Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is a beloved appetizer known for its rich, creamy, and savory flavors. This dip combines succulent crab meat, gooey melted cheese, and a medley of seasonings that create a mouthwatering dish perfect for any gathering. Whether served with crispy tortilla chips, warm bread, or crunchy vegetables, this dip is sure to impress seafood lovers. This recipe captures the essence of Joe’s Crab Shack’s famous dish, allowing you to recreate it at home with ease.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 lb lump crab meat, drained and picked for shells
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers (for serving)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
Step 4: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, and lemon juice. These ingredients will enhance the flavor and add a slight crunch to the dip.
Step 6: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the pieces too much. You want chunks of crab to remain intact for texture.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Step 10: Serve hot with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers. Enjoy!
Variation:
- Spicy Crab Dip: Add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
- Cheesy Crab Dip: Increase the cheese blend by adding mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra gooey texture.
- Cold Crab Dip: Skip the baking step and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Healthier Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories while maintaining flavor.
Cooking Note:
For the best flavor, use fresh lump crab meat, but if it’s unavailable, canned or imitation crab meat can be used as an alternative. If using canned crab, be sure to drain it thoroughly and remove excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crispy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crackers.
- Pair with fresh-cut vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and carrots for a lighter option.
- Use as a spread on sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes for a creative twist.
- Garnish with extra shredded cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top layer.
Tips:
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the dip.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a smoother consistency than pre-shredded cheese.
- To keep the dip warm for longer, transfer it to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dip up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this dip in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze crab dip?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Q: How can I make this dip keto-friendly?
A: Use full-fat dairy products and serve with keto-friendly dippers like cucumber slices or pork rinds.
Q: What is the best type of crab meat for this dip?
A: Fresh lump crab meat is ideal, but you can use claw meat or canned crab as a budget-friendly option.
Conclusion:
Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers rich, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or simply craving a seafood-inspired snack, this recipe is the perfect go-to option. Serve it hot, pair it with your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear in minutes!
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Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 lb lump crab meat, drained and picked for shells
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
Step 4: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, and lemon juice. These ingredients will enhance the flavor and add a slight crunch to the dip.
Step 6: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the pieces too much. You want chunks of crab to remain intact for texture.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Step 10: Serve hot with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers. Enjoy!
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh lump crab meat, but if it’s unavailable, canned or imitation crab meat can be used as an alternative. If using canned crab, be sure to drain it thoroughly and remove excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 14 g