I whip up this creamy, savory dip when I’m craving all the flavors of crab rangoon without the fuss of wrappers. I fold tender crab into a silky, garlicky cheese base, add a pop of lemon and pimentos for brightness, and bake until it turns melty and golden on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love that this dip is rich yet light on carbs, comes together in one bowl, and bakes in just 20 minutes. I can use fresh, lump, or canned crab, and I keep the flavor balanced with coconut aminos, a hint of sweetness, and a squeeze of lemon. I serve it hot with low-carb dippers and it always disappears fast.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups crab meat (lump, claw, or well-drained canned)
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1 tablespoon finely sliced green onions
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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2 teaspoons mayonnaise
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2 teaspoons coconut aminos
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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1/4 teaspoon stevia
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1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
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1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×4-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, I combine the crab, green onions, cream cheese, mayonnaise, coconut aminos, lemon juice, stevia, pimentos, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. I add 1/2 cup of the mozzarella and mix until evenly distributed.
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I spread the mixture into the prepared dish, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top, and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden at the edges.
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I let the dip stand 5 minutes to set slightly, then I serve warm with keto-friendly dippers.
Servings and timing
I make 8 servings.
Prep: 5 minutes • Cook: 20 minutes • Total: 25 minutes
Per serving (approximate): 180 calories; 4g total carbs; 2g net carbs; 14g fat; 12g protein.
Variations
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Extra-cheesy: I fold in 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan with the mozzarella for deeper, salty richness.
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Spicy kick: I stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Herby upgrade: I add 1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley for fresh lift.
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Bacon-crisp: I sprinkle 2 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon over the top before baking.
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Dairy tweak: I swap part of the cream cheese for sour cream (2 to 3 tablespoons) when I want a looser, tangier dip.
storage/reheating
I cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the dip in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly, or I microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals. I avoid freezing because cream cheese can turn grainy after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab?
I can— I drain it very well and gently fold it in. If I have the option, I prefer lump crab for the best texture.
What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
I use tamari or soy sauce if carbs and gluten aren’t concerns, or I combine 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce with a pinch of sweetener for a similar savory note.
How do I keep the dip keto when serving?
I serve it with cucumber rounds, celery sticks, mini bell pepper scoops, pork rinds, parmesan crisps, or almond-flour crackers.
Can I make this ahead?
I assemble the dip (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When I’m ready, I bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes until hot in the center.
How do I avoid a greasy or separated dip?
I start with fully softened cream cheese, mix thoroughly, and avoid overbaking. If I see oil pooling, I give the dip a quick stir after it rests and it comes back together.
Conclusion
I reach for this Keto Crab Rangoon Dip whenever I want a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s simple to make and big on flavor. I stir, bake, and bring a hot, cheesy dish to the table that satisfies the rangoon craving while keeping my carbs in check.
Print
Keto Crab Rangoon Dip
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, cheesy, low-carb dip that delivers all the savory flavors of crab rangoon without the wrappers—perfect for parties, game day, or a quick keto-friendly appetizer.
Ingredients
2 cups crab meat (lump, claw, or well-drained canned)
1 tbsp finely sliced green onions
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tsp mayonnaise
2 tsp coconut aminos
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 tsp stevia
1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×4-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix crab meat, green onions, cream cheese, mayonnaise, coconut aminos, lemon juice, stevia, pimentos, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella until evenly combined.
- Spread mixture into prepared dish, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, and bake 20 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden at the edges.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with keto-friendly dippers.
Notes
Use lump crab for best texture, but canned works if well-drained.
For extra cheesiness, fold Parmesan into the mix.
Add chili-garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Serve with cucumber slices, celery, pork rinds, or almond-flour crackers to keep it keto.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dip
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg