What Is Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip?

Joe’s Crab Shack crab dip is one of those irresistible appetizers that keeps people coming back. This warm, creamy dip combines tender crab meat, tangy cream cheese, savory cheddar, and signature seasonings like Old Bay, all baked together until bubbly and golden.

Hot cheesy crab dip topped with green onions in a white baking dish with a spoonful served

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It’s typically served hot with tortilla chips or crusty bread, perfect for scooping up every cheesy bite. This copycat version lets you recreate that restaurant favorite at home with simple grocery store ingredients. Whether you use fresh, canned, or imitation crab, you’ll end up with a cheesy, decadent dip that’s every bit as crave-worthy as the original.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra creamy and cheesy: A blend of cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and melted cheddar makes this dip luscious and rich.
Packed with crab flavor: Fresh or canned crab gives every bite that delicious seafood taste.
Perfect for sharing: It’s a guaranteed hit at game days, holiday gatherings, or casual parties.
Easy to make: Just mix, bake, and serve—no complicated steps.
Customizable: Adjust the spice, try different cheeses, or fold in artichokes for your own twist.

If you’ve ever ordered crab dip at Joe’s Crab Shack and wished you could have it anytime, this copycat recipe is your answer.

When to Make Crab Dip

This Joe’s Crab Shack crab dip is one of those recipes you’ll reach for over and over. It’s perfect for:

Holiday gatherings or potlucks: Always a crowd pleaser on appetizer tables.
Game day or tailgate parties: Serve it warm in a cast iron skillet with lots of chips.
Seafood nights at home: A decadent starter before crab legs or shrimp.
Casual get-togethers: Just add drinks and friends!

Preparation Phase

Before you start, here are a few quick prep steps to make this recipe seamless:

Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so it mixes smoothly.
Drain crab well: If using canned crab, press out extra liquid to avoid a watery dip.
Preheat the oven fully: So the dip bakes evenly and gets that signature golden top.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl: For blending all the ingredients together.
Hand mixer or sturdy spoon: A mixer makes quick work of softening cream cheese into a fluffy base.
Rubber spatula: For folding in crab without breaking it up too much.
Small oven-safe skillet or baking dish: Cast iron or ceramic dishes hold heat well and keep the dip warm.
Measuring cups & spoons: For easy, accurate seasoning.

Why Each Tool Matters

A hand mixer ensures your cream cheese mixture turns perfectly smooth, so the final dip is luxuriously creamy.
A small skillet or baking dish keeps the dip hot longer and gives it a beautiful presentation right from oven to table.
A rubber spatula is gentle for folding crab meat into the cheese so you still get nice chunks.

Ingredients

Creamy Base & Cheese

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

Crab & Flavorings

8 oz lump crab meat (or imitation crab for budget-friendly)
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)

Garnish

Extra shredded cheddar
Chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed (or use a sturdy spoon) until fully smooth and creamy.

2. Stir in Cheese & Seasonings

Add 1 cup shredded cheddar, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
Stir until evenly combined.

3. Fold in the Crab

Gently fold in lump crab meat with a rubber spatula.
Try not to overmix—leaving some larger pieces makes a more luxurious dip.

4. Transfer & Top

Spread the mixture into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
Sprinkle with a handful of extra cheddar cheese for a gooey top.

5. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges.

6. Garnish & Serve

Let it sit for 5 minutes after baking.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or sliced green onions.
Serve hot with toasted bread, pita chips, tortilla chips, or sturdy crackers.

Serving Ideas, Best Side Dishes, Mistakes & Creative Variations

Serving Suggestions

This Joe’s Crab Shack crab dip copycat is designed to be the ultimate party centerpiece warm, cheesy, and completely irresistible. Here’s how to make it shine.

Best Ways to Serve Crab Dip

Straight from the skillet: Bake in a small cast iron or pretty ceramic dish so you can take it right from oven to table. It stays warm longer and looks fantastic.
In a bread bowl: Hollow out a small sourdough loaf, fill with hot crab dip, then bake an extra 5 minutes. Use the torn bread chunks for dipping.
As a platter centerpiece: Surround the warm dip with crackers, pita chips, sliced baguette, or veggies.

Topping Ideas

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions brightens up the rich dip.
A little extra Old Bay seasoning on top gives a burst of classic seafood flavor.
If you like spice, drizzle with hot sauce or a dash of cayenne.

Make It Party-Friendly

Set out small spoons so guests can scoop some onto plates.
Offer a variety of dippers—chips for salty crunch, crackers for sturdiness, and cucumber or bell pepper slices for a fresh option.

Best Side Dish Pairings

Because this dip is so creamy and rich, it pairs perfectly with lighter or acidic sides that balance it out.

Fresh & Crisp Sides

Cucumber or bell pepper slices: Crunchy, refreshing, and great for scooping.
Simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Pickled veggies or olives on a platter for a briny contrast.

Other Appetizers

Shrimp cocktail: A chilled seafood bite is a perfect counter to warm, cheesy crab.
Charcuterie board: Hard cheeses, grapes, and nuts are a great pairing on the snack table.

Bread & Crackers

Toasted baguette slices or crostini are sturdy and soak up the gooey cheese.
Pretzel chips or pita chips give extra crunch.
Even waffle fries or thick potato chips are amazing dipped into the hot crab mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this dip is simple, a few small missteps can keep it from being restaurant quality. Here’s what to watch for.

Using Cold Cream Cheese

If the cream cheese is still cold, it won’t mix smoothly.
Let it soften at room temp for at least 30 minutes before starting.

Overbaking the Dip

Baking too long can make the cheese separate and become oily.
Check at 25 minutes and pull it when it’s bubbly with light golden edges.

Not Draining Crab

Canned crab often holds excess liquid that can water down your dip.
Drain it well and lightly press with a paper towel if needed.

Only Using Imitation Crab

Imitation crab works on a budget but lacks depth.
For best flavor, combine it with a little real lump crab.

Mixing Crab Too Hard

Over-stirring breaks it into tiny shreds.
Gently fold crab into the cream cheese base to keep nice chunks.

Creative Recipe Variations

Once you’ve tried the classic version, experiment with these fun twists.

Make It Spicy

Stir in diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the mix.
Sprinkle with crushed red pepper before baking for extra kick.

Add Artichokes

Fold in ½ cup chopped artichoke hearts for a crab-artichoke spin.

Try Different Cheeses

Use pepper jack for heat or gruyere for a nutty flavor.
Mix in mozzarella for more stretch.

Cold Crab Dip

Skip baking entirely.
Chill the combined mixture for at least 2 hours, then serve as a cold dip with crackers.

Bread Bowl Crab Dip

Hollow out a small round loaf of sourdough, fill with crab mixture, then bake directly in the bread.
Use the leftover bread chunks for dipping.

Extra Luxurious

Fold in a few tablespoons of lump lobster meat or chopped shrimp with the crab for a seafood feast.

Expert Tips, Storage & FAQs

Pro Tips for the Best Crab Dip

A few small details make the difference between a good crab dip and one that tastes like it came straight from Joe’s Crab Shack.

Soften Cream Cheese Thoroughly

Let it sit out for at least 30 minutes so it blends without lumps.
If you’re short on time, microwave it in 10-second bursts until just soft (don’t melt it).

Don’t Overbake

Pull the dip out when it’s just bubbly and lightly golden.
Too long in the oven can separate the cheese and make it oily.

Fold Crab in Gently

You want some nice big pieces of crab in each scoop.
Over-stirring will shred it into strings and lose that luxurious texture.

Use a Small Skillet

Baking in a small cast iron or oven-safe dish keeps it hot longer on the table.
Plus, it looks rustic and inviting served straight from the oven.

Taste and Adjust

Different brands of crab, mayo, or Old Bay vary in saltiness.
Taste before baking and add a pinch of salt, extra lemon, or more Old Bay to match your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

How to Store

Let leftover crab dip cool to room temperature.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

For best results, scoop into a small oven-safe dish and warm at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–12 minutes, until heated through.
Or microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring gently between each.

Can You Freeze It?

Freezing isn’t recommended.
The cream cheese base can become grainy and separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make crab dip ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the dip completely (don’t bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready, bake straight from the fridge. You may need to add 5 extra minutes of bake time.

Can I use canned crab?

Definitely. Drain it very well and gently press with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
For a budget option, you can use half canned crab and half imitation.

Is it spicy?

Not at all. This dip is mild and rich.
To add heat, stir in hot sauce or chopped jalapeños before baking.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar gives classic flavor and melt.
Try mixing in a little mozzarella for stretch or pepper jack for heat.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, as long as you serve it with gluten free crackers, chips, or veggie sticks.

Can I serve it cold?

If you prefer, skip baking and chill the dip for at least 2 hours.
It’s delicious as a cold crab spread with crackers.

Conclusion

This Joe’s Crab Shack crab dip copycat gives you everything you love about the restaurant favorite—right from your own kitchen. It’s creamy, cheesy, perfectly seasoned with Old Bay and lemon, and absolutely loaded with savory crab.

Bake it up in a small skillet and serve hot with chips, toasted bread, or crunchy veggies. Whether you make it for a party, game day, or simply to satisfy a seafood craving, it’s guaranteed to be the first dish gone.

Once you see how quick and easy it is, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for every gathering. It’s proof that you don’t need to go out to enjoy an indulgent seafood appetizer—just whip it up at home and watch everyone dive in.

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