Joe’s Crab Shack’s Crab Dip is a beloved appetizer that combines creamy cheeses with tender crab meat, creating a rich and flavorful dish perfect for any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise provides a luscious base that complements the crab meat beautifully.
- Flavorful Additions: Incorporating ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and a hint of paprika enhances the overall taste, making each bite delightful.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this dip is simple to make, yet impressive to serve.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Butter, softened
- Seasoned salt
- Paprika
- Yellow onion, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper, finely diced
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Lump crab meat
- Green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the seasoned salt and paprika until evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Cheese: Fold in the chopped yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it apart too much.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased, shallow baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Serve hot with your choice of tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 2 to 3 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 10 to 14 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to introduce some heat to the dip.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
- Seafood Mix: Incorporate other seafood such as small shrimp or crawfish tails for a delightful twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftover dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm the dip in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
FAQs
What type of crab meat is best for this dip?
Lump crab meat is ideal due to its tender texture and rich flavor. Fresh is preferable, but high-quality canned crab meat can also be used.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Is it possible to freeze the crab dip?
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy components may separate upon thawing, affecting the dip’s texture.
What are suitable dippers for this crab dip?
Tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers pair well with this dip.
How can I lighten the recipe?
To reduce calories, opt for light versions of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Keep in mind, this may slightly alter the dip’s creaminess.
Can I use imitation crab meat?
While possible, imitation crab lacks the authentic flavor and texture of real crab meat, which may affect the overall taste of the dip.
How do I prevent the dip from becoming watery?
Ensure all ingredients, especially the crab meat, are well-drained before mixing. Avoid overmixing, which can break down the crab meat and release moisture.
What can I do if the dip is too thick?
If the dip seems too thick, stir in a small amount of heavy cream or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely! Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavor profile of the dip.
How do I know when the dip is done baking?
The dip is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and lightly browned on top. Avoid overbaking to prevent the dip from becoming dry.
Print
Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Total Time: 20-24 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Description
This warm, creamy crab dip is a delightful blend of cheeses, spices, and tender crab meat, perfect for serving with crackers or toasted bread at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 4 teaspoons yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 teaspoons green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 6 ounces lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 tablespoon green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter until smooth.
- Add the seasoned salt and paprika to the mixture and blend well.
- Gently fold in the chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, shredded mozzarella cheese, and lump crab meat until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased, shallow baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.
- Serve warm with your choice of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
- Ensure all excess liquid is drained from the crab meat to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
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