Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip (Copycat Recipe)
Description
Joe’s Crab Shack is known for its rich, creamy, and cheesy crab dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or fresh veggies. This copycat version recreates the savory, seafood-packed dip with lump crab meat, a blend of cheeses, and just the right seasonings to deliver that restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen and drained)
1/2 pound lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips, bread, or veggies for serving
Instructions
Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and seasonings until smooth.
Add Veggies & Cheese: Fold in the green onions, red bell pepper, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Add Crab: Gently fold in the lump crab meat to avoid breaking it up too much.
Transfer & Bake: Spoon the mixture into a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the top starts to lightly brown.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika, and serve warm with tortilla chips or sliced baguette.
Nutritional Info (per serving – about 1/8th of recipe)
Calories: ~240
Protein: ~12g
Fat: ~19g
Carbohydrates: ~6g
Fiber: ~1g
Sugar: ~2g
Cholesterol: ~65mg
Sodium: ~520mg
Note: Nutrition may vary baseduy on exact ingredients used.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~35–40 minutes
Servings: 6–8 people
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use canned crab meat?
A: Yes! Use high-quality canned crab meat and drain it well. Lump crab meat is preferred for texture and flavor.
Q: Is this dip good cold?
A: It’s best served hot and melty, but leftovers can be eaten cold or reheated in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble it ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Absolutely. Add more cayenne, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.
Q: What’s the best cheese for this dip?
A: Mozzarella adds creaminess; Parmesan adds sharpness. You could also mix in cheddar or pepp
er jack for extra flavor.
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