Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe
Introduction
This delicious crab dip captures the savory flavors of Joe’s Crab Shack with a creamy, cheesy base and tender lumps of crab meat. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, 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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- 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.
- Step 3: Stir in Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the crab meat to keep the lumps intact. Add half of the shredded cheese and mix lightly.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown.
- Step 7: Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
- Step 8: Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor, or canned crab as a convenient alternative.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream or half-and-half to the mixture before baking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley if green onions aren’t available.
Storage
Store leftover crab dip covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this crab dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dip and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add the shredded cheese topping right before placing it in the oven.
What can I serve with crab dip?
Crab dip pairs well with crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers, or even sturdy chips for dipping.
PrintJoe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe
Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer loaded with lump crab meat and flavored with Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dip is perfect for serving warm alongside crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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), divided
- 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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the dip.
- Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to balance the flavor.
- Fold in crab meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat carefully to keep the lumps intact. Next, add half of the shredded cheese and mix lightly to incorporate.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the crab mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese topping turns golden brown.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the baked dip.
- Serve: Serve the crab dip warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lump crab meat if available, but high-quality canned crab meat works well too.
- You can substitute the cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese with a blend to add different textures and flavors.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the depth of flavor.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; allow it to come to room temperature before baking for even heating.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: crab dip, creamy crab dip, baked crab dip, seafood appetizer, crab appetizer, Joe’s Crab Shack recipe, creamy cheesy dip
