In this article, we compare Creole seasoning vs Old Bay seasoning to help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll discuss the differences in taste, ingredients, and how they are used, too.
Generic Creole seasoning and proprietary brand Old Bay seasoning are two popular spice blends often used in seafood dishes. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Overview
Creole seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that originated in Louisiana. It is typically made with paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and sometimes bay leaves. Old Bay seasoning is also a blend of herbs and spices, but it is made with different ingredients. While the makers of Old Bay keep their 50-year-old recipe under wraps, they do divulge that it has some cinnamon but NOT garlic, onion or sugar! Old Bay also says the product is gluten free.
Creole seasoning appears to be more popular in southern seafood dishes, and Old Bay is more popular in the northern U.S.
Taste and texture
Creole seasoning is spicier, with a slightly smoky flavor and often a kick of heat. Original Old Bay seasoning is briney, spicy but not hot, with a hint of sweetness from the sweet paprika and cinnamon. They seem to use two different kinds of paprika: creole smoked and Old Bay sweet.
Old Bay is a reddish uniform fine ground powder, and Creole seasoning texture varies, sometimes a rough blend of spices where you can see the pepper and oregano. Other times, it’s very finely ground, depending on the manufacturing.
Ingredients
The main difference in ingredients between Creole seasoning and Old Bay seasoning is the use of paprika. Creole seasoning uses a lot of paprika, which gives it its characteristic red color and smoky flavor. Old Bay seasoning, on the other hand, uses less paprika, and the paprika it does use is a different variety.
Old Bay ingredients may surprise you: They don’t use any garlic or onion powder, but they do have some cinnamon and s
Creole blends will vary greatly, so it’s important to read labels if you have allergies or preferences. For example, Tony Chacherre’s Creole seasoning contains black pepper, red pepper, chili powder but no paprika. Zatarain’s has paprika.
How They Are Used
Creole seasoning and Old Bay seasoning are both used in seafood dishes, but they are also used in other dishes. Creole seasoning is often used in gumbo, jambalaya, and other Cajun dishes. Old Bay seasoning is often used on seafood, but it is also used on poultry, vegetables, and popcorn.
Can You Substitute Creole Seasoning for Old Bay?
Yes, you can substitute Creole seasoning for Old Bay in most recipes. However, the flavor will be slightly different. Creole seasoning is spicier than Old Bay seasoning, so if you substitute Creole seasoning for Old Bay, you may want to reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or black pepper in the recipe.
And at the time of this writing, Old Bay is gluten free, but since there are all kinds of creole blends available on the market, you’ll have to check the label to make sure. Or make your own homemade version.
Can You Substitute Old Bay for Creole Seasoning?
Yes, you can substitute Old Bay for Creole seasoning in most recipes. However, the flavor will be slightly different. Old Bay seasoning is saltier than Creole seasoning, so if you substitute Old Bay for Creole seasoning, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
Here are some additional tips for using Creole seasoning and Old Bay seasoning:
- Creole seasoning is a good choice for dishes that you want to have a hot, smoky flavor, like gumbo.
- Old Bay seasoning is a good choice for dishes that you want to have a spicy, salty flavor, like crab cakes.
- You can use Creole seasoning and Old Bay seasoning together to create a more complex flavor.
- You can also use Creole seasoning vs Old Bay to season popcorn, vegetables, and other snacks and side dishes.
The bottom line
Creole seasoning and Old Bay seasoning are both delicious spice blends that can be used to add flavor to a soups and stews, crawfish and crab boils, on poached fish, potatoes, and more. However, they have different flavors and are used in different ways. If you are looking for a spicier, more complex flavor, then Creole seasoning is a good choice. If you are looking for a saltier, more savory flavor, then Old Bay seasoning is a good choice.