10 Old Bay Recipes That All Southerners Should Know

If you see that iconic yellow and blue tin, you know you’re about to taste something good. Old Bay seasoning is what Southerners like to spice up for Lowcountry boils, crab cakes, and shrimp dishes. But it doesn’t stop there. We sprinkle it over deviled eggs and add a few shakes to Bloody Marys.

Invented in Baltimore, Maryland way back in 1940, Old Bay has a very specific recipe containing 18 ingredients including celery salt, red pepper, black pepper, and paprika. As the company says: “There are two things you need to know about Old Bay Seasoning: 1. It’s great on seafood. 2. It’s great on everything else!” Here are a few favorites.

Shrimp Boil Vegetable Bowls

We scaled down the fuss of a classic shrimp boil to make it something to add to your regular dinner rotation. This recipe has everything you love about a classic low country boil (plus a few extras), but in an easy one-bowl meal that is perfect for weeknights.

Creamy Crab Dip

Fresh lump crabmeat might be the star of this easy dip recipe, but the flavor of Old Bay seasoning doesn’t go unnoticed. Serve with kettle chips and celery sticks at your next party and watch it disappear.

Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

These crispy, can’t-eat-just-one popcorn shrimp are served with a creamy Old Bay sauce for dipping. Before placing the shrimp in the air fryer, toss the breadcrumbs in oil. This helps the outer coating of the shrimp get brown and crispy without steaming.

Crab Boil With Beer And Old Bay

It’s an unspoken rule down here in the South that you can’t have a crab boil without a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning. During crab season, there’s no better way to gather around the table and share a meal with family and friends.

Deviled Crab Dip

This bold and savory dip is flavored with seasoning salt, Old Bay, jalapeño, and Worcestershire sauce, and has a cheesy, buttery cracker topping. Serve with a colorful array of crudites and baguette slices, or your favorite crackers.

Old Bay Mayo

Old Bay seasoning adds a tangy, spicy note to this mayo-based sauce, which is complemented by a slew of fresh herbs, and lemon zest and juice. Serve this Old Bay Mayo alongside these buttery crab cakes or use it as a dipping sauce for shrimp or as a sandwich spread.

The Southern Living Bloody Mary

Southerners like their Bloody Mary with a kick. Enter Old Bay. Our homemade mixer pairs well with all of your favorite bloody garnishes. And a homemade bacon salt rim (spiked with more Old Bay) makes this drink truly over-the-top.

Shrimp Salad Rolls

If this mouthwatering photo doesn’t sell you on these shrimp rolls, the fact that they come together in 10 minutes surely will. The salad is made with dill, chives, and a touch of Old Bay, which adds just the right about of spice.

Hot Crab And Artichoke Dip

For the best-tasting dip, look for freshly picked, unpasteurized crabmeat at your local seafood counter. Should you have any leftovers (don’t count on it), warm up the dip and toss with hot cooked pasta.

Old Bay Rémoulade With Crudités And Shrimp

This recipe for Old Bay Rémoulade will upgrade your snack board, even though it’s the simplest stir-together sauce you could make. an ode to those family beach getaways of years ago. Stir together Old Bay seasoning, mayonnaise, and a few pantry staples for an easy sauce that tastes amazing served with steamed peel ‘n’ eat shrimp or any other fresh seafood. The remoulade can be prepared up to one week in advance.