Cream cheese dips are a versatile and delicious addition to any gathering, and they can easily be adapted to fit a ketogenic lifestyle. This article explores various keto cream cheese dip recipes, offering options for both sweet and savory cravings. We'll cover the basic ingredients, variations, serving suggestions, and storage tips to ensure your keto dip is a hit!
Why Keto Cream Cheese Dip?
Keto cream cheese dips are popular for several reasons:
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: They primarily use cream cheese and other low-carb ingredients, making them suitable for those following a ketogenic diet.
- Simple Ingredients: Most recipes require only a few readily available ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: Many dips can be prepared in just a few minutes.
- Versatile: They can be customized with various flavors and add-ins to suit different tastes.
- Guest-Friendly: Many keto cream cheese dips taste so good that no one can tell they are different from the original.
Sweet Keto Cream Cheese Dips
Basic Keto Fruit Dip
This simple recipe uses just three main ingredients and is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while staying within your carb limits.
Ingredients:
- Softened Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy base with a cheesecake-like flavor. Use a block of cream cheese, not the spread, for the best texture. Soften it slightly before using so there are no lumps in the dip.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds structure and makes the dip light and fluffy.
- Allulose: A sugar-free sweetener that dissolves well and leaves no aftertaste.
Optional Ingredient:
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet depth of flavor.
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, allulose, and pure vanilla until creamy.
- Add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low until incorporated. Do not over-beat.
Variations and Add-ins
- Classic Marshmallow Flavor: Add Marshmallow Stevia (to taste) for a classic marshmallow fruit dip flavor.
- Chocolate: Beat in 2 Tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Taste and add more allulose, if needed.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in ⅓ cup of sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Raspberry: Add raspberries for a fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Dips:
- Low-Carb Fruits: Serve with strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Other Keto-Friendly Options: Use keto crackers or even pork rinds for a sweet and savory combination.
Is Fruit Keto-Friendly?
While many fruits are high in carbs and sugar, some low-carb fruits can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet. These include:
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Lemons
- Blackberries
Sweetener Substitutions
While allulose is highly recommended for its lack of aftertaste, you can substitute it with ½ to ⅓ cup of powdered erythritol, such as Swerve or Lakanto. However, be aware that powdered erythritol may not completely dissolve and can impart a cooling-like aftertaste.
Read also: Sweet and Savory Keto Cream Cheese
Savory Keto Cream Cheese Dips
Cold Keto Spinach Dip
This creamy, cheesy dip is loaded with fresh spinach and makes a perfect appetizer for parties or game days.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Spinach: Cooked and squeezed dry. (Or use 14 oz. of frozen spinach.)
- Full-Fat Softened Cream Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Mayonnaise
- Black Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Chopped Fresh Green Onion
- Parmesan Cheese
Instructions:
- Place fresh spinach in a large skillet. Heat over medium heat until wilted, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and cool.
- Place softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add sour cream and mayo and mix with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Blend until well combined.
- Add chopped green onion and parmesan cheese and blend at low speed until smooth.
- Wrap the spinach in a paper towel and squeeze out excess water. Place spinach on a cutting board and chop it with a knife.
- Add the chopped spinach to the cream cheese mixture and stir in with a spoon or spatula.
- Transfer the creamy spinach dip to a serving container. Top with extra chopped green onion if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Million Dollar Dip (Keto-Friendly)
This flavorful dip is packed with bacon, cheese, and savory seasonings.
Ingredients:
- Thick Cut Bacon
- Smoked Gouda
- Cheddar Cheese
- Green Onions
- Slivered Almonds
- Mayonnaise
- Smoked Paprika
- Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix well.
- Spoon into a serving bowl and top with reserved bacon and green onion.
- Serve with pork rinds, buttery crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Everything Seasoning Cream Cheese Dip
This quick and healthy dip is perfect for last-minute gatherings and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients:
- Cultured Cream Cheese (softened)
- Cultured Sour Cream
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
- Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
Instructions:
- Add cream cheese and sour cream to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment or to a medium-size mixing bowl and use a hand mixer.
- Whip for 1 minute, until fluffy.
- Add the Everything Seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whip for another minute.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional Everything Seasoning.
Pizza Dip
This keto pizza dip makes the perfect healthy snack or quick cheesy party appetizer. It uses cream cheese, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
- Cream cheese mixture (cream cheese, sour cream, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder)
- Pizza sauce
- Pepperoni
- Shredded mozzarella
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the cream cheese mixture ingredients in a bowl and spread onto the bottom of a 9 inch baking pan.
- Top with pizza sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Layer pepperoni on top of sauce whole or chopped up in pieces.
- Bake the low carb dip for 15 minutes.
- Once cooked, top with a cheese layer of shredded mozzarella and place it back into the oven for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm in the baking dish or in a bowl.
Serving Suggestions for Savory Dips:
- Vegetables: Colorful peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, zucchini, cucumber, and jicama.
- Keto Crackers: A great alternative to traditional crackers.
- Pork Rinds: Provide a satisfying crunch and are zero net carbs.
- Keto Bread: Fresh keto bread that has been toasted makes a great vessel for keto recipes.
Tips for the Best Keto Cream Cheese Dip
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the packaging and set it out for 30 to 60 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften before using. This will ensure a smooth and lump-free dip.
- Mix Well: Use a mixer to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the dip is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings or sweetener as needed to suit your preferences.
- Make Ahead: Many dips taste better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together, so consider making them a few hours or even a day in advance.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
- Freeze: Keep in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Note that freezing may alter the texture of dips containing mayonnaise or sour cream.
Is Cream Cheese Low-Carb?
Yes, cream cheese is generally okay to include in your keto lifestyle. Traditional cream cheese dip for veggies is considered low-carb because it uses cream cheese and sour cream, which are relatively low in carbohydrates. Many keto cream cheese dips have less than 2 g net carbs per serving.
Read also: Easy Keto Mac and Cheese Recipe
Other Keto-Friendly Appetizers to Serve Alongside Dips
- Cauliflower Hummus
- Keto Mozzarella Sticks
- Deviled Eggs
- Herbs de Provence Marinated Olives
- Fresh Burrata Caprese Salad
Read also: Your Guide to Keto Creamed Spinach