Description
Creamy Joe’s Crab Shack crab dip brings coastal flavors straight to your kitchen, blending lump crab meat with rich cream cheese and zesty seasonings. Seafood enthusiasts will savor this easy-to-make appetizer that promises a delightful taste of ocean-inspired comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) lump crab meat
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
Seasonings and Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) diced red bell pepper (optional)
Serving:
- Crackers, toasted bread, or chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for the creamy dip’s transformation.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar, Parmesan, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Delicately incorporate lump crab meat, ensuring minimal disruption to the tender chunks, then gently fold in vibrant green onions and crisp red bell pepper.
- Smoothly transfer the luxurious mixture into an oven-safe dish, spreading it evenly to promote uniform heating and appetizing presentation.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling surface that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the dip to rest for a few minutes, letting flavors meld and temperature slightly reduce for optimal serving comfort.
- Accompany with an array of dipping vehicles like crisp crackers, toasted artisan bread, or crunchy tortilla chips, inviting guests to indulge in this coastal-inspired delicacy.
Notes
- Fold the lump crab meat delicately to maintain its tender, chunky texture and prevent breaking apart the delicate meat pieces.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning amount to personal taste preferences, reducing salt for low-sodium diets or adding extra for more intense seafood flavor.
- Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests.
- Prepare the dip mixture in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for a more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg