Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe: Easy Homemade Coastal Treat Recipe
Introduction
This Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is a creamy, flavorful coastal treat that’s easy to make at home. Combining fresh lump crab meat with cheese and tangy seasonings, it’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- 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.
- Step 3: Stir in Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the crab meat, taking care to keep the lumps intact. Add half of the shredded cheese and mix lightly.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
- Step 8: Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor, or drain canned crab well to avoid excess moisture.
- Try mixing half cheddar and half Monterey Jack cheese for a balanced melt and flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicy kick.
- For a lighter dip, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Storage
Store leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add the cheese topping before baking to keep it fresh and melty.
What can I serve with crab dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetables like celery and bell peppers, or even pita chips for a tasty appetizer spread.
PrintJoe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe: Easy Homemade Coastal Treat Recipe
Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is an easy and delicious homemade coastal treat featuring lump crab meat blended with cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with melted cheese and fresh green onions. Perfect for gatherings or as a savory appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Coastal
Ingredients
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
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Combine creamy base: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even texture.
- Add seasonings: Stir in Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
- Fold in crab and cheese: Gently fold in the lump crab meat carefully to keep the lumps intact, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Mix lightly to combine without breaking up the crab too much.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the crab mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh garnish. Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the crab meat is picked through carefully to remove any shell fragments for the best eating experience.
- You can substitute cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese based on your flavor preference.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
- Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor, but canned crab meat works well in a pinch.
- This dip is best served warm and can be reheated gently in the oven if needed.
Keywords: crab dip, Joe’s Crab Shack, seafood appetizer, creamy crab dip, baked crab dip, easy crab recipe, coastal recipe, party appetizer

