Description
Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer packed with lump crab meat and seasoned with Old Bay for a classic seafood flavor. Perfectly baked to a golden bubbly finish, this dip is ideal for parties, gatherings, or a delicious snack served warm with crackers or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare it for the crab dip.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Blend these with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed to suit your preference.
- Add Crab Meat and Cheese: Gently fold in the lump crab meat carefully to keep the lumps intact. Then, add half of the shredded cheese and mix lightly to incorporate.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the crab mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for a melty, golden crust.
- Bake the Dip: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden brown.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the chopped green onions for color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the crab dip warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture, but canned crab meat is also a convenient option.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crab dip, seafood appetizer, baked crab dip, Joe's Crab Shack recipe, party dip, creamy crab dip
