Looking to elevate your seafood, chicken wings, or grilled veggies? Enter the perfect blend of sweet and spicy: this honey Old Bay sauce recipe. With its rich golden hue and bold flavor, this homemade sauce brings a punch of Chesapeake Bay flavor paired with a smooth honey finish. Whether you’re tossing it on shrimp, brushing it over grilled corn, or serving it as a dipping sauce, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
What Is Honey Old Bay Sauce?
Old Bay seasoning is a legendary spice blend packed with paprika, celery salt, mustard, red pepper, and other warm spices. Traditionally used on crab and shrimp, it brings bold, savory heat with a distinctly East Coast charm. When combined with sweet honey, the result is a perfectly balanced sauce that’s spicy, sweet, tangy, and crave-worthy.
This honey Old Bay sauce recipe is easy to make, versatile, and requires just a handful of pantry staples. It’s perfect for game day wings, fish tacos, or a drizzle over roasted vegetables.
Ingredients – Honey Old Bay Sauce Recipe
To whip up this sauce, you’ll need:
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1/3 cup honey
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
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1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for extra kick)
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Pinch of salt (optional)
This makes about 1/2 cup of sauce — enough for wings, seafood, or a drizzle over grilled veggies.
How to Make Honey Old Bay Sauce
1. Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquified.
2. Add the Flavor
Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), and hot sauce. Mix until the spices are fully combined and fragrant — about 1–2 minutes.
3. Add the Honey
Reduce heat to low and pour in the honey. Stir constantly for another 1–2 minutes until everything is blended and heated through.
4. Cool Slightly
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. It will thicken as it cools.
Why This Honey Old Bay Sauce Recipe Works
This recipe combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements for a rich and dynamic flavor profile. Honey adds smooth sweetness while Old Bay brings complex spice. Butter adds richness, and the lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
Bonus: It’s quick, taking just under 10 minutes to make from start to finish.
You can use it as a glaze, marinade, or dipping sauce—and it complements everything from seafood to chicken, fries, and vegetables.
Best Uses for Honey Old Bay Sauce
🔥 Wings & Drumsticks
Toss fried, baked, or air-fried chicken wings in this sauce for an addictive game day appetizer.
🦐 Grilled Shrimp or Crab Legs
Brush onto shrimp skewers or drizzle over steamed crab legs for a sweet and spicy kick.
🥗 Grain Bowls & Salads
Use as a warm drizzle over grilled corn, avocado, and quinoa for a Southern-inspired bowl.
🍟 Fries & Tots
Serve as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or tater tots — it’s an unexpected but perfect match.
Recipe Variations
Want to put your own spin on this honey Old Bay sauce recipe? Here are a few customizations:
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Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or more hot sauce.
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Tangier: Increase lemon juice or add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
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Smoky: Mix in a drop or two of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika with Old Bay.
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Creamy: Whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of mayo or Greek yogurt for a creamy dipping sauce.
Storage Tips
Let the sauce cool completely before storing. Pour into an airtight jar or container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before serving, or enjoy it cold as a dip.
Final Thoughts
This honey Old Bay sauce recipe is proof that the simplest ingredients can create the boldest flavors. With just a few minutes and pantry staples, you’ll have a sauce that can transform everyday meals into something special.
Whether you’re cooking seafood, grilling chicken, or prepping a party platter, honey Old Bay sauce brings that irresistible sweet-and-savory balance that keeps people coming back for more.