Imagine scooping up a creamy, decadent dip packed with succulent blue crab meat that instantly transports you to a beachside restaurant. This Blue Crab Dip isn't just another appetizer—it's a culinary adventure that captures the essence of Joe's Crab Shack right in your own kitchen. Whether you're hosting a party, craving a luxurious snack, or wanting to impress your guests with restaurant-quality flavors, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup blue crab meat
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your dip is baked evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the blue crab meat to the bowl, being careful to remove any shells or cartilage. Gently fold the crab meat into the cream cheese mixture to avoid breaking it apart too much.
- Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the crab and Old Bay seasoning can already add some saltiness, so taste as you go.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You can use a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish.
- Bake the dip in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dip set a little and make it easier to scoop.
- Serve the blue crab dip warm with your choice of dippers, such as tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks. Enjoy your delicious crab dip like Joe's Crab Shack!
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality blue crab meat for the most authentic flavor. If fresh isn't available, good-quality canned or pasteurized crab works well.
- Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Be gentle when folding in crab meat to preserve its delicate texture and prevent breaking.
- Use Old Bay seasoning generously—it's the secret weapon that gives this dip its signature coastal taste.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top before baking.
- Allow the dip to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and make serving easier.
- Serve with a variety of dippers like toasted baguette, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks to add variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 110mg
