Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
This Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with lump crab meat and flavorful seasonings, it’s the ideal dip to serve with chips, crackers, or fresh bread. If you’re a fan of seafood dips, this one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained and patted dry)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional for an extra seafood flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped, for garnish)
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips, crackers, fresh baguette slices, or vegetable sticks
Equipment:
- Oven-safe baking dish (such as a 9×9-inch dish or a small cast-iron skillet)
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Time: 2 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the dip from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dip Base
Time: 5 minutes
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning (if using), and hot sauce (if using). Mix everything until well combined.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much. You want to keep the large pieces of crab intact for texture and flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Dip
Time: 25-30 minutes
- Transfer the dip mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top. If you’d like a more golden crust, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Time: 5 minutes
- Once the dip is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve the dip hot with your choice of tortilla chips, crackers, fresh baguette slices, or veggie sticks like celery or carrots for dipping.
Notes:
- Crab Meat: You can use either fresh or canned crab meat for this recipe. If using canned crab, make sure to drain it well and remove any shells or cartilage. If you want a more premium dip, use lump crab meat for a sweeter, more delicate flavor. Alternatively, you can use imitation crab (surimi), but it won’t have the same depth of flavor as real crab meat.
- Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar and Parmesan provide a nice balance of flavor, you can experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or cream cheese to adjust the flavor to your liking.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay is a popular seasoning for seafood dishes, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it or prefer a milder flavor, you can skip it, or substitute it with a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or seafood seasoning of your choice.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dip a day in advance. Simply mix everything together, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. When ready to bake, let the dip come to room temperature before putting it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Leftovers: This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo gives this crab dip a luscious, velvety texture that’s perfect for dipping.
- Flavorful Crab: The lump crab meat is the star of the show, adding a sweet, delicate flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy, creamy base.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and simple, with minimal prep time and just one baking step. It’s ideal for entertaining or when you want to whip up a crowd-pleasing appetizer at the last minute.
This Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip recipe brings the delicious taste of a classic seafood dip into your own kitchen. Perfect for a family gathering, party appetizer, or a cozy night in, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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