Here's What You Can Use Old Bay Seasoning For Aside From Seafood

Anyone who grew up on the East coast (especially those who grew up in Maryland or Virginia) is all too familiar with Old Bay seasoning. As Preservation Maryland tells us, the iconic red, yellow, and blue tin was born in Baltimore during World War II, when a German immigrant decided to try his hand at recreating the spices that local fishmongers used in stews and steam pots. Originally named "Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning," it's no surprise that Old Bay is commonly associated with steamed crab feasts and shrimp boils.

If you're limiting your use of the popular seasoning to seafood, however, you're missing out on a whole world of flavors. Bloggers and culinary magazines alike have found hundreds of unique ways to use Old Bay. For instance, the Southern Living website has a whole roundup of recipes dedicated to the Chesapeake Bay-inspired spice. If you want to take your Old Bay game to a whole new level, there are plenty of easy ways to incorporate it into almost any meal.

According to Spoon University, the spicy seasoning is as versatile as salt or pepper — you can use it on pretty much anything and everything. Sprinkle it on french fries, baked potatoes, eggs, pasta ... the list goes on and on. Old Bay is also a popular flavor for other types of meat, especially wings (Old Bay wings are a staple on bar menus across Maryland), and all vegetables (it makes broccoli instantly more appealing). You'll often find it on corn on the cob in the summer or dusted on top of pizza at local restaurants, too.

Old Bay isn't just something to be used in savory dishes, either. It can also be used in desserts (yes, really!). Not only does the Old Bay Instagram page feature caramel corn tossed with the seafood seasoning, but Maryland ice cream shop The Charmery is famous for its Old Bay Caramel flavor, which hits that perfect salty-sweet balance. Don't knock it until you try it!