Joe's Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Joe's Crab Shack Crab Dip is a rich, creamy, and savory treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Packed with lump crab meat, melted cheese, and a perfect blend of seasonings, it’s an indulgent appetizer that will leave your guests craving more. This recipe is easy to make and incredibly flavorful, offering an authentic taste that will remind you of the restaurant favorite. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, this crab dip is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chopped green onions

• ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper

• 1 lb lump crab meat, drained and picked for shells

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers (for serving)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well blended.

3. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings evenly.

4. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.

5. Stir in the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, and lemon juice.

6. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the pieces too much.

7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.

9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.

10. Serve hot with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Crab Dip: Add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.

• Cheesy Crab Dip: Increase the cheese blend by adding mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra gooey texture.

• Cold Crab Dip: Skip the baking step and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

• Healthier Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories while maintaining flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may cause the dip to become oily.

FAQs

What type of crab meat is best for this dip?

Fresh lump crab meat is ideal for its sweet flavor and hearty texture. However, canned lump crab meat can also be used as a more budget-friendly option.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

Is it possible to freeze this crab dip?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

How can I make this dip spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the mixture.

Can I use imitation crab meat?

While fresh crab meat is recommended for the best flavor, imitation crab can be used as a substitute if needed.

What are the best dippers for this crab dip?

Tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, and crackers are perfect for dipping. You can also serve it with fresh vegetable sticks like celery and cucumber.

Can I substitute a different cheese for the cheddar?

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they melt well.

Can I serve this dip cold instead of hot?

While this dip is traditionally served warm, you can chill it and serve it cold as a creamy crab spread. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

How do I prevent the dip from becoming too greasy?

To prevent excess grease, make sure to drain the crab meat thoroughly and avoid using too much mayonnaise or sour cream.

Can I add other seafood to the dip?

Yes, feel free to add other seafood like shrimp or lobster to the dip for an extra special twist.

Conclusion

Joe's Crab Shack Crab Dip is the perfect appetizer for any seafood lover. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and the sweet taste of crab, it’s sure to become a favorite at your next party or family gathering. This easy-to-make recipe delivers authentic restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy it with your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear in no time!

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Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer packed with tender lump crab meat, making it the perfect indulgent treat for any gathering. This easy-to-make crab dip recipe is loaded with Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and a rich blend of cheeses, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your home. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, this crab dip will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup chopped green onions

¼ cup chopped red bell pepper

1 lb lump crab meat, drained and picked for shells

1 tbsp lemon juice

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers (for serving)

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well blended.

• Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings evenly.

• Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.

• Stir in the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, and lemon juice.

• Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the pieces too much.

• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.

• Serve hot with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers.

Notes

• For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

• To make the dip even cheesier, consider adding mozzarella or pepper jack cheese.

• For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese.

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat the dip in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore its creamy texture.