Name: Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup lump crab meat; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

Here's a delicious take on Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip that you can easily make at home! This creamy, cheesy dip is packed with rich crab flavor and the perfect blend of seasonings, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game nights, parties, or a cozy night in.

I first tried this crab dip during a beach vacation, and it instantly became a favorite. There’s just something about the warm, bubbling cheese mixed with sweet, succulent crab meat that keeps you coming back for more. Now, I make it at home whenever I want that restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant price tag.

Let’s dive into what makes this Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip so irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Crab Dip

Get ready to wow your guests with a dip that's creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! This homemade version of Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is guaranteed to be a hit.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you'll have a restaurant-quality dip ready to go.

Second, it’s packed with real crab meat, giving you that sweet, briny seafood flavor in every bite. No imitation crab here—just the good stuff!

Third, it’s the ultimate party food. Whether you’re serving it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or veggies, this dip disappears fast.

Finally, it’s easy to customize. Want a little spice? Add some diced jalapeños. Prefer a smoky flavor? Try smoked paprika. This recipe is versatile enough to make it your own!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dip lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it so delicious.

Crab Meat – This is the star of the dish! Lump crab meat is the best choice for its sweet and delicate texture. If you’re on a budget, claw meat works too, but avoid imitation crab for the most authentic taste.

Cream Cheese – This forms the creamy base of the dip. Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but full-fat gives the best texture.

Cheese Blend – A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. Cheddar brings a sharp bite, while Monterey Jack keeps it smooth and creamy. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like Gruyère or smoked Gouda.

Old Bay Seasoning – No seafood dish is complete without Old Bay! This blend of spices adds the perfect touch of zest and warmth. If you don’t have Old Bay, you can use a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne.

Worcestershire Sauce – Just a dash deepens the flavor, adding a savory, umami note that makes this dip irresistible. Don’t skip it—it really makes a difference!

For baking, you’ll need an oven-safe dish, and if you want a golden, bubbly top, a quick broil at the end will do the trick.

How To Make This Crab Dip

Making Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip at home couldn’t be easier. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that warms up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended.

Next, add in the Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Stir again to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it apart too much. You want those delicious crab chunks to stay intact for the best texture.

Transfer the mixture to a greased, oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, because more cheese is always a good idea!

Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. For that golden, slightly crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, buttery crackers, or fresh veggies. Get ready for your guests to ask for the recipe!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dip!), here’s how to store them properly.

Let the dip cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. If the dip seems a little thick after reheating, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.

I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as the creamy texture can change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this crab dip is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Here are some fun variations to try:

Spicy Kick – Love heat? Add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper also does the trick!

Smoky Flavor – Try swapping Monterey Jack for smoked Gouda and adding a little smoked paprika for extra depth.

Garlic Lovers – Sauté minced garlic in butter before adding it to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

Low-Carb Option – Skip the crackers and serve this dip with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices.

Bacon Upgrade – Everything is better with bacon! Stir in crumbled cooked bacon or sprinkle it on top before baking.

With so many ways to customize this Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip, you’ll never get bored of making it!

Now that you have the perfect recipe, it’s time to grab some crab meat and get cooking. Whether it’s for a party, a special occasion, or just a treat for yourself, this dip is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!