Name: Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz lump crab meat; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp chopped green onions; ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup diced red bell pepper; Salt and pepper to taste

Here's a delicious, restaurant-quality Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip recipe that will transport you straight to the seaside with every bite. This rich and creamy appetizer is packed with luscious crab meat, gooey cheese, and the perfect blend of seasonings—ideal for game nights, parties, or just a cozy night in.

I remember the first time I had this dip at Joe’s Crab Shack—the irresistible mix of warm, melty cheese and sweet, succulent crab meat had me hooked instantly. After several tries at home, I finally nailed a version that tastes just as indulgent as the restaurant’s!

Why You'll Love This Crab Dip

Get ready to impress your guests with this easy, cheesy, and totally irresistible crab dip!

First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. You just mix, bake, and enjoy—perfect for when you need a last-minute appetizer that feels fancy.

The flavor is out of this world. The combination of rich cream cheese, tangy Parmesan, and fresh crab creates a mouthwatering blend that will have everyone coming back for more.

It’s versatile and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re serving it with crispy bread, buttery crackers, or fresh veggies, it pairs well with just about anything.

Plus, this dip is great for make-ahead prep. You can assemble it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve—talk about convenience!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Joe’s Crab Shack-inspired crab dip comes down to a handful of key ingredients that create the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness.

Crab Meat – The star of the show! I recommend using lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor. If you’re on a budget, claw meat works too, though it’s slightly stronger in taste.

Cream Cheese – This forms the rich and creamy base of the dip. Let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing. For a slightly lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is best, as it melts more smoothly than the pre-shredded kind.

Mayonnaise & Sour Cream – These help create the perfect texture—smooth, tangy, and rich without being too heavy. Use full-fat versions for the best flavor.

Old Bay Seasoning – A must for any crab-based dish! This blend of spices enhances the seafood flavors beautifully. If you don’t have Old Bay, a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper works well.

Garlic & Green Onions – These add a bit of freshness and an extra punch of flavor. Finely mince the garlic so it blends seamlessly into the dip.

Shredded Cheese – I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best melt and flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses!

If you want that signature bubbly, golden-brown top, grab a shallow baking dish so the dip spreads evenly and bakes perfectly.

How To Make This Crab Dip

Making this creamy, cheesy crab dip is as easy as mixing, baking, and devouring! Let’s walk through the steps.

First, preheat your oven to 375°F. While it heats up, take your cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften—this will make mixing much easier.

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, shredded cheese, and Old Bay seasoning. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and creamy.

Next, gently fold in the crab meat, garlic, and green onions. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep some nice chunks of crab for texture!

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased oven-safe dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the dip for that irresistible melty layer.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly with a golden-brown top. If you love an extra-crispy cheese topping, switch on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Once it’s out of the oven, let the dip sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it thicken up slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve warm with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), you can store them easily for later.

For refrigeration, transfer the dip to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dip because of the dairy-based ingredients, which can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

The best part about this crab dip is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few delicious twists to try:

Spicy Kick – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat.

Seafood Lover’s Mix – Try adding shrimp or lobster along with the crab meat for an ultra-indulgent version.

Extra Cheesy – Stir in a handful of Gruyère or smoked Gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Low-Carb Friendly – Swap out the crackers and serve with celery sticks, bell pepper slices, or cucumber rounds for a keto-friendly option.

Dairy-Free Option – Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free mayo, and a plant-based cheese blend to make this suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.

No matter how you tweak it, this Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is bound to be a hit! Now, grab your favorite dippers and get ready to dive into cheesy, crab-filled goodness.