Irish People Try Old Bay Seasoning For The First Time
Irish People Try Old Bay Seasoning For The First Time is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by The TRY Channel on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $1.80 total, $0.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet Potatoes (peeled and sliced thin (1/8 inch))
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for coating before frying)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning (classic blend of herbs, spices, and celery salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups Cold Water (for soaking sliced potatoes to remove excess starch)
Instructions
Slice Potatoes
Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes into uniform 1/8‑inch rounds.
Time: PT5M
Soak and Rinse
Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
Time: PT10M
Pre‑heat Oil
Add 2‑3 inches of oil to the deep fryer or pot and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Fry Potatoes
Working in small batches, gently lower the dried potato slices into the hot oil. Fry for 2‑3 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Drain and Season
Remove chips with a slotted spoon and place on a paper‑towel‑lined baking sheet. While still hot, sprinkle evenly with Old Bay seasoning and kosher salt, then toss gently to coat.
Time: PT3M
Cool and Serve
Allow chips to cool completely (about 2 minutes) so they crisp up further, then serve immediately or store as directed.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 7g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: None (contains oil)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Russet Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet potatoes (will change flavor)
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Old Bay Seasoning: seafood seasoning blend, homemade Old Bay mix
- Instead of Kosher Salt: sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Mandoline or Sharp Knife
- Large Bowl
- Paper Towels
- Deep Fryer or Heavy‑Bottomed Pot
- Thermometer (optional)
- Slotted Spoon
- Baking Sheet (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice potatoes uniformly
- Dry potatoes thoroughly after soaking
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F
- Season chips while hot
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, double‑fry: fry once until pale, remove, let rest 2 minutes, then fry again until golden.
- Use a mandoline for consistent thickness.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the Old Bay mix for a subtle smoky note.
Troubleshooting
Chips are soggy after cooling.
Make sure potatoes are fully dried before frying and keep oil temperature steady. Fry in small batches and let chips rest on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Chips are burnt on the edges but raw in the center.
Reduce oil temperature to 325°F and fry a bit longer, or cut slices slightly thinner for more even cooking.
Seasoning falls off after cooling.
Season immediately while chips are hot and still oily; toss gently to ensure coating adheres.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re‑crisp in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if needed.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades.
Room temperature: Best consumed same day; can keep up to 2 days in a sealed bag.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Fry chips ahead of time, cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Re‑season and re‑heat briefly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips in American cuisine?
Old Bay seasoning was created in 1939 in Baltimore, Maryland to flavor Chesapeake Bay crabs. Over decades it became a beloved all‑purpose spice, and applying it to potato chips blends classic American snack culture with a coastal seafood heritage.
What are traditional regional variations of Old Bay flavored snacks in Maryland cuisine?
In Maryland, Old Bay is commonly used on crab cakes, shrimp boils, and fried fish. Snack variations include Old Bay‑spiced pretzels, popcorn, and the iconic Old Bay seasoned potato chips that mimic the flavor of Chesapeake seafood.
How is Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips traditionally served in Maryland gatherings?
They are often served as a casual bar snack alongside cold beer or cider, placed in bowls at family picnics, or paired with dip such as cheese spreads, hummus, or a simple sour‑cream dip.
What occasions or celebrations feature Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips in Maryland culture?
Old Bay chips appear at backyard barbecues, crab feasts, Fourth of July picnics, and sports‑watching parties, especially when paired with local seafood dishes.
What authentic ingredients are essential for making Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic Old Bay seasoning is key; if unavailable, a mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard can mimic it. Russet potatoes give the classic texture, though Yukon Gold works as a substitute.
What other Maryland‑style dishes pair well with Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips?
They pair nicely with crab cakes, Old Bay shrimp boils, Maryland-style fried chicken, and a simple coleslaw that balances the salty crunch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips at home?
Common errors include not drying the potatoes enough (causing oil splatter), overcrowding the pot (dropping oil temperature), and seasoning after the chips have cooled (seasoning won’t stick). Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips recipe fry the chips instead of baking them?
Frying creates the classic ultra‑crisp texture and allows the seasoning to cling to the oily surface, which is harder to achieve with baking alone. The quick high heat also locks in flavor.
Can I make Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, fry and cool the chips, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated and re‑crisp in a hot oven before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips?
The chips should be uniformly golden‑brown, thin, and brittle enough to snap when bent. They should have a light dusting of Old Bay seasoning that clings to the surface without clumping.
How do I know when Old Bay Seasoned Potato Chips are done cooking?
When the edges turn a light golden color and the chips feel crisp to the touch, they are done. A quick taste test should reveal a dry, crunchy texture without any raw potato taste.
What does the YouTube channel The TRY Channel specialize in?
The TRY Channel focuses on trying and reviewing a wide variety of foods, snacks, and novelty products, often providing candid reactions and informal taste tests for an audience that enjoys food exploration.
How does the YouTube channel The TRY Channel's approach to American snack tasting differ from other food channels?
The TRY Channel emphasizes spontaneous, unscripted reactions and humor, featuring group tastings and candid commentary rather than polished cooking tutorials, giving viewers a relatable, real‑life snack experience.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
