The Tastiest Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe For Seafood Lovers

Creamy joe’s crab shack crab dip sparkles with coastal charm and irresistible seafood magic.

Shells of sweet crab meat nestle into a dreamy blend of cheeses and herbs.

Memories of beachside dinners dance through each rich, velvety bite.

Smooth cream cheese provides a luxurious foundation for this delectable appetizer.

Tangy spices whisper hints of oceanic adventure across your palate.

Weekend gatherings suddenly feel more special with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Why Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe Is Popular

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for parties, game nights, and social gatherings where people love sharing delicious finger foods.
• Master Quick Seafood Sensation: Combines simple ingredients with gourmet crab meat, creating a restaurant-quality dip that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adaptable recipe allows personal tweaks like adjusting spice levels, adding different cheeses, or experimenting with optional hot sauce to match individual taste preferences.
• Stress-Free Entertainment Solution: One-bowl mixing technique and straightforward baking process mean anyone can prepare this crowd-winning dip without complex culinary techniques, making hosting super smooth and enjoyable.

Ingredients Needed for Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy foundation for the dip.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and smooth texture.
• Mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and helps bind ingredients.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers stretchy, mild melting quality.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp and robust cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty and salty notes.

• Crab Meat: Fresh seafood protein that creates the signature flavor of the dip.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and depth.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and complex savory undertones.
• Hot Sauce: Optional ingredient for spicy kick.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with distinctive taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.

• Green Onions, Fresh Parsley: Adds color, freshness, and aromatic herbs.

• Crackers, Toasted Baguette Slices, Tortilla Chips, Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Perfect accompaniments for dipping.

How to Prepare Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This will create the perfect environment for transforming your ingredients into a mouthwatering dip.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise

Whisk them together until they become a luxurious, velvety mixture.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Old Bay seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until the ingredients dance together harmoniously.

Step 4: Introduce the Star Ingredient

Gently fold in the crab meat, keeping those delectable chunks intact. Treat the seafood with tender loving care to preserve its delightful texture.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. An 8×8-inch dish works perfectly for this seafood sensation.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal deliciousness is imminent.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh parsley

• Crackers
• Toasted baguette slices
• Tortilla chips
• Fresh vegetable sticks

Tips to Make Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Perfectly

• Handle crab meat gently to maintain large, succulent pieces that deliver rich seafood flavor in every bite.
• Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until completely smooth to ensure a luxurious, velvety texture.
• Use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan to create a complex, rich taste profile.
• Add Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard in measured amounts to enhance the dip without overwhelming the delicate crab meat.
• Enjoy the dip right after baking when it's bubbling and golden for the most satisfying appetizer experience.

Variations for Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Crab Dip: Replace Old Bay seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Crab Dip: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle dried oregano and basil for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Cajun Seafood Dip: Incorporate Cajun seasoning, add chopped andouille sausage, and mix in diced bell peppers for a Louisiana-style crab dip experience.
• Smoked Gouda Crab Dip: Swap cheddar with smoked Gouda cheese, add a splash of liquid smoke, and garnish with crispy bacon bits for a rich, smoky variation.

What to Serve With Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy, rich crab dip with their bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances seafood flavors.
• Serve with Artisan Crackers: Rosemary sea salt crackers or buttery water crackers provide a perfect crisp texture and neutral base that allows the dip's complex flavors to shine without competing.
• Match with Chilled Seafood Appetizer: Prepare a small plate of chilled shrimp or ceviche alongside the warm dip to create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that elevates the entire appetizer experience.

Best Storage Tips for Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip

• 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 and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled dip securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Transfer refrigerated dip to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the dip reaches desired temperature, typically 2-3 intervals.

FAQs

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

Lump or jumbo lump crab meat is ideal because it has larger, more delicate chunks that maintain texture and provide the best flavor when mixed into the creamy base.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if bringing it directly from the fridge to the oven.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from hot sauce and Old Bay seasoning, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.

Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Joe’s Crab Shack crab dip brings coastal flavors straight to your kitchen table. Packed with succulent crab meat and zesty seasonings, this appetizer promises a delightful seafood experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) crab meat, lump, drained and flaked

Cheeses:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) green onions, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium-sized mixing bowl and blend cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Incorporate mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses into the creamy base, mixing thoroughly with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Tenderly introduce crab meat into the mixture, maintaining substantial chunks to preserve delicate texture and authentic seafood essence.
4. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and carefully transfer the crab dip mixture, spreading evenly across the surface.
5. Position the baking dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing the dip to transform for 20-25 minutes until edges become golden and center bubbles with appetizing warmth.
6. Remove from oven and embellish with finely chopped green onions and fresh parsley for vibrant visual appeal and enhanced flavor profile.
7. Serve immediately alongside crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delectable appetizer experience.

Notes

• Opt for fresh lump crab meat to ensure the best flavor and texture in your dip, which elevates the overall taste significantly.
• Drain crab meat thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the dip watery and losing its creamy consistency.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as healthier alternatives without compromising the rich, indulgent flavor profile.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice preference, allowing for customization to suit different heat tolerances.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 298 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg