Creamy Hot Crab Dip (Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free) Recipe
Introduction
This creamy hot crab dip is a deliciously rich appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. It’s low carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets without sacrificing flavor. Serve it warm with your favorite dippers for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese (softened, 1 ½ blocks)
- 6 green onions (finely chopped)
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise (¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
- 2 (6-ounce) cans crabmeat (12 ounces total, drained)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (or shredded mozzarella, divided)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Crackers, chips, celery, or crostini (for serving, see Notes)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° C).
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped green onions, mayonnaise, drained crabmeat, garlic powder, salt, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until very well combined.
- Step 3: Spread the mixture into a small 6-inch cast-iron skillet or a 1-quart baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven or until the dip is bubbly.
- Step 5: Turn the broiler on and broil until the cheese on top is browned in spots, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving, as the dip will be very hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- Use mozzarella cheese if you prefer a milder, stretchier topping instead of sharp cheddar.
- Drain the crabmeat well to avoid excess moisture that could make the dip runny.
- Serve with celery sticks or low-carb crackers for a keto-friendly option.
Storage
Store leftover crab dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350° F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating to keep the texture creamy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crab instead of canned crabmeat?
Yes, fresh cooked crab meat can be used as a substitute. Be sure it’s fully drained and flaked. The flavor will be even better, but canned crabmeat is a convenient and tasty option.
Is this dip suitable for keto and low-carb diets?
Absolutely. The dip is low in carbs and keto-friendly due to its high fat and protein content, especially when served with keto-approved dippers like celery or low-carb crackers.
PrintCreamy Hot Crab Dip (Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free) Recipe
This Creamy Hot Crab Dip is a delicious low carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Made with cream cheese, fresh green onions, mayonnaise, and tender crabmeat, this dip bakes to bubbly perfection topped with melted cheddar cheese. Serve it warm with crackers, chips, celery, or crostini for a savory seafood delight that’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese (softened, about 1 ½ blocks)
- 6 green onions (finely chopped)
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise (¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
- 2 cans crabmeat (6 ounces each, 12 ounces total, drained)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (or shredded mozzarella, divided)
For Serving
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Crackers, chips, celery, or crostini
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius) to prepare it for baking the crab dip.
- Mix the dip ingredients. In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese, finely chopped green onions, mayonnaise, drained crabmeat, garlic powder, salt, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Prepare the baking dish. Spread the crab mixture evenly into a small 6-inch cast-iron skillet or a 1-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the dip. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and heated through.
- Broil to brown the cheese. Turn on the oven broiler and broil the dip just until the cheese on top develops golden brown spots for a delicious crust.
- Let it rest. Carefully remove the hot crab dip from the oven and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to avoid burns and let flavors meld.
Notes
- Drain the crabmeat well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
- Serve with low-carb crackers or fresh celery sticks to keep the dish keto-friendly.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
Keywords: crab dip, keto crab dip, low carb appetizer, gluten free crab dip, hot seafood dip, creamy crab dip

