Recreate the creamy, savory delight of Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip at home with this easy and delicious recipe. Packed with tender crab meat, gooey cheese, and flavorful seasonings, this dip is perfect for parties, game nights, or whenever you’re craving a taste of the sea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crab for the ultimate indulgence.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or as a snack for seafood lovers.
- Versatile—serve with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
- A crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like the restaurant favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
- Lemon juice
- Paprika (for garnish)
- Green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Mix Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Crab: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and lump crab meat. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much. Add hot sauce if desired.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with green onions or parsley if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 8 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra hot sauce for a spicier dip.
- Seafood Medley: Mix in cooked shrimp or scallops for a seafood combo.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to reduce calories.
- Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning for a Southern twist.
- Cold Dip: Skip the baking and serve this dip chilled for a refreshing variation.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, canned crab meat works well. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar and Parmesan provide a great flavor combination, but Monterey Jack or Gruyère are also delicious options.
Can I freeze this dip?
It’s not recommended to freeze due to the dairy content, as it may affect the texture upon thawing.
How do I prevent the dip from being too watery?
Drain the crab meat thoroughly and avoid using watery ingredients.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, cook the mixture over low heat until heated through, then transfer to a serving dish.
What can I serve with this dip?
Tortilla chips, crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies like celery and carrots work wonderfully.
Can I add more seasoning?
Absolutely! Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, or even a dash of mustard powder can enhance the flavor.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I make it creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or extra sour cream for a creamier texture.
Conclusion
Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe is a must-try for seafood and appetizer lovers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the flavors of the ocean. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a treat for yourself, this dip is sure to impress. Customize it to your taste, and savor every delicious bite!
PrintJoe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe
This warm, cheesy crab dip is a beloved appetizer from Joe’s Crab Shack. It’s perfect for parties or as a starter, offering a rich combination of crab meat, cream cheese, and savory seasonings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Total Time: 20-24 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 4 teaspoons yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 teaspoons green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces lump crab meat, drained
- 1 tablespoon green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth.
- Add the seasoned salt and paprika; blend well.
- Stir in the chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, shredded mozzarella cheese, and lump crab meat until evenly incorporated.
- Bake:
- Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased, shallow baking dish.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with unsalted or lightly salted corn chips, crackers, or toasted bread slices.
Notes
- Variations: For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through before serving.
- Substitutions: If lump crab meat is unavailable, you can substitute with canned crab meat or even small shrimp.