Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

Introduction

This delicious crab dip is inspired by Joe’s Crab Shack and makes a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh lump crab meat, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, picked through for shells)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Blend until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.
3. Step 3: Stir in Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the crab meat to keep the lumps intact. Add half of the shredded cheese and mix lightly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dip before baking.
• Use crab claw meat if you prefer a slightly sweeter and more tender texture.
• Try mixing in a little finely chopped red bell pepper for a colorful, crunchy twist.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, lighter version.

Storage

Store any leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent separation and maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab for this dip?

While imitation crab can be used, the flavor and texture won’t be as rich or delicate as lump crab meat. For the best taste, fresh or canned lump crab is recommended.

Can this dip be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip and refrigerate it covered for up to a day before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is a rich and creamy appetizer featuring tender lump crab meat blended with a savory mix of cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a blend of seasonings. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dip is perfect for serving warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crab Dip Ingredients

• 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, picked through for shells)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Mix creamy base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Season the dip: Add Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the creamy mixture. Stir well and taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
4. Add crab and cheese: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful to keep the lumps intact for texture. Then add half of the shredded cheese and mix lightly to combine evenly.
5. Prepare for baking: Transfer the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for a deliciously cheesy crust.
6. Bake the dip: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden brown.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve the dip warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh lump crab meat, but canned crab can be a convenient substitute.
• Feel free to customize the shredded cheese; a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works great.
• This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
• Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning the cheese topping.
• Serve with a variety of dippers such as pita chips, celery sticks, or crostini for added texture.

Keywords: crab dip, creamy crab dip, baked crab dip, seafood appetizer, Joe’s Crab Shack recipe, party dip, cheesy crab dip