Description
Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for seafood lovers. This baked crab dip combines lump crab meat with cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of cheeses and seasonings, creating a warm and bubbly treat that’s great for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Dip Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat (cooked, drained, and flaked)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small baking dish (around 8×8-inch) with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add crab and seasonings: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper if using, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the crab mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s leveled out for even cooking.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the spread mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is lightly golden.
- Cool slightly before serving: Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to set and avoid burning the mouth.
- Serve: Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Drain crab meat well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- If desired, substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor.
- This dip can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.
