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Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe - Creamy, Cheesy, Party-Perfect

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12–16 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice, plus zest from 1/2 lemon
  • 1–2 tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco), to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of paprika (optional, for color)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
  • For serving: toasted baguette, tortilla or pita chips, or sturdy crackers

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (about 1–1.5 quarts) or an 8-inch skillet.
  2. Blend the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the sour cream and mayonnaise until fully combined and silky.
  3. Add flavor: Mix in 1 cup of Monterey Jack, the Parmesan, garlic, Dijon, Old Bay, lemon zest, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more Old Bay, lemon, or hot sauce if needed.
  4. Fold in the crab: Gently fold in the crab meat, green onions, and parsley. Do not overmix—you want some visible chunks of crab for texture.
  5. Transfer and top: Spoon the mixture into your baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Monterey Jack. Dust with a pinch of paprika if you like.
  6. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden.
  7. Garnish and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with a little fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite dippers.