Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy indulgence of Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip to bring a little coastal charm to your table. Whether you're entertaining guests or just craving a warm, cheesy appetizer, this dip delivers bold seafood flavor with a decadent, creamy base.

I first fell in love with this dish on a trip to the beach, where every bite tasted like a celebration of the ocean. Determined to recreate the experience at home, I tested and tweaked recipes until I landed on the perfect blend of cheeses, spices, and lump crab meat. Now, it's a go-to favorite for game days, family gatherings, and anytime I need a little seafood fix.

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

Get ready to scoop up some serious flavor with this irresistible crab dip. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your appetizer table:

First, it’s unbelievably creamy and cheesy. A combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese creates a luscious texture that pairs perfectly with crispy crackers or toasted bread.

Second, it’s loaded with real crab meat. Using fresh or high-quality canned lump crab gives this dip an authentic seafood taste that truly shines.

It’s also super easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have a restaurant-quality appetizer in under 30 minutes.

Finally, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday party, tailgating event, or casual movie night, this dip is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to an incredible Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip lies in the quality of the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe so delicious.

Lump Crab Meat – The star of the show! Lump crab meat provides a sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. While fresh is always best, high-quality canned or refrigerated crab meat works well, too.

Cream Cheese – This is what gives the dip its rich, creamy consistency. Make sure to soften it before mixing for a smooth blend.

Mayonnaise and Sour Cream – These ingredients add extra creaminess and a slight tang, balancing out the richness of the cheese and crab.

Cheddar Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese – A mix of these cheeses creates the perfect balance of sharpness and meltability. For the best results, grate your cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded varieties.

Old Bay Seasoning – This iconic seafood seasoning brings the flavors together with its blend of herbs and spices. A little goes a long way in enhancing the taste of the crab.

Lemon Juice and Worcestershire Sauce – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dip, while Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor.

How To Make This Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip

Creating this mouthwatering crab dip is easier than you might think. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven is warming up, soften your cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will make mixing much easier.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well incorporated.

Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the pieces too much. The chunks of crab add texture and flavor, so you want to keep them intact as much as possible.

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges. If you like a crispy, golden top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes.

Once out of the oven, let the dip sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Old Bay for that perfect finishing touch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t often!), you can store this crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second increments, stirring in between.

I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as the dairy-based ingredients can separate when thawed, altering the texture.

Variations and Substitutions

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One of the best things about this Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to customize it to your taste:

• Spice it up – Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or extra cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
• Use different cheeses – Try swapping out the cheddar and Monterey Jack for pepper jack, Gruyère, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist.
• Make it lighter – Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese for a slightly healthier version.
• Go extra seafood-heavy – Mix in some cooked, chopped shrimp or even a little smoked salmon for an even more indulgent dip.
• Make it stovetop-friendly – If you don’t want to bake it, heat everything in a saucepan over low heat until melted and creamy, then serve immediately.

No matter how you make it, this crab dip is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

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