Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe: Easy Coastal Homemade Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

This easy homemade crab dip is a coastal favorite, perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh crab meat, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy seafood lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, picked through for shells)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Blend until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.
3. Step 3: Stir in Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful to keep the lumps intact. Add half of the shredded cheese and mix lightly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving. Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.

Tips & Variations

• For a golden, bubbly top, broil the dip for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
• Try using Gruyere or Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
• Make sure to pick through the crab meat thoroughly to remove any shells before mixing.
• If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dip in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes, or microwave gently in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for this dip?

Yes, canned crab meat works well in this recipe. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly and check for any shell fragments before mixing.

Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed. This can save time when hosting guests.

Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe: Easy Coastal Homemade Appetizer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 190 reviews

Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is an easy homemade coastal treat that features lump crab meat blended with creamy cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream, seasoned with Old Bay and Worcestershire sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection. This warm, cheesy dip makes a delightful appetizer perfect for game days, gatherings, or as a savory snack served with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Coastal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crab Dip Ingredients

• 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, picked through for shells)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
2. Combine creamy base. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a rich texture for the dip.
3. Add seasonings. Stir in Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning according to your preference to balance the flavors perfectly.
4. Incorporate crab and cheese. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, taking care to keep the lumps intact for added texture. Then add half of the shredded cheese and mix lightly just to combine.
5. Transfer to baking dish and top. Spoon the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
6. Bake until bubbly and golden. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot throughout, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
7. Garnish and serve. Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness and color. Serve warm alongside crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• For an extra golden, bubbly top, broil the dip for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
• Try different cheeses such as Gruyere or Parmesan to give the dip a unique flavor twist.
• Be sure to pick through canned crab meat carefully to remove any shell fragments for a smooth eating experience.
• This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: Crab dip, creamy crab dip, Joe’s Crab Shack recipe, baked crab dip, coastal appetizer, seafood dip, crab appetizer