Casseroles not only fill the belly, they also nourish the soul. Golden and hot from the oven, with layer upon layer of food melded together, they're an unparalleled source of comfort. You can have casseroles for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between .
Does it get any better than this? With just a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, the answer is a resounding yes. Although more commonly associated with seafood boils and crab cakes, this iconic Maryland spice blend has no problem fitting into casseroles and even elevating the stalwart dish. This is largely thanks to its versatile array of ingredients, which include celery salt, dry mustard, bay leaf, and pepper (both black and red).
Some varieties even have warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. This makes for a beautiful mix of savory and peppery flavors, with aromatic notes subtly intertwined. It brings exquisite complexity to a down-home dish.
A delectable addition to all kinds of casserole You only need around 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning to enliven a casserole meant for four to six diners. Add it to the dish as you're whipping up the cream sauce, along with other spices and condiments. Another route is to combine it with the protein, stir in the sauce, sprinkle in the cheese, and bake until everything is bubbly and golden.
If you're making a crust from breadcrumbs and shredded cheese, a pinch of Old Bay would also be great for tying the whole dish together. What's more, Old Bay makes a great steppi.