joe’s Crab Shack-Style Crab Dip (Rich, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing!)
If I could bottle the feeling of friends leaning over a bubbling dish of creamy crab dip, laughing and reaching for “just one more” cracker, I would. This recipe is the next best thing — a warm, indulgent, restaurant-style appetizer inspired by the iconic dip at Joe’s Crab Shack.
Loaded with real crab, melty cheeses, and a hint of spice, this baked crab dip is the kind of dish that disappears before the chips are gone. Best of all, it’s easy enough to make at home — no seafood restaurant bill required.
Why You’ll Love This Crab Dip
- Restaurant flavor, homemade price — tastes just like Joe’s Crab Shack.
- Crowd favorite — it’s the dip that always runs out first at parties.
- Make-ahead friendly — assemble in advance, bake before serving.
- Customizable — mild and creamy, or kick it up with heat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (or whisk & arm power!)
- Small casserole dish / oven-safe ramekin
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Bread, crackers, or tortilla chips (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small baking dish. -
Whip the Cream Cheese
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. -
Mix the Base
Add mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, cheddar, and Parmesan. Mix until combined. -
Fold in the Crab
Gently fold in lump crab meat to keep those juicy pieces intact. -
Bake the Dip
Transfer to baking dish, spread evenly, and bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. -
Finish & Serve
Garnish with green onions. Serve hot with baguette slices, buttery crackers, or chips.
Tips for Success
- Use quality crab — lump crab meat makes the flavor pop.
- Soften cream cheese fully for smooth blending.
- Make ahead — prep the dip, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Serving Suggestions
- With warm slices of French baguette
- With tortilla chips for crunch
- With celery sticks for a fresh bite
- As a topping for baked potatoes (game changer!)
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze this crab dip?
A: Not recommended. Dairy separates when thawed. Best to make fresh.
Q: Can I use imitation crab?
A: Yes, but real crab gives the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can it be served cold?
A: It’s designed for warm serving, but you can chill it as a spreadable dip.
Joe’s Crab Shack-Style Crab Dip
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small baking dish.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in mayo, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, pepper, cheddar, and Parmesan.
- Fold in lump crab gently.
- Spread into dish, bake 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions. Serve with crackers or bread.
Notes