This quick and easy Hot Crab Dip recipe features fresh tender crab meat in a creamy cheese sauce, baked until hot and bubbly. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply indulging in a rich and decadent snack.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Crab Dip Recipe

• Fresh tender crab meat
• Baked in a creamy cheese sauce
• Perfect quick and easy Keto appetizer
• Serve with your favorite Keto crackers and raw veggies
• Made with all healthy ingredients 

When you hear crab meat, you know you’re in for a special treat. That’s exactly what you can expect with this hot crab dip. It starts with fresh, tender crab that brings incredible flavor to the dish, combined with a rich, creamy cheese mixture that gets baked to bubbly perfection.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious snack, this dip is a hit. Serve it with keto-friendly crackers, fresh veggies or even spooned over grilled steak or chicken. It’s a warm and gooey mouthwatering dip that’s sure to wow your friends and family at any gathering.

If you love this dip, you should also check out my recipe for Crab Rangoon Dip.

🛒 Ingredients for Hot Crab Dip

• Crab meat (I used my snow crab recipe)
• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Scallions
• Hot sauce
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer
• Small casserole baking dish

🔪 How to Make Keto Crab Dip

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream to a large mixing bowl.

Mix using a hand mixer until combined. Add in the lemon juice, lemon zest, hot sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, then continue mixing until well combined.

Shred your crab meat, making sure there are no shells. 

Add the crab meat, 2/3 of the mozzarella cheese and scallions into the cream cheese dip mixture.

Gently fold together, just until combined.

Spread the mixture into a small casserole baking dish that’s been sprayed with non-stick spray.

Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite Keto friendly crackers and raw veggies.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Allow the dip to cool completely before sealing.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot and bubbly.

🍴 Delicious Ways to Serve with Baked Crab Dip

• Keto crackers: Use store-bought or homemade keto crackers, like these Ranch Crackers or Everything Bagel Crackers for dipping. They’re crunchy and perfect for scooping up the creamy dip.

• Fresh veggies: Serve with low-carb vegetables like celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes for a fresh and crunchy option.

• Cheese crisps: Make your own Cheese Crisps for a great alternative to traditional chips.

• Grilled steak or chicken: Spoon the dip over Grilled Steak or chicken for a rich, creamy topping that adds a flavorful twist to your main dish.

• Baked salmon: Use the dip as a topping for Baked Salmon. The creamy texture complements the fish perfectly.

• Stuffed mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with the crab dip mixture and bake until tender for a savory, bite-sized treat.

• Eggplant slices: Roast or grill thick eggplant slices and top them with a dollop of the crab dip for a low-carb appetizer.

💡 Tips for Making Crab Dip

• For the best flavor, opt for fresh or frozen crab meat from a reputable source. If you’re using canned, it should have a clean, ocean-like smell. Avoid it if it has a strong fishy odor.

• Regardless of the type of crab you use, take a few minutes to pick through it. This helps ensure that the crab meat is free from shell fragments.   

• Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother texture without it tearing up the crab.

• Use a hand mixer to thoroughly combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and other ingredients. This will help create an ultra-creamy dip.

• When adding the crab meat and cheese into the mixture, fold gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much and to keep the texture chunky.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Crab: I used the meat from my snow crab legs recipe, but you can use lump or jumbo crab meat if you’d like.

• Chopped fresh herbs: Add parsley, dill, or chives for a burst of fresh flavor.

• Crispy bacon: Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top before baking for extra crunch and smoky flavor.

• Shredded cheese: Mix in additional cheeses like Parmesan or sharp cheddar for a different flavor.

• Jalapeños: For a bit of heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

• Crab alternatives: Try using shrimp or lobster meat for a different seafood twist.

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

• Green onions: Mix in some chopped green onions for a mild, oniony taste.

• Worcestershire sauce: A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce can add a savory depth to the dip.

Is Crab Okay on Keto?

Crab is not only delicious, but it is also basically a carb-free food! It also has high levels of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Is Imitation Crab Okay On Keto?

Imitation crab is a whole different story than fresh crab meat. Made from fish meat, starch and a minced fish paste, it is a highly processed food. Plus each imitation crab meat stick having at least 13 grams of carbs.

Can I Make This Hot Dip in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance. Mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Bake just before serving for the best results.

What Should I Do if the Dip Seems Too Thick?

If the dip appears too thick, you can stir in a little extra sour cream or mayonnaise before baking. This will help loosen the texture and keep it creamy.

🍽️ More Keto Appetizer Recipes

• Dill Pickled Devilled Eggs
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites
• Keto Crab Cakes
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
• Keto Coconut Shrimp
• Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms