Mediterranean Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip
Creamy, Cheesy & Irresistibly Savory
This Mediterranean-inspired take on the iconic Joe’s Crab Shack crab dip blends rich cheeses, savory lump crab meat, and a touch of bold seasoning for a luxurious appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re serving it with warm pita, crunchy crostini, or fresh veggies, this crab dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Servings: 6–8 as an appetizer
Ingredients
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 cup lump crab meat, drained
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Optional Mediterranean Twist Add-ins:
2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp chopped kalamata olives
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a small baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
Mix the base.
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add seasonings & cheeses.
Stir in the garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheese until well blended.
Fold in crab meat.
Gently fold in the lump crab meat, taking care not to break it up too much. If using sun-dried tomatoes or olives, add them now.
Transfer & bake.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
Garnish & serve.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon zest if desired. Serve warm with pita chips, crostini, sliced cucumbers, or crackers.
Tips
Use Good-Quality Crab Meat:
Look for fresh or refrigerated lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor. Avoid imitation if possible.
Soften Cream Cheese Properly:
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make mixing easier and smoother.
Drain Well:
If using canned or packaged crab, be sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a watery dip.
Customize Texture:
For a smoother dip, blend ingredients more thoroughly; for a chunkier, rustic texture, gently fold the crab at the end.
Make It Ahead:
You can assemble the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it — just pop it in the oven when ready to serve.
Double the Batch:
This recipe is easily doubled for parties and potlucks. Use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly.
Variations
Mediterranean Veggie Add-ins:
Add chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or spinach for more texture and flavor.
Lemon & Herb Upgrade:
Mix in lemon zest, fresh dill, or parsley for a brighter, more Mediterranean taste.
Spicy Kick:
Stir in a dash of hot sauce, chili flakes, or a spoonful of harissa for a spicy twist.
Make It Lighter:
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories and fat.
Cheese Swap:
Try feta for a salty bite or mozzarella for extra melt. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking.
Serve It Cold:
Skip baking and serve it chilled with crisp vegetables or crackers as a refreshing summer option.
Bread Bowl Option:
Hollow out a round sourdough or olive loaf and bake the dip inside it for a show-stopping party centerpiece.
Q&A
Q: Can I serve this dip cold?
A: Yes, you can! While it’s traditionally served warm and bubbly, this crab dip is also delicious chilled. Just make sure it’s thoroughly mixed and let it chill for at least 1–2 hours before serving.
Q: What’s the best crab meat for this recipe?
A: Lump crab meat is ideal for its sweet, delicate flavor and hearty texture. You can use claw meat for a stronger seafood taste, or imitation crab in a pinch for a budget-friendly option.
Q: Can I make this dip gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggie dippers like bell pepper slices or cucumber rounds.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I use this dip as a spread or filling?
A: Yes! This dip makes a fantastic spread for crostini or wraps, or as a creamy filling in stuffed mushrooms or puff pastry cups.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving – based on 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~270 kcal |
| Protein | ~10g |
| Carbohydrates | ~4g |
| Fat | ~23g |
| Saturated Fat | ~9g |
| Cholesterol | ~55mg |
| Sodium | ~360mg |
| Sugar | ~2g |
| Fiber | ~0g |
| Calcium | ~150mg |
Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Final Conclusion
The Mediterranean Joe’s Crab Shack-Inspired Crab Dip is the perfect marriage of rich, creamy texture and savory seafood goodness — with a Mediterranean twist. Whether served warm from the oven or chilled as a spread, it’s a surefire hit for parties, game nights, or cozy evenings in. The bold flavors of Old Bay, cheddar, and crab blend harmoniously with optional Mediterranean add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, and herbs, offering flexibility and flair in every bite. It’s indulgent, versatile, and completely addictive — you’ll want to make it again and again.