The first time I tasted the hot crab dip at Joe’s Crab Shack, I knew I had to recreate it at home. This creamy, cheesy appetizer is irresistible with its golden brown top and chunks of sweet crab meat throughout. Perfect for parties, game days, or weekend gatherings, this dip consistently impresses guests. Best of all, it comes together in under 25 minutes with simple ingredients that can be found at any grocery store. Serve it with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a restaurant-quality appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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Do you love crab dip? Guess what, you can make delicious crab dip at home that tastes just as good as it does when you go out! It’s easy to do!
Appetizers are often the best part of the meal, and starting out your meal with some homemade hot crab dip is a great way to start a weekend.
You could even serve this with Joes Crab Shack Coconut Shrimp and enjoy a Passion Punch.
Table of Contents
What makes crab dip so good?
This crab dip achieves the perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes the Joe’s Crab Shack version so popular. The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter creates an ultra-creamy base, while the addition of bell peppers and onions adds a subtle crunch and freshness. Generous amounts of lump crab meat ensure you get that sweet seafood flavor in every bite, and the mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible stretchy, melty quality when baked. The seasonings are simple but effective, allowing the crab to remain the star of the dish.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of what you need:
- Cream cheese – Creates the rich, creamy base of the dip
- Mayonnaise – Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth texture
- Sour cream – Provides a slight tang that balances the richness
- Butter – Enhances the creamy texture and adds richness
- Seasoned salt – Adds balanced flavor with herbs and spices
- Paprika – Contributes a subtle smoky flavor and attractive color
- Yellow onion – Offers a sweet, aromatic flavor and slight crunch
- Green bell pepper – Provides fresh flavor and textural contrast
- Mozzarella cheese – Creates that perfect melty, stretchy consistency
- Lump crab meat – The star ingredient that gives sweet seafood flavor
- Green onion – Adds fresh, mild onion flavor as garnish
- Fresh parsley – Provides color and a hint of herbal brightness
How to Make Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip
- Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter until smooth.
- Blend in seasoned salt and paprika.
- Stir in yellow onions, crab meat, green bell pepper, and mozzarella cheese.
- Place the mixture in a lightly greased, small, shallow baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F until the mixture bubbles, about 10 to 14 minutes.
- Top with sliced green onion and chopped parsley.
Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 4 teaspoons chopped yellow onion
- 6 ounces lump crab meat
- 4 teaspoons finely diced green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onion
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a small, shallow baking dish.
- Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter and mix until smooth. Add the seasoned salt and paprika and stir to incorporate. Fold in the yellow onion, crab meat, bell pepper, green onions, and mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake until bubbly, about 10 to 14 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with unsalted or lightly salted tortilla chips.
Notes
- Serve with small toasts, corn chips, or your favorite crackers.
- Serve with fresh vegetables for a low carb and Keto friendly appetizer.
- Old bay seasoning tastes great in this dip
- Don’t have any crab meat on hand? You can use small shrimp for this recipe.
Nutrition
Storage and Reheating
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals
- Freezing: Not recommended as dairy products may separate upon thawing
Serving Suggestions
- Traditional Dippers: Toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or buttery crackers
- Low-Carb Options: Cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, or celery sticks
- Meal Ideas: Serve alongside Joe’s Crab Shack Coconut Shrimp for a restaurant-style appetizer spread
- Beverage Pairings: Complement with a Passion Punch cocktail or crisp white wine
Love shellfish? Try these recipes!
- Baked Scallops
- Crab Casserole
- Crawfish Bisque Recipe
- Crawfish Etouffee Recipe
- Killer Shrimp
- Red Lobster Shrimp Nachos
- She Crab Soup
- Shrimp Parmesan
- Shrimp Tempura
More Joe’s Crab Shack Copycat Recipes
Be sure to check out my easy seafood recipes and the best restaurant copycat recipes here on CopyKat.com!
Enjoy this delicious copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip! It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of your favorite seafood restaurant home without the wait or the check. Whether served at a party or as a special weekend treat, this cheesy, crab-filled appetizer is sure to impress.
Only 2 ounces of cream cheese?? Seems too small of amount
That’s all we felt it needed during testing.
Can you use imitation crab meat ?
You could, I don’t think it would have the exact flavor of real crab.
I am skeptical of any recipe that accepts lump fish as a qualified alternative. I doubt Joe’s allows it.
I multiplied everything by 4 to make it for super bowl Sunday… Delicious
There was one problem with this recipe! We ran out of it, DEEE-LiSH.
At the top of this recipe it says it serves 1, yet in the instructions it says it serves 2 – 3. Seems more like 1 to me…but thought you’d want to correct that.
Thank you. I will correct it.
I loved this at Joe’s. It was really good! I can’t believe it turned out just like Joes.