Legendary Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe

Authentic Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe At Home

Creamy, indulgent joe’s crab shack crab dip captures the essence of coastal comfort in every delectable bite.

Seafood enthusiasts know this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your kitchen.

Each spoonful delivers a rich, tangy experience that dances with fresh crab and smooth cream cheese.

The blend of ingredients creates a luxurious texture that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Packed with zesty seasonings and chunks of succulent crab meat, this dip promises to be the star of any gathering.

Serve it warm with crispy crackers or toasted bread for an irresistible appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch it become your new favorite party sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-14 minutes

Total Time: 20-24 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe

For Base and Creaminess:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides rich, velvety foundation with smooth texture.
  • Butter: Adds depth of flavor and silky consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces tangy brightness and light creaminess.
  • Mayonnaise: Enhances moisture and subtle richness.
For Seafood and Protein:
  • Lump Crab Meat: Premium, delicate seafood that delivers authentic coastal flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating stretchy, gooey texture.
For Aromatics and Seasoning:
  • Yellow Onion: Brings sweet, sharp undertones to the dip.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Adds crisp, fresh vegetable dimension.
  • Seasoned Salt: Elevates overall flavor profile with balanced seasoning.
  • Paprika: Contributes warm, slightly smoky note and beautiful color.
For Garnish and Freshness:
  • Green Onions: Provides sharp, light onion flavor and vibrant color.
  • Parsley: Offers bright, herbal finish and visual appeal.
For Serving:
  • Corn Chips: Crunchy, salty vessel for transporting delicious dip.
  • Crackers: Classic, crisp accompaniment.
  • Toasted Bread Slices: Offers warm, rustic alternative for dipping.

Kitchen Tools To Make Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe

  • Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for blending ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking Dish: Shallow dish for even baking and serving.
  • Measuring Cups: For precise ingredient measurements.
  • Measuring Spoons: To accurately add seasoned salt and paprika.
  • Cheese Grater: For shredding mozzarella cheese.
  • Mixing Spoon or Spatula: To combine and stir ingredients thoroughly.
  • Sharp Knife: For chopping onions, green peppers, green onions, and parsley.
  • Oven: For baking the dip to bubbly perfection.

Instructions For Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe Made Easy

  • Oven Warmup

Cozy up your kitchen by setting the oven to a gentle 350 degrees, creating the perfect warm environment for this seafood treasure.

  • Creamy Blend

Whisk together smooth cream cheese, rich butter, tangy sour cream, and silky mayonnaise until they dance into a luxurious base. Sprinkle in seasoned salt and paprika for a flavor kick that wakes up your taste buds.

  • Seafood Magic

Fold in chopped onions, crisp bell peppers, melty mozzarella, and delicate crab meat. Each ingredient tells a story of coastal comfort and home-style cooking.

  • Baking Transformation

Pour the dreamy mixture into a welcoming baking dish. Let it bubble and transform in the oven for 10-14 minutes, developing a golden, irresistible crust that promises deliciousness.

  • Finishing Touch

Emerge the dip from the oven, crowned with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and parsley. Serve alongside corn chips or toasted bread, ready to transport everyone to a seaside afternoon.

Ideas To Spice Up Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe

  • Pro Crab Dip Perfection: Expert Tips and Delicious Twists
  • Cheese Selection Magic: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add extra flavor depth and creamy texture to your dip.
  • Seafood Freshness Hack: Always use fresh lump crab meat for the most authentic taste. If fresh isn't available, high-quality canned crab works well as a convenient alternative.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and flavor intensity.
  • Dietary Friendly Swaps: For a low-fat version, substitute regular cream cheese with light cream cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Gluten-free guests can enjoy the dip with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping.

How To Serve Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe Smoothly

  • Seafood Party Platter: Arrange the crab dip in the center of a large platter surrounded by an array of dippable treats like crispy pita chips, fresh vegetable sticks, and artisan crackers for a stunning presentation.
  • Appetizer Station: Create a build-your-own appetizer experience by setting out small bowls of additional toppings like crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, or extra shredded cheese to let guests customize their dip.
  • Game Day Companion: Serve this creamy dip alongside buffalo wings, sliders, and cold beverages for the ultimate sports watching spread that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
  • Brunch Breakthrough: Transform this dip into a breakfast star by pairing it with toasted bagel rounds, English muffins, or as a spread on morning breakfast sandwiches for a luxurious seafood twist.

How To Store Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe For Later

  • Quick Chilling Strategy: Store leftover crab dip in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigeration Magic: Keep the dip sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety when properly contained.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Wrap the dip tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, which allows storage for up to 2 weeks without compromising taste or texture.
  • Reheating Brilliance: Warm refrigerated dip in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy consistency and bring back the delicious original flavors.
Print
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Legendary Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe

Legendary Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Copycat Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-24 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Crab lovers will adore this Joe’s Crab Shack crab dip copycat recipe that brings coastal flavors straight to home kitchens. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with succulent crab meat, the dish offers an irresistible blend of textures and maritime charm that you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) lump crab meat, drained
  • 2 oz (57 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • ¼ cup (60 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise
  • 4 tsp yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tsp green bell pepper, finely diced
  • ¼ tsp seasoned salt
  • 1/8 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp green onion, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to a welcoming 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for the upcoming culinary masterpiece.
  2. Mixture Creation: Whisk cream cheese, butter, sour cream, and mayonnaise into a silky smooth base. Integrate seasoned salt and paprika, ensuring a uniform distribution of robust flavors and aromatic spices.
  3. Ingredient Incorporation: Tenderly blend diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, mozzarella, and succulent lump crab meat into the creamy foundation. Aim for a harmonious marriage of textures and tastes that promises a delightful sensory experience.
  4. Baking Process: Spread the velvety mixture into a lightly greased ceramic dish, ensuring an even surface for consistent heating. Nestle the dish into the preheated oven and allow it to transform for 12-14 minutes, watching for a tempting golden-brown crust and gentle bubbling that signals peak perfection.
  5. Finishing Touches: Retrieve the dip from the oven and crown it with a garnish of freshly sliced green onions and vibrant chopped parsley, adding a final flourish of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately alongside crisp corn chips, elegant crackers, or toasted bread, inviting guests to dive into this coastal-inspired delicacy.

Notes

  • Optimize Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure cream cheese is thoroughly softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free blending, preventing grainy texture in the final dip.
  • Select Premium Crab Meat: Choose high-quality lump crab meat for authentic flavor and luxurious texture; fresh or well-drained canned meat works best for optimal taste and presentation.
  • Prevent Watery Dip: Gently pat crab meat dry before mixing to remove excess moisture, maintaining a rich, creamy consistency without unwanted liquid separation.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust seasoned salt and paprika to personal preference, experimenting with additional herbs like Old Bay or cayenne for a personalized flavor profile that suits different palates.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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