Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip – The Ultimate Hot and Cheesy Seafood Appetizer

If you’ve ever dined at Joe’s Crab Shack, chances are you’ve tried their famous crab dip. It’s the kind of creamy, cheesy, and savory appetizer that immediately gets everyone reaching for chips and asking for the recipe. The good news? You don’t have to dine out to enjoy it — you can recreate this restaurant-quality crab dip right at home.

This recipe is perfect for game days, potlucks, holidays, or any time you’re craving something warm, rich, and loaded with crab flavor. The creamy blend of cheese, crab meat, sour cream, and Old Bay seasoning makes this dip the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Crab Dip

This dish is everything you want in a hot dip — creamy, cheesy, tangy, and bursting with seafood flavor. Here’s what makes this dip irresistible:

• ✅ Super easy to make – ready in 30 minutes

• ✅ Restaurant-style quality right from your kitchen

• ✅ Perfect for parties, holidays, and entertaining

• ✅ Flexible recipe that welcomes additions or swaps

• ✅ Crowd-pleasing flavor that keeps everyone dipping back in

One taste and you’ll see why Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is a go-to for seafood lovers everywhere.

What Is Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip?

This hot crab dip is a signature appetizer at the Joe’s Crab Shack chain — a rich, creamy blend of crab meat, cheeses, and seasonings, baked until bubbly and golden. The secret lies in the combination of:

• Cream cheese for richness

• Sour cream and mayonnaise for tang

• Mozzarella and Parmesan for melt and flavor

• Old Bay seasoning for that signature East Coast seafood flair

It’s typically served piping hot with tortilla chips, toasted bread, or crackers — and it always disappears quickly.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this restaurant-style crab dip to life:

Base Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream

Seasonings & Flavor:

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seafood:

• 1–1½ cups lump crab meat, fresh, canned, or imitation

• 2 green onions, chopped (reserve a little for garnish)

How to Make Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip – Step-by-Step

Let’s break it down into simple steps for the best results.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

• In a large bowl, combine:

  • Softened cream cheese

  • Mayonnaise

  • Sour cream

  • Lemon juice

  • Old Bay seasoning

• Mix well until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Crab

• Stir in:

  • Half the mozzarella

  • Half the Parmesan

  • Crab meat (gently fold in to keep the chunks whole)

  • Green onions (reserving a few for garnish)

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bake

• Spread the mixture into your baking dish.

• Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle remaining green onions on top.

• Serve hot with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or pita crackers.

Tips for the Best Crab Dip Texture and Flavor

• Use high-quality crab meat – Fresh lump crab delivers the best taste and texture. Canned works too, just drain well.

• Soften cream cheese – This ensures a smooth, creamy blend. Let it sit at room temp for 30 mins before mixing.

• Season to taste – Old Bay gives it that signature seafood flavor, but adjust the quantity to your spice preference.

• Don’t overbake – Bake just until bubbly to prevent the crab from drying out.

• Add a touch of acid – Lemon juice or a splash of white wine cuts through the richness.

Serving Suggestions

This dip is party-perfect and pairs well with:

Dippers:

• Tortilla chips

• Pita chips or pretzel crisps

• Crostini or toasted baguette slices

• Sliced celery or cucumber for a low-carb option

Pair With:

• Shrimp cocktail or oysters

• Bloody Marys or crisp white wine

• A simple green salad to balance the richness

This dish is a hit on:

• Game day

• Holiday spreads

• Summer seafood feasts

• New Year’s Eve appetizers

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these easy variations:

Make It Spicy:

• Add chopped jalapeños or green chiles

• Stir in hot sauce or cayenne pepper

Add More Seafood:

• Shrimp, scallops, or lobster bits for an indulgent upgrade

• Smoked salmon for a gourmet twist

Dairy-Free Options:

• Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese

• Vegan mayo and imitation crab also work for a plant-based version

Add Veggies:

• Spinach and artichokes

• Roasted red peppers

• Caramelized onions

How to Store and Reheat

To Store:

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

To Reheat:

• Microwave in short bursts until warm

• Or reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes

• Stir before serving to restore texture

Can You Freeze Crab Dip?

Yes — but it’s best without the crab. Freeze just the cream cheese base, then add crab fresh after thawing and before baking.

Final Thoughts

Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is everything a great appetizer should be — easy, comforting, indulgent, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a rich and satisfying snack, this dish brings restaurant flavor to your kitchen without the price tag.

With creamy cheese, fresh crab, and a perfect blend of seasonings, it’s a surefire hit that always brings people back for seconds (or thirds!). Make it ahead, tweak it to your liking, and watch your guests rave about it.