16 Must-Try Old Bay Seafood, Side, and Snack Recipes

16 Must-Try Old Bay Seafood, Side, and Snack Recipes

M Hasan    4:31 AM   

A Variety of Seafood and Comfort Food Recipes

From the Test Kitchen, a collection of recipes featuring a wide range of seafood and comfort foods has been curated. These dishes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion.

Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken

This recipe is a favorite among many. The marinade uses tea and apple juice to give the chicken a unique flavor. It's a great option for gatherings or family dinners. With 8 servings, it's ideal for feeding a crowd.

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1 piece: 374 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.

Cod Delight

This cod recipe is a quick and easy dish that can be made in just 15 minutes. It's perfect for a fast meal, especially when entertaining guests. The use of a microwave makes it even faster.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• 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.

Maryland Corn Pops

These corn pops are a unique take on Mexican street corn, incorporating local bay flavors. They're a fun and tasty snack that can be enjoyed at any time.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 2 dozen
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1 corn pop: 164 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

Spicy Shrimp

This shrimp recipe is full of flavor without being too hot. It's a great option for parties and gatherings, as it's easy to make and impresses guests.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Nutrition Facts:
• 6 ounce-weight: 490 calories, 45g fat (24g saturated fat), 265mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.

Carolina Crab Boil

This crab boil is a fun way to feed a crowd, whether it's for a tailgate or a family gathering. It can be served either as a stew or with the liquid poured out for a more casual dining experience.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1 serving: 420 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 2206mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.

Salmon with Spinach & White Beans

This salmon dish is a healthy and flavorful option, combining garlicky beans and spinach for a nutritious meal. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• 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.

Shrimp and Scallop Pasta

This seafood pasta is a tempting dish that pairs well with crusty sourdough. It's a great option for a special meal, and you can skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder version.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1 serving: 733 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 210mg cholesterol, 1263mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 47g protein.

Sweet Potato Crab Cakes

These crab cakes combine the mild flavor of sweet potatoes with a chipotle kick. They're a hearty dish that can be served with your favorite sauce.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Nutrition Facts:
• 2 crab cakes: 290 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 779mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.

Crab and Spinach Dip

This dip is a nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of a hotel stay. It's a great option for parties and can be served with crackers or bread.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-1/2 cups
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1/4 cup: 170 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.

Seasoned Crab Cakes

These crab cakes won first place at the National Hard Crab Derby. They're a popular choice for family gatherings and are known for their scrumptious flavor.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 crab cakes
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1 crab cake: 197 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.

Crab Appetizers

These appetizers are an easy and tasty option for parties. They can be made with crab or water-packed tuna as a substitute.

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2-1/2 dozen
• 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.

German Brat Seafood Boil

This hearty meal combines grilled bratwurst, onions, corn, potatoes, and fish for a smoky and satisfying dish. It's a favorite among families.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1 serving: 553 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1620mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.

Shrimp and Crab Casserole

This casserole is a quick and easy recipe that offers a delightful combination of seafood flavors. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1 serving: 376 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 195mg cholesterol, 1127mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.

Garlic Tilapia with Mushroom Risotto

This dish is a quick and tasty option for a weeknight supper. The risotto is made with boxed ingredients, making it easy to prepare.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1 serving: 432 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 964mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.

Mini Crab Cakes

These mini crab cakes are a great appetizer option. They can be made larger for a main course, paired with a simple salad.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 16 appetizers
• 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.

Lowcountry Boil (Frogmore Stew)

This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for camping trips or beach outings. It features perfectly seasoned meats, veggies, and seafood.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4
• Nutrition Facts:
• 1 serving: 500 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 212mg cholesterol, 1318mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.

Old Bay Recipe FAQs

Old Bay seasoning is a versatile ingredient used in various traditional and modern dishes. Here are some frequently asked questions about its use:

What are traditional dishes made with Old Bay seasoning?

Traditional dishes made with Old Bay seasoning include steamed crab, shrimp and seafood boils, and classic Maryland-style crab cakes. The blend of spices in Old Bay seasons the seafood and adds heat without dominating the delicate flavor of the fish or shellfish. Though not traditional, it’s very common to add Old Bay to deviled eggs, potato salad and fried chicken as a one-ingredient flavor boost. It also works well as a seasoning on potato chips, freshly cooked popcorn and homemade snack mixes.

Can I use Old Bay seasoning in vegetarian recipes?

Yes, Old Bay seasoning contains no meat or seafood ingredients, and the salty, spicy taste pairs well with roasted vegetables, tofu scrambles or chickpea salads. Try sprinkling it over corn on the cob, popcorn or oven fries for an instant salty kick. You can also stir it into creamy dips or mix it into bread crumbs for coating roasted cauliflower or baked veggie patties. Its peppery blend gives meat-free meals a bold finish without extra ingredients.

What substitutes work if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

A quick substitute for Old Bay seasoning is a homemade blend of celery salt, paprika, ground mustard, black pepper and a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, replace some of the cayenne with smoked paprika, which is earthy but not hot. Cajun and Creole seasonings are similar and can work in a pinch, especially for seafood dishes, but they tend to have a stronger dried herb taste. Start with a small amount when seasoning vegetables, eggs or dips with an Old Bay substitute to avoid making a dish too spicy or salty.