Here’s a delicious copycat recipe for Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip—a creamy, cheesy seafood appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings. This version combines elements from several popular recipes to capture the essence of the original.
🦀 Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip (Copycat Recipe)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: ~245 kcal
🧾 Ingredients
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2 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 tbsp mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 tbsp butter, softened
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¼ tsp seasoned salt
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⅛ tsp paprika
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4 tsp finely diced yellow onion
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6 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over
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4 tsp finely diced green bell pepper
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¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
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Tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers (for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small, shallow baking dish.
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Mix Base: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter. Mix until smooth.
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Season: Add the seasoned salt and paprika to the mixture, stirring to incorporate.
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Add Vegetables and Crab: Fold in the diced onion, green bell pepper, crab meat, and shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
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Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crackers.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Make-Ahead: Prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
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Cheese Options: Feel free to mix in cheddar or pepper jack cheese for added flavor.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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Crab Alternatives: If fresh crab is unavailable, canned lump crab meat works well—just ensure it’s well-drained.