next to Lemon Leaves and Lemon Wedges

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Lydia Pursell

Grunns Baltimore Spice Company remained family-run until 1985.

McCormick went on to buy the Old Bay recipe and rights and continues to make it to this day.

Why Make Homemade Old Bay?

Bowl With Old Bay Ingredients (Not Mixed) With a Spoon

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Lydia Pursell

For one thing, its fun.

It really lets you experience Old Bay from the inside, so to speak.

Another reason is freshness.

Old Bay Ingredients Mixed Together Using a Whisk

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Lydia Pursell

Plus you are in control of the ingredients.

On a low-sodium diet?

Simple Tip!

Glass Jar With Homemade Old Bay Seasoning and on the Counter Next to the Jar, a Spoon and the Jar Lid

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Lydia Pursell

To make a salt-free seasoning, omit the celery salt and use 3 1/2 teaspoons of ground celery seed.

Then, when you cook with your blend, you’re free to add salt to taste.

Ways to Use Old Bay Seasoning

Steamed crab andcrab cakesare obvious.

Beyond that, anything beige and generally bland is a fabulous canvas for Old Bay.

You canorder ground bay leaf onlineor grind whole dried leaves yourself.

Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until evenly combined.

Transfer to an airtight jar or container.

Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

After that, the seasoning will still be fine to use, but its flavor will have faded somewhat.

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