If you’re a seafood lover, this Joe’s Crab Shack-Inspired Crab Dip is a must-try! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with sweet lump crab meat, this dip is perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving a taste of the coast.
With a delicious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and Old Bay seasoning, this dip has the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Serve it warm with toasted bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for the ultimate appetizer.
Let’s get dipping! 🦀💛
Why You’ll Love This Crab Dip
✔️ Creamy & Decadent: Made with rich cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo for the ultimate creamy texture.
✔️ Packed with Flavor: Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce add bold, coastal-inspired flavors.
✔️ Easy to Make: Just mix, bake (or serve cold!), and enjoy!
✔️ Perfect for Parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
What Does It Taste Like? 🤤
This dip is rich, creamy, and full of sweet crab flavor with just the right touch of tang from the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. The Old Bay seasoning brings a slightly smoky, herby spice that enhances the seafood, while the lemon juice adds brightness to balance the richness. It’s like a restaurant-quality crab dip, but made at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀 (for a creamy base)
- 1 cup sour cream 🥛 (adds smoothness and a slight tang)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise 🥄 (for richness)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice 🍋 (brightens up the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 🍶 (adds umami depth)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 🌿 (for a subtle tangy kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 🦀 (for that classic seafood flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄 (optional, but adds great depth)
- 1 1/2 cups lump crab meat 🦀 (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀 (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions 🌿 (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional) 🧀
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (for a spicy kick) 🌶️
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smokiness)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (for a bit of crunch)
Tools You’ll Need
✔️ Mixing bowl
✔️ Hand mixer or whisk
✔️ Baking dish (if serving warm)
✔️ Serving bowl (if serving cold)
✔️ Spatula
How to Make Joe’s Crab Shack-Inspired Crab Dip
Option 1: Warm & Baked Crab Dip (Best for Parties!)
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish.
2️⃣ Mix the base: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth.
3️⃣ Fold in the crab: Gently stir in the crab meat, shredded cheese, and green onions, making sure not to break up the crab too much.
4️⃣ Bake: Transfer to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using), and bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
5️⃣ Serve hot with toasted bread, crackers, or tortilla chips. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Option 2: Cold Crab Dip (Quick & Easy!)
1️⃣ Follow steps 1-3 from above.
2️⃣ Instead of baking, transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this helps the flavors meld).
3️⃣ Serve chilled with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies!
Tips for the Best Crab Dip
✔️ Use Good-Quality Crab Meat: Lump crab meat gives the best flavor and texture. If using canned, drain well.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Crab: Stir gently to keep the meat in nice, big chunks.
✔️ Add More Cheese for Extra Indulgence: Mix in some Gruyère or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
✔️ For a Thicker Dip: Add an extra 2 oz of cream cheese for a thicker consistency.
✔️ Make Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped a day in advance and baked when ready to serve!
What to Serve with Crab Dip
🥖 Toasted Baguette Slices – Perfectly crispy for scooping up the creamy dip.
🦀 Buttery Crackers – Ritz or Club crackers work beautifully!
🌽 Tortilla Chips – Great for a crunchy, salty contrast.
🥒 Fresh Veggies – Cucumbers, celery, or bell pepper strips for a lighter option.
🥨 Soft Pretzel Bites – An unexpected but amazing pairing!
How to Store & Reheat
❄️ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.
🧊 Freeze: Not recommended—cream-based dips tend to separate after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use imitation crab?
Yes! While lump crab meat is best, imitation crab works as a budget-friendly option.
2. Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Mix all ingredients and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. What’s the best way to make this spicier?
Add hot sauce, extra Old Bay, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick!
4. Can I serve this dip cold?
Yes! Just mix everything, refrigerate, and serve chilled—perfect for hot days!
5. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance, then bake just before serving.
Wrapping It Up 🦀🧀
This Joe’s Crab Shack-Inspired Crab Dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich, seafood flavor. Whether you bake it warm and bubbly or serve it chilled, this dip will be the highlight of your appetizer spread!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your cheesy, crab-filled creations! 😍🦀💛
More Crowd-Pleasing Dips to Try:
🧄 Garlic Parmesan Spinach Artichoke Dip
🌶️ Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
🧀 Smoked Gouda & Bacon Cheese Dip
Happy dipping, and enjoy every creamy, crabby bite! 😊🎉