sixtic A creamy, cheesy hot crab dip loaded with tender lump crab meat, seasoned with Old Bay and a hint of garlic, then baked until golden and bubbly. This Joe’s Crab Shack copycat recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every scoop — perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights in. Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or veggies for an irresistible appetizer! 🦀🧀
Servings: 8–10 (as an appetizer)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz (1 block) |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained & picked over) | 1 lb |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2–3 cloves |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Old Bay seasoning | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Hot sauce (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
| Green onions, finely chopped | 2 (plus extra for garnish) |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish or oval gratin dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add mayonnaise and sour cream. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, hot sauce (if using), and chopped green onions.
- Gently fold in the crab meat using a spatula — keep the lumps intact as much as possible.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until hot throughout, bubbly around the edges, and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish with extra chopped green onions and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and gooey!
Serving Suggestions
- Toasted baguette slices
- Butter crackers (Ritz, Club)
- Celery sticks or carrot chips
- Pita chips or tortilla chips
Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving (add 5–7 extra minutes if cold).
Enjoy your restaurant-style crab dip at home! 🦀🧀
