If you’re on the hunt for a legendary, crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is about to become your new go-to recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender lump crab, it melds tangy, savory, and just a little spicy flavor into a warm, irresistibly scoopable dish. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant classic for game night or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dip has all the wow-factor you could want—with surprisingly simple prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is the secret to its signature richness and savory punch. Each component adds something delicious, from creamy smoothness to a gentle kick of spice. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The velvety base that makes the dip rich and decadently smooth.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a touch of tang and lightens the overall texture so it doesn’t feel too heavy.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Helps create an indulgent creaminess and rounds out all the flavors.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): A splash of citrus cuts through the richness and brings brightness to every bite.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tsp): Lends a deep, savory backbone and umami.
- Hot Sauce (1/2 tsp): A dash wakes up the dish with gentle heat—you can easily add more for extra kick.
- Old Bay Seasoning (1/2 tsp): The classic seafood spice gives a distinct Chesapeake flair.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses subtle, aromatic warmth without overpowering the crab.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): This cheese melts beautifully, making every scoop luscious and gooey.
- Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds sharpness and color, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- Lump Crab Meat (8 oz, drained and checked for shells): The star of the show—gives the dip a sweet, meaty bite and luxurious texture.
- Green Onions (2 tbsp, chopped): For crunch, color, and a little fresh zing right at the end.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential to bring out the best in every single ingredient.
How to Make Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip
Step 1: Get the Oven Hot
You’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go by the time your dip is mixed and assembled. A hot oven helps bake everything evenly and gives you that bubbly, golden top!
Step 2: Mix the Cream Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat them together with a spatula or hand mixer until they’re smooth, creamy, and fully blended—no lumps allowed at this stage!
Step 3: Build Flavor Layers
Now, stir in your lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder. This step is where all the signature “crab dip” flavors begin to bloom! Mix thoroughly so every bite is zesty, tangy, and savory from the inside out.
Step 4: Cheese It Up
Add the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses to the mixture. Fold them in gently—these cheeses will melt into gooey ribbons and give the final dip its glorious, pull-apart texture.
Step 5: Add Crab and Greens
Carefully fold in the lump crab meat and chopped green onions. Take care not to break up the crab too much so you enjoy satisfying bites of real crab in every scoop. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the mixture into a small baking dish and spread it evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Watch for the top to turn golden and bubbly—those are your visual cues that your Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is ready to serve!
How to Serve Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip
Garnishes
Before presenting your dip, a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions or a dusting of Old Bay on top punches up the color and flavor. If you like, add a few lemon wedges on the side so people can customize the brightness in their own serving.
Side Dishes
Crab dip loves anything crunchy. Classic choices include tortilla chips, sturdy crackers, or slices of toasted baguette. Veggie sticks like celery and bell peppers are a crisp, refreshing option that also lighten things up alongside the rich dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip into personal crocks for a dinner party, stuff it into halved bell peppers or mini sourdough boules for extra wow, or spoon it onto baked potatoes for a decadent twist. However you serve it, this dip always steals the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip in a tightly covered dish in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to three days, though you’ll find it’s usually gone long before then—the flavors continue to meld and get even better overnight.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dip, keep in mind that soft cheeses and cream-based dips may change texture when thawed. For best results, freeze before baking, well wrapped, for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before heating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place your leftover Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave smaller portions, but watch closely so the cheese doesn’t separate.
FAQs
Can I use canned or imitation crab instead of lump crab?
Yes! While fresh lump crab gives that authentic flavor and texture, canned crab or even imitation crab can be used as budget-friendly or convenient swaps. Just be sure to drain well and check for any shell pieces.
Is Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip spicy?
The dip has a mild kick from hot sauce, but nothing overwhelming. You can add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne if you want more heat, or keep it mild for a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone will love.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dip in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for parties—just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to serve Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip at a party?
Keep it warm! Use a small slow cooker set to “warm” or place the baking dish on a warming tray. Serve with a big platter of chips, crackers, or toasted bread so guests can dig in while it’s hot and gooey.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is always a hit with crowds, so don’t be afraid to double or even triple the recipe. Just use a larger baking dish and add a few minutes to the baking time as needed to ensure it heats through.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like gathering around a bubbling dish of Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip—it’s a guaranteed hit every single time! Don’t be surprised if friends and family ask for the recipe before your next get-together. One taste and it just might become the star of your appetizer lineup!
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Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip, a perfect appetizer for seafood lovers. This baked crab dip is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for gatherings or parties.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco)
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Cheese & Crab
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz lump crab meat (drained and checked for shells)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Add Cheese & Crab: Stir in shredded cheeses and gently fold in crab meat and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread.
Notes
- You can use imitation or canned crab as substitutes for lump crab.
- Add cayenne for extra heat if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dip
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
