Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:Some marinades incorporate coffee or espresso, which encouraged me to experiment with tea and apple juice to enhance this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:1 serving: 374 calories, 17g fat (5g of which is saturated), 104mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 19g carbohydrates (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
Cod Delight
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:I used to prepare this in the oven, but I found out that using a microwave allows me to savor it much quicker. It’s a nice dish to present to guests. Indeed, several of my friends and family members now make this at their homes. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:One serving contains 154 calories, 8 grams of fat (including 1 gram of saturated fat), 43 milligrams of cholesterol, 304 milligrams of sodium, 3 grams of carbohydrates (with 2 grams of sugars and 1 gram of fiber), and 18 grams of protein.Diabetic Exchanges: 3 pieces of lean meat, 1 piece of fat.
Maryland Corn Pops
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:Freshly harvested sweet corn is a major attraction in Maryland. Here’s my homemade take on Mexican street corn that incorporates local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:1 corn puffs: 164 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 7g carbohydrates (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Spicy Shrimp
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:Not overly spicy but packed with taste, these shrimp are unique. They’re simple to prepare and perfect for bringing to gatherings, where they’ll delight the other attendees. —Bob Gebhardt, Wausau, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:6-ounce serving: 490 calories, 45 grams of fat (24 grams saturated fat), 265 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,464 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of carbohydrates (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21 grams of protein.
Carolina Crab Boil
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 50 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:This kettle is an enjoyable method for feeding a group during a tailgate. It can be served in two ways: drain the cooking broth and place the pot on a paper-covered table so guests can help themselves, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over steaming rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:One serving: 420 calories, 12 grams of fat (3 grams of saturated fat), 143 milligrams of cholesterol, 2206 milligrams of sodium, 37 grams of carbohydrates (7 grams of sugars, 5 grams of fiber), 40 grams of protein.
Salmon paired with spinach and white beans
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:My husband, Oscar, has a Southern soul. This salmon paired with garlic-infused beans and spinach won him over in the first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:1 piece of fish with 1/2 cup spinach blend: 317 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 16g carbohydrates (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.Diabetic Exchanges: 3 servings of lean meat, 2 servings of vegetables, 1 serving of fat, 1/2 serving of starch.
Shrimp and Scallop Pasta
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:I made this appealing seafood pasta for my wife. It’s a wonderful dish paired with crispy sourdough bread. If you’re not a fan of heat, omit the red pepper flakes. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Nutrition Facts:One serving: 733 calories, 35 grams of fat (13 grams of saturated fat), 210 milligrams of cholesterol, 1263 milligrams of sodium, 56 grams of carbohydrates (3 grams of sugars, 3 grams of fiber), 47 grams of protein.
Sweet Potato Crab Cakes
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:A subtle sweet potato taste combined with a chipotle heat enhances the fresh crab in these robust cakes. Enjoy them with your preferred mayonnaise or aioli sauce. —Robert Bosley, Pacific, Washington
Nutrition Facts:2 crab cakes: 290 calories, 16 grams of fat (2 grams saturated fat), 138 milligrams of cholesterol, 779 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of carbohydrates (2 grams sugars, 2 grams fiber), 19 grams of protein.
Crab and Spinach Dip
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 35 min
Servings 4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:In Maryland, we stayed at a hotel that gave guests a crab dip recipe and a spice packet. I’ve created my own dip that brings back memories of that trip. —Kristina Wenner, Jamison, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:1/4 cup: 170 calories, 14 grams of fat (8 grams of saturated fat), 55 milligrams of cholesterol, 421 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram of sugars, 1 gram of fiber), 9 grams of protein.
Seasoned Crab Cakes
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 crab cakes
From the Recipe Creator:At the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these delicious crab cakes earned me first place. I submitted them on a whim after experimenting with numerous crab cake recipes for my family. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:1 crab cake: 197 calories, 15 grams of fat (3 grams saturated fat), 81 milligrams of cholesterol, 640 milligrams of sodium, 8 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram sugars, 0 fiber), 7 grams of protein.
Crab Appetizers
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 20 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:I often enjoy adding a bit of extra chili sauce to these simple snacks. If you don’t have crab, water-packed tuna is a good alternative as well. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:1 phyllo cup: 34 calories, 2g of fat (0g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 3g of carbohydrates (1g sugars, 0g fiber), 1g protein.
German Brat Seafood Boil
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:Sizzling bratwurst and onions bring a rich, smoky taste to corn, potatoes, and fish, making for a satisfying meal that’s always a favorite among my family. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:One serving contains 553 calories, 28 grams of fat (including 9 grams of saturated fat), 95 milligrams of cholesterol, 1620 milligrams of sodium, 46 grams of carbohydrates (with 8 grams of sugars and 5 grams of fiber), and 30 grams of protein.
Shrimp and Crab Casserole
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:This simple and fast recipe is incredibly tasty. The juicy, tender seafood flavors and textures create a refined yet comforting dish. For convenience, prepare it in advance by assembling, covering, and refrigerating, then bake it when you’re ready. —Jan Bartley, Evergreen, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:One serving: 376 calories, 17 grams of fat (10 grams of saturated fat), 195 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,127 milligrams of sodium, 24 grams of carbohydrates (3 grams of sugars, 1 gram of fiber), 29 grams of protein.
Garlic Tilapia served with Mushroom Risotto
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:Pre-made risotto offers convenience; the combination of mushrooms, shallots, and cheese adds flavor. Pair the risotto with seasoned fish for a quick weeknight meal. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:One serving contains 432 calories, 18 grams of fat (including 10 grams of saturated fat), 118 milligrams of cholesterol, 964 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates (with 3 grams of sugars and 1 gram of fiber), and 39 grams of protein.
Mini Crab Cakes
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 30 min
Servings 16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:Fresh crab is among my top favorite foods, so whenever I have the opportunity to cook with it, I frequently prepare this dish. This recipe works well as an appetizer, but you can also make bigger portions for a delicious dinner paired with a simple salad. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:1 crab cake with 1-1/2 teaspoons of sauce: 134 calories, 12 grams of fat (1 gram saturated fat), 36 milligrams of cholesterol, 402 milligrams of sodium, 3 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram sugars, 0 fiber), 4 grams of protein.
Lowcountry Boil (Frogmore Stew)
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:Perfect for beach getaways and leisurely camping trips, this popular recipe offers an appealing display of well-seasoned meats, vegetables, and seafood. —Mageswari Elagupillai, Victorville, California
Nutrition Facts:One serving: 500 calories, 20 grams of fat (5 grams of saturated fat), 212 milligrams of cholesterol, 1318 milligrams of sodium, 41 grams of carbohydrates (6 grams of sugars, 5 grams of fiber), 40 grams of protein.
Old Bay Recipe FAQs
What are classic foods prepared using Old Bay seasoning?
Traditional foods prepared using Old Bay seasoning include steamed crab, shrimp, and seafood boils, as well as traditional Maryland-style crab cakes. The mixture of spices in Old Bay enhances the seafood and provides a bit of heat without overpowering the subtle taste of the fish or shellfish. Although not part of the original tradition, it is quite common to use Old Bay indeviled eggs, potato salad and fried chicken as a single-ingredient flavor enhancement. It also pairs well as a seasoning on potato chips, freshly made popcorn andhomemade snack mixes.
Is it possible to incorporate Old Bay seasoning into vegetarian dishes?
Yes, Old Bay seasoning does not include any meat or seafood components, and its salty, spicy flavor complements well withroasted vegetables, tofu omelets or chickpea salads. Consider adding it to corn on the cob, popcorn, or baked fries for an immediate savory flavor. It can also be mixed into creamy dips or combined with bread crumbs for coating roasted cauliflower or baked vegetable patties. The spicy mix adds a strong touch to meatless dishes without needing additional items.
What can be used instead of Old Bay seasoning if I don’t have it?
A fast alternative to Old Bay seasoning can be made by mixing celery salt, paprika, ground mustard, black pepper, and a small amount of cayenne. To make it less spicy, you can substitute some of the cayenne with smoked paprika, which has a rich, earthy flavor without the heat. Cajun andCreole seasoningsare comparable and can be used as a substitute, particularly for seafood meals, but they often have a more pronounced flavor of dried herbs. Begin with a small quantity when seasoning vegetables, eggs, or dips using an Old Bay alternative to prevent the dish from becoming too spicy or salty.
