Tangy Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

Irresistible Tangy Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe for Parties

Creamy, rich dips that pack a joe’s crab shack crab dip recipe punch always spark excitement at gatherings.

Seafood enthusiasts know this appetizer delivers serious flavor with minimal effort.

Coastal charm meets comfort food in every delectable bite.

The blend of succulent crab meat and smooth cream cheese creates an irresistible texture that keeps people coming back for more.

Each spoonful brings a hint of zesty seasoning that awakens taste buds.

Perfectly paired with crisp crackers or warm toasted bread, this dip transforms simple ingredients into a stunning starter.

Prepare to be the star of your next potluck with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

What You’ll Need for Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip

For Creamy Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides rich, velvety foundation for the dip, ensuring smooth texture.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds tangy richness and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Sour Cream: Brings subtle tang and helps create a light, creamy consistency.
  • Butter: Enhances flavor depth and contributes to silky mouthfeel.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Seasoned Salt: Delivers complex savory notes and balanced seasoning.
  • Paprika: Introduces warm, slightly sweet undertone with beautiful reddish color.
  • Yellow Onion: Introduces sharp, aromatic base flavor to the dip.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Provides fresh, crisp vegetable crunch and subtle sweetness.
For Protein and Topping:
  • Lump Crab Meat: Premium seafood centerpiece that brings delicate, sweet oceanic flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating stretchy, gooey texture.
  • Green Onion: Adds bright, fresh garnish with mild onion kick.
  • Parsley: Provides fresh herbal finish and vibrant green color.
  • Corn Chips/Crackers/Baguette: Perfect carriers for scooping and enjoying the dip.

Tools to Help You Get That Cheesy, Crabby Dip Texture

  • Medium mixing bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter smoothly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and folding crab meat gently.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent flavor.
  • Shallow baking dish: Ideal for even baking and presenting the hot dip.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions, green peppers, green onions, and parsley.
  • Cheese grater: Used for shredding mozzarella cheese.
  • Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

How to Make Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip From Scratch

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees, getting ready for some serious flavor action.

  • Whip Together Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and blend cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and butter until silky smooth, creating a dreamy foundation for your dip.

  • Spice Things Up

Sprinkle in seasoned salt and paprika, stirring until every inch of the mixture is packed with zesty goodness.

  • Veggie and Cheese Magic

Toss in chopped onions, green peppers, and mozzarella, stirring until everything is beautifully integrated.

  • Introduce Crab Royalty

Gently fold in lump crab meat, keeping those delicate pieces intact and ready to shine.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and slide it into the oven. Wait 10-14 minutes until the edges bubble with excitement.

  • Finish and Feast

Pull out the dip, shower it with green onions and parsley. Serve immediately with crispy corn chips or toasted bread for an irresistible appetizer that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Switch Up the Cheeses or Add Some Heat

  • Seafood Lover's Dream Swap: Replace lump crab meat with imitation crab or cooked shredded white fish for a budget-friendly alternative.
  • Low-Carb Dip Dipper: Swap traditional chips with crisp cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or celery sticks for a healthier serving option.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving to save time during entertaining.
  • Spice Sensation: Add a kick by mixing in diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat in their appetizer.
  • Dairy-Free Transformation: Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan mayonnaise, and dairy-free mozzarella to create a lactose-free version of this creamy crab dip for those with dietary restrictions.

Serve With Bread, Chips, or Veggies

  • Dockside Dipping Delights: Serve this creamy crab dip with an array of crunchy companions that complement its rich flavors.
  • Seafood Party Platter: Create a coastal-themed appetizer spread by surrounding the dip with fresh shrimp, crab legs, and crispy calamari for a maritime feast.
  • Bread Bowl Brilliance: Hollow out a round sourdough bread and fill it with the warm crab dip, turning the serving into an edible vessel that adds rustic charm to your table.
  • Veggie Dunk Station: Arrange colorful raw vegetable sticks like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, and celery stalks for a fresh, healthy dipping alternative that balances the dip's creamy texture.

Store and Reheat Without a Greasy Mess

  • Fridge Fresh Technique: Store leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain optimal flavor quality.
  • Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm refrigerated dip in the oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to restore creamy consistency. Microwave works in a pinch, but may slightly alter texture.
  • Freezer Friendly Hack: Freeze unbaked dip in a freezer-safe dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Portioning Pro Tip: Divide dip into smaller individual ramekins before baking for easy single-serving portions. These mini servings are perfect for appetizer parties or quick snacks, allowing guests to enjoy without multiple dips.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-14 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Calories: 204 kcal

Servings: 4

Print
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Tangy Joes Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe

Tangy Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy joe’s crab shack crab dip brings coastal flavors to your table with rich, tangy ingredients. Seafood enthusiasts will savor this classic appetizer that combines fresh crab meat with smooth cream cheese and zesty seasonings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) sour cream
  • 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) butter, softened
  • 4 teaspoons finely chopped yellow onion
  • 4 teaspoons finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) sliced green onion (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Warm the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a welcoming environment for the crab dip’s transformation.
  2. Blend Base: In a medium bowl, whisk cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency that promises creamy indulgence.
  3. Season Mixture: Sprinkle seasoned salt and paprika across the mixture, infusing the base with a subtle, aromatic complexity that elevates the dip’s flavor profile.
  4. Build Layers: Gently fold in yellow onion, green bell pepper, and mozzarella cheese, creating a textural landscape that promises rich, harmonious flavors.
  5. Incorporate Crab: Delicately introduce lump crab meat, using a tender folding technique to maintain the meat’s pristine chunks and protect its delicate structure.
  6. Prepare Dish: Lightly grease a shallow baking dish, then transfer the dip mixture, smoothing the surface to ensure even heat distribution and consistent cooking.
  7. Bake and Finish: Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing 10-14 minutes for the edges to bubble and the top to develop a tempting golden crust.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Immediately scatter freshly chopped green onion and parsley across the surface, then present the steaming dip alongside corn chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Notes

  • Protect Crab Texture: Fold crab meat gently to maintain large, delicate chunks and prevent breaking or shredding during mixing.
  • Enhance Flavor Balance: Use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for maximum taste and ensure proper seasoning distribution by mixing spices thoroughly before adding seafood.
  • Prevent Overbaking: Watch dip closely during final minutes of baking to avoid burning; golden edges indicate perfect doneness without drying out the creamy consistency.
  • Customize Dietary Options: Substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat versions or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lighter, healthier alternative without compromising rich flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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