Description
Creamy Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip brings coastal comfort to your table with rich, tangy flavors. Seafood enthusiasts will savor this easy-to-make appetizer that delivers restaurant-quality deliciousness in every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 ounces (56 grams) cream cheese, softened
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 4 teaspoons finely chopped yellow onion
- 4 teaspoons finely chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sliced green onion (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven for the dip by heating it to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C).
- Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter in a medium mixing bowl until the texture is uniformly smooth.
- Enhance the flavor profile by evenly incorporating seasoned salt and paprika throughout the creamy mixture.
- Introduce additional texture and depth by mixing in finely chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, and shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring all ingredients are well distributed.
- Carefully integrate the delicate lump crab meat into the mixture, using a gentle folding technique to preserve the meat’s integrity and prevent breaking the chunks.
- Select a shallow baking dish and lightly grease its surface before transferring the prepared dip mixture, spreading it evenly for consistent heating.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the edges become visibly bubbly and the top develops a slight golden sheen, typically requiring 10 to 14 minutes.
- Remove the hot dip from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly sliced green onion and chopped parsley to add a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- Serve the crab dip while warm, accompanied by crisp corn chips, classic crackers, or toasted baguette slices for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Prevent curdling by ensuring cream cheese is softened at room temperature and mixing ingredients gently to maintain smooth consistency.
- Swap out regular crab for imitation crab to reduce cost, though authentic lump crab delivers superior flavor and texture.
- Keep dip extra creamy by using full-fat dairy products and avoiding overmixing, which can break down the proteins.
- Customize heat levels by adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes for spice-loving guests who want an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 204
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 53 mg