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    Home / Recipes / Appetizers / Hot Crab Dip

    Hot Crab Dip

    August 15, 2024 by Keto Cooking Christian Leave a Comment

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, see Disclosure.
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    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.

    Hot Crab Dip with cucumber dipped in
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    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Crab Dip Recipe
    • 🛒 Ingredients for Hot Crab Dip
    • 🔪 How to Make Keto Crab Dip
    • ☑️ Storage Instructions
    • 🍴 Delicious Ways to Serve with Baked Crab Dip
    • 💡 Tips for Making Crab Dip
    • 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
    • Is Crab Okay on Keto?
    • Is Imitation Crab Okay On Keto?
    • Can I Make This Hot Dip in Advance?
    • What Should I Do if the Dip Seems Too Thick?
    • 🍽️ More Keto Appetizer Recipes

    ❤️ 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 
    Hot Crab Dip in white casserole with some missing

    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.

    Hot Crab Dip being scooped by carrot stick with cucumbers in background

    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.

    cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream in glass bowl unmixed

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

    Hot Crab Dip ingredients in mixing bowl unmixed

    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.

    snow crab legs meat in glass bowl

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

    Hot Crab Dip ingredients, mozzarella, scallions and crab meat in glass bowl

    Add the crab meat, ⅔ of the mozzarella cheese and scallions into the cream cheese dip mixture.

    Hot Crab Dip in glass bowl with red spoon

    Gently fold together, just until combined.

    Hot Crab Dip in white oval casserole unbaked

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

    Hot Crab Dip in white oval casserole unbaked with shredded mozzarella cheese

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

    Hot Crab Dip with crackers, carrot sticks and cucumber slices around

    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.
    Hot Crab Dip in white oval casserole with keto crackers on side

    💡 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.
    Hot Crab Dip with cucumber dipped in

    🔄 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.
    Hot Crab Dip being scooped by carrot stick with cucumbers in background

    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.

    overhead view of Hot Crab Dip with carrots, crackers and cucumbers around

    🍽️ 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
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    FREE 20 EASY KETO RECIPES EBOOK

    DOWNLOAD NOW
    Hot Crab Dip with cucumber dipped in

    Hot Crab Dip

    This quick and easy Hot Crab Dip recipe features fresh tender crab meat in a creamy cheese sauce, baked until hot and bubbly.
    No ratings yet
    Author: Julianne
    Servings 8
    Print Pin
    Save RecipeSaved!
    PREP 10 minutes mins
    COOK 25 minutes mins
    TOTAL 35 minutes mins

    Ingredients
     

    • 8 ounces cooked crab meat, shredded
    • 12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
    • 1 ⅓ cups mozzarella cheese, divided
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • ⅓ cup sour cream
    • 1 clove garlic, grated
    • 1 tablespoon scallions, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
    • zest of 1 lemon
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375°F.
    • Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, hot sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl.
    • Mix using a hand mixer until well combined.
    • Shred your crab meat, making sure there are no shells. I used the meat from my snow crab legs recipe, but you can use lump or jumbo crab meat if you’d like.
    • Add the crab meat, ⅔ 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.

    *Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.

    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Calories 342kcal
    Nutrition Facts
    Hot Crab Dip
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    342
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    31
    g
    48
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    14
    g
    88
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    3
    g
    1
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    14
    g
    28
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    *Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.

    © Copyright for Keto Cooking Christian LLC. Please use the share buttons to share on social media, but please do not copy/paste the recipe.

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    Filed Under: Appetizers, Posts, Recipes, Seafood

    Bible verse of the day

    For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
    Matthew 5:18

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    Julianne Walser KCC

    I'm Julianne, welcome! I offer tasty and indulgent Keto and Low Carb recipes that will never leave you feeling deprived!

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