Creamy Hot Crab Dip is the ultimate warm and cheesy appetizer for parties, holidays, game days, or casual family gatherings. This rich seafood dip combines tender crabmeat, cream cheese, and melted cheese into a deliciously creamy dish that’s naturally low carb, keto-friendly, and gluten free. Whether served with celery sticks, low-carb crackers, or fresh vegetables, this crowd-pleasing dip disappears fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and loaded with crab flavor
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
- Naturally low carb and keto friendly
- Perfect for entertaining and holiday gatherings
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Gluten-free and family-friendly
- Great make-ahead appetizer option
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 green onions, finely chopped
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 12 ounces canned crabmeat, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese, divided
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Crackers, chips, celery sticks, or crostini for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped green onions, mayonnaise, crabmeat, garlic powder, salt, and ½ cup shredded cheese.
- Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a 6-inch cast-iron skillet or a 1-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the Creamy Hot Crab Dip is bubbling around the edges.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese develops golden-brown spots.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dip to rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use lump crabmeat for a more luxurious texture.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften fully for easier mixing.
- White cheddar adds a sharper flavor, while mozzarella creates a stretchier texture.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of sour cream.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the dip creamy and smooth.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Low Carb, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free
Notes
- Serve with celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or keto crackers for a low-carb option.
- Toasted crostini and pita chips work well for guests who are not following a keto diet.
- Fresh crab can be substituted for canned crabmeat.
- Leftovers can be used as a topping for baked potatoes or stuffed mushrooms.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 255
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbs: 3g
FAQ
Can I make Creamy Hot Crab Dip ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Is this crab dip keto friendly?
Yes. This keto crab dip contains very few carbohydrates and fits well into a low-carb lifestyle.
Can I freeze hot crab dip?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What cheese works best in hot crab dip?
White cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère all work beautifully.
Can I use imitation crab?
You can, but real crabmeat provides superior flavor and texture. Imitation crab is also higher in carbohydrates.
What should I serve with hot crab dip?
Celery sticks, cucumber slices, low-carb crackers, toasted baguette slices, and vegetable sticks are all excellent choices.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating:
Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Hot Crab Dip (Low Carb Keto)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- 6 green onions finely chopped
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 12 ounces canned crabmeat drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese divided
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Crackers chips, celery sticks, or crostini for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped green onions, mayonnaise, crabmeat, garlic powder, salt, and ½ cup shredded cheese.
- Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a 6-inch cast-iron skillet or a 1-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the Creamy Hot Crab Dip is bubbling around the edges.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese develops golden-brown spots.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dip to rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or keto crackers for a low-carb option.
- Toasted crostini and pita chips work well for guests who are not following a keto diet.
- Fresh crab can be substituted for canned crabmeat.
- Leftovers can be used as a topping for baked potatoes or stuffed mushrooms.
Conclusion
This Creamy Hot Crab Dip is the perfect combination of rich seafood flavor, melted cheese, and creamy texture. Easy to prepare and naturally low carb, keto, and gluten free, it’s an impressive appetizer that works for everything from holiday celebrations to casual gatherings. Serve it warm and watch it become the first dish to disappear.