Irresistible Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Crab lovers absolutely adore this Joe’s crab shack crab dip that promises pure coastal comfort.

Memories of seaside vacations dance through every creamy bite.

Seafood enthusiasts will recognize the signature tang and richness characteristic of this classic appetizer.

Delicate crab meat mingles with smooth cream cheese and zesty spices.

Each scoop delivers a luxurious blend of maritime flavors that spark conversation.

Unexpected hints of green onion and sharp cheddar create depth beyond standard dip expectations.

You’ll want to serve this irresistible starter at your next gathering and watch everyone dive in with enthusiasm.

What Makes This Crab Dip So Irresistible

• Create a Comforting Crowd-Pleaser: This beef and bowtie pasta delivers a hearty meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its creamy Alfredo sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef.
• Master a Quick Weeknight Dinner: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, making it an ideal solution for busy families needing a delicious meal in minimal preparation time.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can personalize the dish by adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, adjusting seasonings, or using different cheese varieties to match their taste preferences.
• Enjoy Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Using just one skillet and following straightforward instructions means less washing and more time savoring this delightful pasta dish with loved ones.

What’s in Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip

• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy foundation that provides smooth texture and tangy flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a subtle tang and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Shredded Cheddar, Parmesan: Provide sharp and nutty cheese flavors that enhance the overall taste of the dip.

• Lump Crab Meat: The star ingredient that delivers authentic seafood flavor and delicate texture.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the dip.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and helps balance the rich ingredients.
• Old Bay Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Create a complex and zesty flavor profile with a hint of heat.

• Green Onions: Provide a fresh, crisp topping with a mild onion flavor.
• Crackers or Bread: Serve as the perfect vehicle for enjoying the creamy crab dip.

How to Make Joe’s Famous Crab Dip

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some serious deliciousness.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until they become a silky smooth mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Shredded cheddar
• Parmesan cheese
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh lemon juice
• Old Bay seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper

Stir everything together until the flavors are best friends.

Step 4: Fold in the Star of the Show

Gently incorporate the lump crab meat, being super careful not to break up those beautiful chunks of seafood goodness.

Step 5: Prep for Baking

Transfer the creamy crab mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly like you’re creating a delicious landscape.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top that screams “eat me now!”

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh kick. Serve piping hot with your favorite crackers or crusty bread for dipping.

Helpful Notes for Joe’s Crab Dip

• Swap full-fat dairy for lighter versions to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Ensure crab meat stays chunky by folding gently, preventing it from breaking into small pieces.
• Add extra heat by increasing cayenne pepper or mixing in diced jalapeños for spice lovers.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate mixture before baking for deeper flavor infusion.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour crackers or vegetable sticks for serving to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Twists for Crab Dip Inspired by Joe’s

• Spicy Jalapeño Crab Dip: Add diced jalapeños and extra cayenne pepper for a fiery kick that amplifies the crab's richness.
• Mediterranean Herb Crab Dip: Mix in fresh chopped basil, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Smoky Bacon Crab Dip: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits throughout the dip and top with additional crumbled bacon for a savory, smoky enhancement.
• Cajun Crab Dip: Increase Old Bay seasoning and add Cajun spice blend for a bold, zesty New Orleans-style version of the classic recipe.

How to Plate Joe’s Crab Dip Beautifully

• Create a stunning appetizer board with toasted baguette slices, crispy pita chips, colorful vegetable sticks, and buttery crackers surrounding the warm crab dip. Arrange fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle extra green onions for vibrant presentation.
• Transform this dip into a centerpiece for a coastal-themed gathering. Serve in a rustic ceramic dish alongside chilled white wine. Pair with light seafood salads and grilled shrimp skewers for a complete oceanic dining experience.

Best Way to Store Crab Dip

• Store leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled dip tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the dip in the oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk if the dip seems dry.

FAQs

• What type of crab meat works best for this recipe?

Lump crab meat is ideal because it maintains larger, tender chunks and provides the best texture and flavor for the dip.

• Can I use fresh or canned crab meat?

Both fresh and high-quality canned lump crab meat work well. Just ensure the crab meat is drained and free from shells before mixing.

• How spicy is this crab dip?

The recipe has a mild kick from cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount of cayenne to increase or decrease heat according to your preference.

• Is Joe's Crab Shack version different from this recipe?

This recipe is a close recreation of the restaurant’s popular crab dip, capturing similar flavors and creamy consistency. The main ingredients and preparation method are very similar to the original restaurant version.

Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crab dip from Joe’s Crab Shack delights seafood enthusiasts with its creamy coastal flavors. Crisp crackers or fresh vegetables pair perfectly with this rich, cheesy appetizer that brings ocean-inspired comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal dip preparation.
2. Create a creamy base by blending cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until completely smooth and free of lumps.
3. Incorporate shredded cheddar, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Delicately integrate lump crab meat into the mixture, using gentle folding techniques to preserve the meat’s delicate texture.
5. Carefully transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish, ensuring an even surface for consistent heating.
6. Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate thorough heating.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the surface for a vibrant garnish, then serve immediately while warm alongside crisp crackers or toasted bread slices.

Notes

• Preserve crab meat’s delicate texture by folding gently to prevent breaking or shredding during mixing.
• Choose fresh lump crab meat for superior flavor and authentic restaurant-style quality, avoiding canned alternatives when possible.
• Reduce fat content by substituting low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for traditional mayonnaise and sour cream without compromising taste.
• Enhance spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and Old Bay seasoning according to personal heat preference, allowing customizable kick for different palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg