Old Bay seasoning is a popular American spice blend that originated in Baltimore. It’s known for its distinct and savory flavor profile, often used in seafood dishes and other recipes. While the exact recipe for Old Bay seasoning is a well-guarded secret, you can definitely create your own homemade version with a combination of common spices.
Here’s a simple recipe for making your own homemade Old Bay seasoning:
Homemade Old Bay Seasoning:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground bay leaves (crushed, use a coffee/spice grinder)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine all the spices and mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Store the homemade Old Bay seasoning in an airtight container or spice jar. Keep it in a cool, dark place.
- When using in recipes, adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences. This homemade blend can be used in a variety of dishes, including seafood, poultry, vegetables, and more.
Keep in mind that while this homemade version captures the essence of Old Bay seasoning, it may not be an exact match due to the proprietary nature of the original blend. Nonetheless, it should work well in recipes like our gluten-free salmon cakes recipe and provide the desired flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.

