Sometimes we get to distinguish subtle differences between spice/seasoning blends that look so similar when cooking. On that note, we will tackle every aspect of old bay seasoning vs Creole seasoning through this episode.
Creole seasoning and old bay seasoning mainly differ in their ingredients. In fact, Old bay seasoning is considered to have a long list of fixed ingredients, the majority of them being spices. On the contrary, Creole seasoning is typically based more on herbs and does not stick to a set recipe. Accordingly, the flavors vary from each other with their origins.
The following table will further clarify all the similarities and dissimilarities of these two seasonings. So, keep reading!
Comparison Table Of Old Bay Seasoning vs Creole Seasoning
| Old Bay Seasoning | Creole Seasoning | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | The original product states 04 out of 18 ingredients, such as: – Black pepper – Paprika – Red pepper – Celery salt Copycat versions might contain: -Allspice – Cardamom – Paprika – Black pepper – Ginger – Cayenne pepper/ red pepper flakes – Nutmeg – Dry mustard – Cinnamon – Cloves – Mace – Celery salt – Bay leaves | – Onion powder – Garlic powder – Paprika – Cayenne pepper – Black pepper/white pepper – Bay leaves – Dried herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil) – Salt |
| Base Flavor | Spicy and savory | Spicy and savory |
| Flavor Profile | The flavor is typically more complex than Creole seasoning. Spicy, smoky, salty with a delicate sweetness and earthy notes. | Less complex than the old bay seasoning. Earthy and savory with spicy, salty, herbal, and umami undertones. |
| Texture | A dry, pulverized mixture | A dry, pulverized mixture |
| Color | Reddish-brown | Reddish-brown |
| Mode of usage | As an all-purpose seasoning | As an all-purpose seasoning |
| Usages in cooking | – To incorporate into sauces and dipping sauces – As an ingredient in wet rubs and marinades – Sprinkle on popcorn and fries – To mix into ground meat mixtures – With salads – To blend into sandwich or toast spreads – As a tasty twist in cocktails like Bloody Mary | – To use as a seasoning for meat, crawfish, shrimp, and make Crab Boil – As an ingredient in seasoned rice – To stir into slow-simmering sauces and dipping sauces – As a dry rub or to incorporate into wet rubs and marinades – To mix with ground meat mixtures – To blend with butter to make Creole Butter Mixture – As an ingredient in gumbos, soups, and stews |
| Origin | American cuisine (New Orleans, Louisiana) | American cuisine (Maryland) |
| Mode of production | The conventional version is only made commercially. But some homemade copycat recipes exist. | Commercial and homemade |
| Availability | – Typically comes in containers/jars/bottles – Readily available in supermarkets, grocery stores, and online shopping sites. | – Typically comes in containers/jars/bottles – Readily available in supermarkets, grocery stores, and online shopping sites. |
| Storage | – It should be stored in tightly-fitting jars/containers in a dark, dry, and cool place. – Can be kept with the rest of the spices and herbs in your spice cabinet. | – It should be stored in tightly-fitting jars/containers in a dark, dry, and cool place. – Can be kept with the rest of the spices and herbs in your spice cabinet. |
Elaboration.
As mentioned previously, Creole seasoning usually does not have a set recipe and it comes with a strong cultural background. Therefore its recipe could alter depending on the household and brand.
On the other hand, the old bay seasoning has a standard recipe since it belongs to a leading spice company. (ingredients are still a mystery except for exactly 04 of them).
However, both of them could contain a few similar ingredients. And the experts say that they could be used interchangeably, particularly in some seafood and meat dishes.
The Zestful Conclusion Of Old Bay Seasoning vs Creole Seasoning…
Despite some similarities between these two seasoning blends, a few distinctive contrasts do exist. Primarily, they are different in ingredients. While Old bay seasoning usually has a fixed recipe, Creole seasoning’s recipe could slightly change depending on the person/household and brand. Consequently, their flavors differ even though they have some ingredients in common.
