Learn how to cook with Old Bay—the secret ingredient every Marylander knows.
18 Recipes That Taste Better With Old Bay
Updated on Jan. 05, 2022
Living in Maryland has its perks. It’s not uncommon for steamed crabs, sweet corn or local oysters to grace the dinner table. However, the most iconic ingredient that Marylanders turn to is a salty crimson seasoning called Old Bay. (Purchase it here.) Though the box may say “for seafood, poultry, salads, meats,” true fans know that Old Bay can be sprinkled on just about anything. Old Bay popcorn? Yes. Old Bay chicken wings? Yes. Old Bay caramel ice cream? Don’t knock it until you try it.
Follow along to see some of our Test Kitchen-approved recipes that make the most of Old Bay. While you’re at it, check out the rest of our favorite recipes from Mayland
1/18
2/18
Zucchini Patties with Dill Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen (3/4 cup dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
These crisp-tender patties are a nice alternative to crab cakes and taste very similar, thanks to the seafood seasoning. They always get gobbled up! —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty with 1-1/2 teaspoons dip: 93 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
3/18
Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 374 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
4/18
Cod Delight
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make this in the oven, but then I discovered that microwave lets me enjoy it even faster. It's a pretty dish to serve company. In fact, many of my friends and family now cook this at home. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 154 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
5/18
Maryland Corn Pops
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn that brings in local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn pop: 164 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
6/18
Spicy Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not too hot but full of flavor, these shrimp are one of a kind. They're easy to make and take to parties, where they'll impress the other guests. —Bob Gebhardt, Wausau, WI.
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 490 calories, 45g fat (24g saturated fat), 265mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
7/18
Carolina Crab Boil
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pot is a fun way to feed a crowd for a tailgate. You can serve it two ways: Drain the cooking liquid and pour out the pot on a paper-lined table so folks can dig in, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over hot rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 2206mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
8/18
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup spinach mixture : 317 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
9/18
Shrimp and Scallop Pasta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this tempting seafood pasta for my wife. It’s a terrific meal served with crusty sourdough. If you don't like spice, skip the red pepper flakes. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 733 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 210mg cholesterol, 1263mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 47g protein.
10/18
Sweet Potato Crab Cakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mild sweet potato flavor and a chipotle kick complement the fresh crab in these hearty cakes. Serve them with your favorite mayo or aioli sauce. —Robert Bosley, Pacific, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 crab cakes: 290 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 779mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
11/18
Warm Crab & Spinach Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
In Maryland, we stayed at a hotel that sent guests home with a crab dip recipe and a spice pouch. Now I’ve made my own dip that rekindles memories of that trip. —Kristina Wenner, Jamison, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 170 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
12/18
Seasoned Crab Cakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 crab cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
At the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these scrumptious crab cakes won me first place. I entered them on a whim after trying many crab cake recipes for my family. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab cake: 197 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
13/18
Crab Appetizers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, water-packed tuna works well too. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled phyllo cup: 34 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/18
German Brat Seafood Boil
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilled bratwurst and onion add a smoky flavor to corn, potatoes and fish for a hearty meal that's always a hit with my family. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 553 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1620mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
15/18
Shrimp & Crab Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick, easy recipe is truly delicious. The succulent, melt-in-your-mouth seafood flavors and textures make for elegant comfort food. To make ahead, just assemble, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. —Jan Bartley, Evergreen, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 195mg cholesterol, 1127mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
16/18
Garlic Tilapia with Mushroom Risotto
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Boxed risotto makes it quick; mushrooms, shallots and cheese make it tasty. Serve the risotto alongside seasoned fish for a weeknight supper in a hurry. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 432 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 964mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
17/18
Mini Crab Cakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh crab is one of my all-time favorite foods so whenever I get the chance to cook with it I will often make this dish. It's great for appetizers but you can make larger ones for a fantastic dinner with a simple salad. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab cake with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 134 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
18/18
Lowcountry Boil (Frogmore Stew)
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ideal for camping and relaxing trips to the beach, this crowd-pleasing recipe makes an appetizing presentation of perfectly seasoned meats, veggies and seafood. —Mageswari Elagupillai, Victorville, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 500 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 212mg cholesterol, 1318mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
