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

Creamy, rich crab dip recipe from joe’s crab shack brings coastal flavor right to your table.

Seafood enthusiasts love this crowd-pleasing appetizer that captures ocean-fresh tastes.

Packed with succulent crab meat and tangy seasonings, this dip promises a delightful culinary experience.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with tender crab chunks, creating an irresistible spread.

Serve this delectable dip with crispy crackers or warm toasted bread for maximum enjoyment.

Each bite delivers a burst of maritime goodness that will transport you to seaside memories.

Why You’ll Love Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip

• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Packed with creamy cheeses and tender crab meat, this dip guarantees rave reviews at any gathering, making it a surefire hit for parties and game nights.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing steps mean anyone can whip up this delicious dip without advanced cooking skills or complicated techniques.
• Versatile Serving Option: Perfect for dipping chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables, this crab dip offers flexibility for different tastes and dietary preferences while delivering rich, savory flavor.
• Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the hot sauce and Old Bay seasoning to create a milder or spicier version that suits individual palates and heat tolerances.

Crab Dip Ingredients Inspired by Joe’s Crab Shack

• Crab Meat: Fresh seafood that provides the primary flavor and texture of the dip.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy base that creates a smooth and rich foundation for the dip.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Sharp and mild cheeses that add depth and melting quality to the dip.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Ingredients that contribute to the creamy and tangy profile of the dip.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the rich flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Hot Sauce: Condiments that provide complex and spicy undertones.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that complements the crab meat.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and savory notes.

• Green Onions, Red Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that introduce texture and fresh flavors to the dip.

How to Make Crab Dip Just Like Joe’s

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for the delicious crab dip adventure.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Base

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Old Bay seasoning
• Minced garlic
• Hot sauce

Step 4: Add Seafood And Crunch

• Fresh crab meat
• Chopped green onions
• Diced red bell pepper

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure perfect coverage.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

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

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Pro Tips for Creamy Crab Dip Success

• Carefully pick through crab meat to remove any shell fragments or dark membrane, ensuring a smooth and clean flavor profile.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing to create a more uniform and creamy texture.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually to match your taste.
• Use fresh lump crab meat instead of canned for a more vibrant and authentic seafood taste that elevates the entire dip.
• Serve hot with toasted baguette slices, crispy tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable crudités for a versatile appetizer experience.

Crab Dip Twists and Flavors to Try

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream with cashew cream, vegan mayo, and coconut yogurt. Use plant-based cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
• Spicy Seafood Swap: Substitute crab meat with shredded cooked shrimp or imitation crab for a different seafood experience. Increase hot sauce for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Skip bell peppers, use full-fat cream cheese, and serve with cucumber slices or pork rinds instead of traditional crackers. Add extra herbs like chives for flavor.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Replace Old Bay seasoning with za’atar spice blend, add chopped kalamata olives, and use feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Greek-style appetizer.

Best Ways to Serve Crab Shack Crab Dip

• Seafood Starter Showcase: Serve this creamy crab dip as a mouth-watering appetizer at your next gathering, perfect for chips and crackers.
• Party Platter Partner: Arrange colorful vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers around the dip for a fresh, crunchy complement.
• Game Day Delight: Pair with toasted baguette slices or crispy tortilla chips for an irresistible game day snack that will wow your friends and family.
• Elegant Entertaining Edge: Present in a beautiful ceramic dish garnished with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a sophisticated touch that elevates the entire presentation.

Storing Crab Dip for Later Snacking

• Store leftover crab dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cooled dip securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place dip in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when heated through, usually 1-2 minutes total.

FAQs

• Is this crab dip similar to other seafood dips?

This crab dip stands out with its blend of two cheeses, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh crab meat, creating a richer and more complex flavor profile compared to standard seafood dips.

• Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?

While you can use imitation crab, real crab meat provides a superior taste and texture. Imitation crab might make the dip less authentic and slightly less flavorful.

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

Lump or jumbo lump crab meat is ideal because it has larger, more distinct pieces that maintain texture and provide a premium seafood experience in the dip.

Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Joe’s Crab Shack crab dip brings coastal flavors right to your kitchen, blending succulent seafood with rich, tangy cream cheese. Seafood enthusiasts will savor this irresistible appetizer that promises to elevate any gathering with its luxurious texture and bold maritime essence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) lump crab meat
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) chopped green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at a moderate temperature of 375°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2. Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Incorporate sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the mixture, then introduce bright notes of lemon juice, umami-rich Worcestershire sauce, aromatic Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, and a touch of hot sauce.
4. Delicately integrate fresh crab meat, chopped green onions, and vibrant red bell pepper, gently folding to maintain the integrity of the crab.
5. Smoothly distribute the entire mixture into a baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent heating.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling surface that signals perfect doneness.
7. Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes, which helps the dip set and intensifies its rich flavors before serving.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
• Slightly drain the crab meat to prevent excess moisture in the dip.
• Adjust hot sauce levels to match personal spice preferences, making it mild or extra zesty.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg