20 New Ways To Love Old Bay Seasoning

If you see that iconic yellow and blue tin, you know you're about to taste something good. Really 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. Heck, we even sprinkle it over popcorn for a little kick.

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!"

If you're still in need of some recipe inspiration, you're in luck. Whether you're hosting a crab boil this summer or a tailgate this fall, these Old Bay-infused recipes are sure to please any hungry crowd.

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, jalape?o, and Worcestershire sauce, and has a cheesy, buttery cracker topping. Serve with a colorful array of crudites and baguette slices, or your favorite crackers.

Shrimp Boil Pasta

We combined two Southern summer staples—pasta salad and shrimp boil—into a one-bowl meal that everyone will love. Old Bay seasoning delivers yet again with a tangy punch of flavor.

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.

Pickled Shrimp

We'll take a Mason jar full of spicy, briny pickled shrimp any day. The shrimp are flavored with Old Bay Seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic, then marinated in apple cider vinegar and celery seeds. Make them and liven up your next happy hour.

Grilled Clambake Foil Packets With Herb Butter

Enjoy traditional Lowcountry boil ingredients: shrimp, potatoes, corn, and smoked sausage all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet. Prepare the packets in the morning, then keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready to eat that night.

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.

"Frog Moore" Stew

This recipe, by chef Matt Moore (hence the name), is inspired by the Carolina classic frogmore stew. Don't worry, this hearty dish does not contain frogs. Instead, it packs a flavorful punch, loaded with red potatoes, fresh corn, smoked sausage, shrimp, and Old Bay seasoning.

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.

Shrimp Boil Skewers

Enjoy all the goodness of a shrimp boil, but without the mess. These pretty little skewers make a great addition to a cocktail party menu or even a tailgate, if you're looking to fancy things up a bit.

Rinehart Family Lowcountry Boil

This recipe calls for "two cans of Old Bay seasoning," and that's the type of measurement Mama would approve of. Bear and Bo Rinehart of the band NEEDTOBREATHE grew up in rural South Carolina and they celebrate special times of the year with a full Lowcountry boil.

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.

Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes

The secret to making sure you get the most value for your lump crabmeat in this recipe is to make sure you don't overmix it with the other ingredients. Toss until just combined to preserve the texture of the crab, which makes a better tasting crab cake. These crab cakes are the perfect party-ready appetizer, but they can also be served as a main dish.

Viet-Cajun Crawfish Boil

Viet-Cajun crawfish boils, most commonly found in Louisiana and Texas, are one of our region's most delicious examples of how two cuisines can meld and create something new. Yes, you'll find plenty of Old Bay in the mix, but there is also lemongrass, fish sauce, and plenty of heat.

Crab And Bacon Linguine Recipe

While this pasta recipe doesn't call for Old Bay, it wouldn't be out of place. A light sprinkling on top of the finished dish enhances the flavor of the crab.

Cornbread Crab Cakes

Crumbled cornbread adds texture and a hint of nutty flavor to your usual crab cake recipe. Add a dollop of cilantro-jalape?o sour cream for a welcome touch of heat.

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.