Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy goodness of Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip to kick off a meal or gathering. This indulgent appetizer combines tender lump crab meat, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of spice for the perfect blend of flavors. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a seafood treat, this homemade version will satisfy your taste buds.

I first tasted this crab dip at Joe’s Crab Shack on a summer vacation by the beach. One bite, and I was hooked—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh crab flavor. Determined to recreate it at home, I experimented until I landed on this foolproof version that tastes just like the original.

Why You'll Love This Crab Dip

Get ready to impress your guests with this restaurant-style crab dip! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser with a rich, creamy texture and bold seafood flavor.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You can have this dip ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.

The flavors are absolutely irresistible. The combination of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Old Bay seasoning highlights the sweetness of the crab without overpowering it.

It’s versatile, too! Enjoy it with crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh veggies for a lighter option.

Best of all, this recipe is budget-friendly. You don’t need a trip to a seafood restaurant—just a few simple ingredients will bring that signature Joe’s Crab Shack taste to your kitchen.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this crab dip lies in the combination of fresh seafood and creamy, cheesy goodness. Let’s talk about what makes this recipe so delicious.

Lump Crab Meat is the star of the dish. It’s sweet, tender, and provides that authentic seafood flavor. While fresh crab is best, high-quality canned or refrigerated crab meat works well, too.

Cream Cheese gives the dip its rich, velvety texture. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and consistency.

Cheddar Cheese adds sharpness and depth. Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties for a smoother melt.

Old Bay Seasoning is key to achieving that classic seafood flavor. A mix of celery salt, paprika, and other spices, it enhances the taste of the crab beautifully.

Worcestershire Sauce and Lemon Juice add just the right balance of tanginess and umami, ensuring the dip isn’t overly heavy.

A small baking dish or cast-iron skillet works best for baking this dip to bubbly perfection.

How To Make This Crab Dip

Making this dip is as simple as mixing, baking, and enjoying! Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, soften the cream cheese at room temperature so it blends easily.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir until smooth and well mixed.

Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the pieces too much. You want nice, chunky bites of crab in every scoop.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through. If you like a slightly crispier top, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end.

Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or veggie sticks for dipping!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dip!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Freezing isn’t recommended, as the creamy texture may become grainy upon thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

This crab dip is delicious as is, but you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the mixture before baking.

If you prefer a smokier flavor, swap out some of the cheddar for smoked gouda or use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

For a slightly lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise—it keeps the creaminess without sacrificing flavor.

You can even turn this dip into a baked crab mac and cheese by stirring in cooked pasta before baking!

No matter how you customize it, this crab dip is sure to be a hit. Try it for your next party or game night, and watch it disappear fast!

Print