Name: Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tbsp butter, softened; ¼ tsp seasoned salt; ⅛ tsp paprika; 2 tbsp finely diced onion; 2 tbsp finely diced green bell pepper; ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 6 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over; Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, parsley

A warm, creamy, cheesy seafood delight that tastes just like the popular restaurant appetizer, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dip brings together the sweet flavor of crab with a rich, velvety blend of cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and butter. It bakes to bubbly, golden perfection and dazzles guests every time. Plus, it’s easy to whip up in under 25 minutes with ingredients I usually have on hand.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 tbsp butter, softened
¼ tsp seasoned salt
⅛ tsp paprika
2 tbsp finely diced onion
2 tbsp finely diced green bell pepper
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over
Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, parsley

directions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
Beat together cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter until smooth.
Mix in seasoned salt and paprika for flavoring.
Gently fold in onion, bell pepper, cheese, and crab meat—being careful not to mash the crab.
Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and bake until bubbly, about 10–15 minutes.
Remove from oven, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted bread.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap mozzarella for cheddar or sprinkle Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
To kick up the spice, I add a dash of Old Bay seasoning, cayenne, or a few slices of jalapeño.
I’ve also tried it with shrimp instead of crab or used imitation crab when fresh lump crab isn’t available.
Adding Worcestershire sauce or a small spoon of Dijon mustard gives it a deeper savory profile.
For a smoky edge, a touch of liquid smoke or smoked paprika works beautifully.

storage/reheating

Make-ahead: I often assemble the dip, cover it, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance.
Refrigerate leftovers: Stored in an airtight container, the dip keeps well for 2–3 days.
Reheat: I reheat it in a 325 °F oven for about 10 minutes or use the microwave in 30‑second bursts at 50% power.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing since the dairy tends to separate after thawing.

FAQs

What crab meat works best?

I like to use lump crab meat because of its sweet flavor and chunky texture, but canned or refrigerated crab meat also works well if drained properly.

Can I use imitation crab?

Yes, imitation crab works fine if real crab isn’t available. It’s more budget-friendly and still delicious, though the flavor is a little milder.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Absolutely. I prep it ahead, store it in the fridge, and just bake it right before serving so it’s nice and hot for my guests.

How can I add more flavor?

I sometimes mix in garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, or a sprinkle of cayenne to boost the flavor.

What should I serve it with?

I usually serve it with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, buttery crackers, or even fresh veggies like cucumber or bell pepper slices.

Conclusion

This Joe’s Crab Shack–style crab dip is one of my favorite crowd-pleasing appetizers. It’s rich, comforting, and easy to customize to suit any occasion. Whether I’m hosting a party or just treating myself, this warm, cheesy seafood dip always hits the spot.