If you’ve ever dipped into the warm, gooey crab dip at Joe’s Crab Shack, you know it’s a tough one to forget. This Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip copycat recipe brings all those bold, creamy flavors home in a simple, oven-baked version that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just craving a savory appetizer, this hot Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip will hit the spot.
It combines cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and Parmesan with Old Bay seasoning and tender lump crab meat for a dip that’s rich, tangy, and perfectly seasoned. With every warm, melty bite, you’ll be enjoying the same unforgettable taste as the original Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip, but right from your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy – This Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Restaurant Copycat – It tastes just like the classic Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip, without leaving home.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer – Great for game nights, potlucks, or holidays.
- Flavor-Packed – Loaded with cheese, spices, and real lump crab meat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 oz lump crab meat (drained if canned)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
- Crackers, toasted bread, or tortilla chips (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
2. Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth.
Add in the cheddar, Parmesan, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Stir until well blended.
3. Fold in the Crab
Gently fold in the lump crab meat, green onions, and optional red bell pepper. Be careful not to overmix or break up the crab too much.
4. Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and bake for 20–25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. The scent alone will remind you of Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip fresh out of the kitchen.
5. Serve Warm
Let cool slightly before serving with crackers, toasted bread, or tortilla chips.
Expert Tips
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for best flavor and texture.
- Let the cream cheese soften fully before mixing for a smoother dip.
- Add a touch of hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the crab – You want nice chunks, not shredded bits.
- Skipping the seasoning – Old Bay is essential for that signature flavor.
- Overbaking – Bake just until bubbly to avoid drying it out.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and melty, or use the microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Serve this Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip with toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, tortilla chips, or even crisp veggie sticks.
- Try sprinkling the top with extra cheddar or mozzarella before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Add a pinch of cayenne, chopped jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Turn it into a meal by spreading leftovers on toasted bread for a crab melt sandwich.
For a complete seafood-inspired dinner spread, serve this crab dip as an appetizer before enjoying a creamy, hearty main like our Spinach and Mushroom White Lasagna.
Conclusion
This creamy, cheesy Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip will become your go-to for parties, family nights, or any time you’re craving that restaurant-style comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, big on flavor, and guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment or tag us when you share your version of Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip!
FAQs
Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip
Ingredients
- – 8 oz cream cheese softened
- – ½ cup sour cream
- – ¼ cup mayonnaise
- – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- – ½ tsp garlic powder
- – ½ tsp onion powder
- – ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- – 1 tbsp lemon juice
- – 8 oz lump crab meat drained if canned
- – 2 green onions chopped
- – ¼ cup diced red bell pepper optional
- – Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, cheddar, Parmesan, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire, and lemon juice.
- Fold in crab meat, green onions, and bell pepper.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish. Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve with crackers, chips, or bread.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Crab Options: Both fresh and canned lump crab meat work well. If using canned, make sure it’s well-drained.
- Cheese Blend: Feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra melt and spice.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy variation.
- Party Hack: Keep the dip warm during a party by serving it in a mini slow cooker on the warm setting.
- Texture Tip: Don’t overmix the crab; leave some chunks for the best texture.
