Creative Uses For Old Bay Seasoning You’ve Never Thought Of

Old Bay is known for its bold, savory flavor, often used on seafood and bright summertime dishes. But this classic seasoning can add excitement to many more dishes than you might expect.

Here are creative, practical ways to use it beyond the usual shrimp boil.

Add it to deviled eggs

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Edwin Remsburg/VW Pics via Getty Images
Edwin Remsburg/VW Pics via Getty Images

Old Bay adds a gentle kick to deviled eggs. Mixing a small amount into the filling gives them a little more character.

A little sprinkle on top will add color and aroma to your dish. It's a simple way to impress guests with a unique spin on a classic appetizer.

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Stir it into chicken salad

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Joseph Victor Stefanchik for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Joseph Victor Stefanchik for The Washington Post via Getty Images
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A pinch of Old Bay in chicken salad is an underrated twist. It cuts through the creaminess and gives the dish a subtle, satisfying kick.

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Whether you're making sandwiches or serving it on greens, the seasoning adds something exciting to an otherwise simple dish.

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Sprinkle it on popcorn

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Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash+
Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash+
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A light dusting of Old Bay turns plain popcorn into a flavorful snack. Its salty, peppery mix pairs well with melted butter.

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It's quick, inexpensive, and far more interesting than regular salt. This simple upgrade makes movie nights feel special with almost no effort.

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Season roasted vegetables

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Akshay Chauhan/Unsplash
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Old Bay works beautifully on vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, and carrots. Tossing them with oil and seasoning before roasting brings out rich, savory notes that balance their natural sweetness.

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It adds complexity without needing extra ingredients, making quick weeknight sides more exciting and flavorful.

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Use it in fry batter

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Dr Muhammad Amer/Unsplash
Dr Muhammad Amer/Unsplash
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Old Bay adds character to fried foods like chicken tenders, onion rings, or fish fillets. Mixing it into the batter or breading gives each bite a seasoned crunch that tastes lively and balanced.

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It's an easy upgrade that transforms basic fried dishes into something more memorable.

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Sprinkle it on avocado toast

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Alexey Demidov/Unsplash
Alexey Demidov/Unsplash
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A little Old Bay brings surprising depth to avocado toast. Its peppery flavor contrasts nicely with the creamy avocado.

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It's an effortless way to switch up a familiar breakfast while keeping it simple and satisfying.

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A little imagination goes a long way

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Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Old Bay is far more versatile than its seafood reputation suggests. With just a pinch, it can enhance snacks, salads, vegetables, and everyday meals.

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These simple ideas show how one classic seasoning can open the door to fresh, creative flavors. A little imagination goes a long way when you have Old Bay in your kitchen.`