🦀 Joe’s Crab Shack–Style Crab Dip
⏱️ Time
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Bake: 25 minutes
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Total: ~35 minutes
🍽️ Serves
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6–8 people (as an appetizer)
🧾 Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup mayonnaise
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½ cup sour cream
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1 cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp paprika
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
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Stir in garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Gently fold in crab meat and half of the shredded cheeses.
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Transfer mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top.
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Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden.
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Remove from oven, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve warm.
🥖 Serving Suggestions
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Toasted baguette slices
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Crackers
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Tortilla chips
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Warm pita bread
❓ Q & A (Common Questions)
Q: Is this the exact Joe’s Crab Shack recipe?
A: No. Joe’s keeps their official recipe private. This is a copycat version designed to closely match the taste and creaminess.
Q: What type of crab works best?
A: Lump crab meat gives the best texture and flavor. Claw meat works too and is more budget-friendly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the dip, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Q: Can I make it without baking?
A: Baking is recommended—it melts the cheese and enhances flavor. Without baking, the texture won’t be the same.
Q: Can I freeze crab dip?
A: Not recommended. Dairy-based dips can separate and become grainy after freezing.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add:
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A pinch of cayenne pepper
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A few dashes of hot sauce
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Finely diced jalapeños
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.