Bay Seasoning

Laurus nobilis (dried leaf, often mixed) Spice/Herb

Bay Seasoning Spice/Herb

At a Glance

  • Category Spice/Herb

The Forktionary Angle

"The silent workhorse of the spice rack, infusing depth and warmth without overpowering other flavors."

Definition

A dried, aromatic leaf (typically from the bay laurel tree) used as a seasoning to impart a subtle, herbal, and slightly floral flavor.

Active Compound Eugenol, cineole
Flavor Release Timing Slow, improves with cooking time
Optimal Storage Form Whole dried leaves

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Bay Seasoning are:

Herbal slightly floral hints of clove and nutmeg

Chef’s Secret

Always remove bay leaves before serving; they are used for flavor infusion, not consumption, and can be sharp.

Best Substitutes

Thyme

Ratio 1:1

Oregano

less subtle
Ratio 1:1

Juniper berries

2-3 berries for 1 bay leaf in savory dishes

Buying Guide

Look for whole, unbroken leaves with a deep green color and a strong aroma when crushed slightly.

Recipes Using Bay Seasoning

60 Minutes Or Less Vegetables Low In Something Crab

Big Sams Mushroom And Crab Soup

Inspired by a Kennett Square Mushroom Festival find! This decadent Big Sam's Mushroom & Crab Soup recipe features succulent crab meat, earthy mushrooms, and a rich broth, all served in cozy homemade bread bowls. A perfect fall or winter warmer that's sure to impress your guests. Get ready for a taste of Pennsylvania's mushroom magic!

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Main Dish Easy Crab Main Ingredient

Best Crab Cakes Sandwiches

Dive into succulent crab cake sandwiches bursting with flavor! This recipe uses perfectly balanced seasonings and the freshest crab meat for an unforgettable taste experience. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe, featuring perfectly crispy crab cakes nestled in soft buns and topped with fresh veggies. Get ready for a seafood sensation!

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Pacific Northwest Holiday Event Pacific Northwest Grains

Beer Battered Shrimp

Recreate the legendary beer battered shrimp from the iconic Clyde's Restaurant in Columbia, Maryland! This recipe captures the magic of a beloved 1970s culinary gem, bringing back the unforgettable flavors that once graced its tables. Though the original chef's secret recipe remains lost to time, this version delivers that same crispy, beer-battered perfection. Get ready for a nostalgic culinary adventure that's both simple and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Summer Dietary Shellfish Summer

All Saints Summer Supper Maryland Crab Cakes

A taste of Southern Maryland tradition! This recipe recreates the legendary crab cakes from the All Saints Episcopal Church's annual summer supper. Developed over generations, this family-friendly recipe delivers authentic Maryland flavor with juicy lump crab meat, perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection. Enjoy these delicious crab cakes as an appetizer, entree, or even in a mouthwatering crab cake sandwich. Get ready for a culinary journey to the Chesapeake Bay!

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Dietary High Protein 15 Minutes Or Less Healthy

Beer Batter Seafood

Dive into a flavor explosion with this irresistible Beer Batter Seafood recipe! Inspired by Betty Crocker, but with a twist, this recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown seafood that's anything but ordinary. Forget heavy, greasy seafood – this lighter batter, similar to a beloved Bisquick copycat recipe, creates the perfect crunch. Double the batter for some amazing onion rings on the side! Customize your flavor profile with Old Bay or Cajun seasoning for a truly unique taste experience.

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Soups Stews Vegetables Bisques Cream Soups Potatoes

Baked Potato Cheddar Soup

Creamy, dreamy Baked Potato Cheddar Soup! This comforting classic is elevated with a hint of garlic and your favorite spices. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to customize to your taste. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Shellfish Shrimp 30 Minutes Or Less Savory

Babe's Spicy Mayo Shrimp

Craving authentic Chinese restaurant flavor? This Spicy Mayo Shrimp recipe recreates the delicious dish my boyfriend and I fell in love with! A little sweet, a little spicy, and perfectly succulent shrimp coated in a creamy, addictive sauce. We even mop up the extra sauce with crusty bread – it's that good! Easily customizable to your spice preference, this recipe is a must-try for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.

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Occasion Preparation Appetizers Seafood

Ali's Real Crab Crab Dip Hot Or Cold

Indulge in this irresistible, slightly spicy crab dip recipe! Inspired by a Jacksonville, NC marina cafe, this creamy delight is perfect served hot or cold with toasted ciabatta bread. The perfect appetizer or party snack, it's easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests. Get ready for a taste of the coast!

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North American Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Course

Awesome Enchiladas

Craving comfort food? These Awesome Enchiladas are a flavor explosion! Inspired by a beloved family recipe, this twist on classic cheese enchiladas is quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious. Get ready for a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying meal that will become your new go-to! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Appetizers Healthy Main Dish Seafood

Beer Steamed Shrimp With Tomato Salsa

Dive into a flavor explosion with this Beer Steamed Shrimp recipe! Inspired by Good Food Magazine (March 1988), this dish features succulent shrimp perfectly steamed in beer and topped with a vibrant, fresh tomato salsa. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend gathering. Get ready for a taste of the coast!

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Time To Make Dips Cheese Dietary

Awesome Cheesy Hot Crab Dip

This award-winning cheesy crab dip recipe, inspired by a Southern Living magazine, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Get ready for a flavor explosion of creamy goodness, zesty lemon, spicy Tabasco, and the sweet taste of crab, all baked to bubbly perfection. Customize it with extra Old Bay, Tabasco, and scallions for an extra kick! Serve with crusty French bread for the ultimate dip experience. Prepare to be amazed!

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Poultry Free Of Something Poultry Turkey

Baked Leftover Turkey Salad Hot Dish Or Sandwich Filling

Transform leftover turkey into a delicious and versatile hot dish or sandwich filling! This easy recipe is perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or any other cooked meat. Customize it with your pantry staples – chicken, tuna, lobster, or crab all work wonderfully. Kid-friendly and adaptable, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavor explosion! (See also recipe #50087)

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Main Dish Main Ingredient Main Dish 30 Minutes Or Less

Absolutely Amazing Fish Batter

Get ready to experience fried fish like never before! This incredibly easy recipe, passed down from an avid fisherman, delivers crispy, flavorful fish that'll become an instant family favorite. The secret? A zesty batter that's perfectly balanced and unbelievably simple to make. Pair it with our complementary lemony tartar sauce recipe (coming soon!) for a truly unforgettable meal. Prepare to be amazed!

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Bisques Cream Soups Eggs Dairy Cuisine Shellfish

Award Winning Maryland Cream Of Crab Soup

Indulge in this decadent Maryland Cream of Crab Soup, the grand prize winner of the 53rd Annual National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, MD! Created by Ms. Charlese Smith, this rich and creamy soup is a true taste of Maryland. Get ready for a luxurious crab experience – this isn't your average light soup! (Note: For an even richer flavor, try sautéing 1 cup of grated onion in butter until very soft before adding the milk and cream.)

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Lunch Cuisine Main Dish Lunch

Acadia's Crab Cakes

Indulge in the sweet taste of Dungeness crab, even if you're not on the West Coast! This recipe uses pre-cooked Dungeness crab leg clusters (easily found in most supermarkets) to create luxurious crab cakes. Skip the tedious picking and enjoy succulent crab meat in every bite. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat.

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Fish Occasion Fish Presentation

Barefoot Contessa's Salmon Cakes

Indulge in these delectable Barefoot Contessa-inspired salmon cakes! Perfectly pan-fried to golden perfection, these flavorful cakes are bursting with fresh herbs and a hint of spice. Serve them as elegant appetizers, a satisfying lunch, or a light yet impressive dinner. Pair them with Ina Garten's mango chutney (recipe not included) for a truly unforgettable taste experience. This recipe skips the lengthy chill time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

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High In Something Seafood 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Experience a flavor explosion with this incredibly easy recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp! Juicy wild shrimp, wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon – pure perfection. We'll show you how to achieve perfectly cooked shrimp and unbelievably crunchy bacon every time, using the thinnest bacon slices you can find (Oscar Mayer is a great option, or try a delicious smoked variety like applewood). Forget the sauce; the irresistible combination of salty bacon and succulent shrimp speaks for itself. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ready in under 30 minutes!

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