Description
Learn how to make a delicious copycat version of Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip. This easy recipe combines cream cheese, crab meat, and seasonings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- 4 teaspoons minced onion
- Optional: ½ cup lump crab meat
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients: Setting the Stage for Success
- Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This will make them easier to mix and create a smooth dip.
2. Mix the Base: Creating a Creamy Foundation
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and softened butter.
- Blend: Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
3. Season the Mixture: Adding Flavor and Depth
- Add Seasonings: Add the seasoning salt, paprika, and minced onion to the creamy mixture.
- Optional: If using, add the Old Bay seasoning and chopped fresh parsley at this stage.
- Stir: Stir well until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Fold in the Crab (Optional): Elevating the Dip
- Add Crab Meat: If using, gently fold in the lump crab meat into the mixture. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Tip: If using canned crab meat, make sure it’s well-drained.
5. Heat and Serve: Choosing Your Method
Option 1: Oven Method
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer to Dish: Transfer the dip mixture to an oven-safe dish.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly around the edges.
Option 2: Stovetop Method
- Transfer to Saucepan: Transfer the dip mixture to a small saucepan.
- Heat Gently: Heat the dip over low heat, stirring frequently, until it’s warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this could cause the dip to separate.
6. Serve and Enjoy: The Finishing Touches
- Serve Hot: Serve the Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip hot, directly from the oven-safe dish or saucepan, or transfer it to a serving bowl.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dash of paprika, or a few extra pieces of lump crab meat.
- Dipping Options: Serve with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.