For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, finding satisfying and compliant snacks and appetizers can sometimes be a challenge. Dips are a fantastic way to add flavor and variety to your keto diet, whether you're looking for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a get-together. This article explores a range of keto-friendly dip recipes and serving suggestions to keep your taste buds happy and your carb count low.
Cream Cheese Dip: A Keto Staple
Cream cheese forms the base for many delicious keto dips due to its low carb content and creamy texture. Traditional cream cheese dips for veggies are considered low-carb because they primarily use cream cheese and sour cream, both relatively low in carbohydrates.
Simple Keto Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This recipe is incredibly quick to make, ready in just 2 minutes, but tastes best when the dried spices have had a chance to meld together. It's absolutely rich and creamy with a smooth finish, using simple, readily available ingredients. It’s also a crowd-pleaser and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Cream cheese
- Granulated garlic
- Granulated onion
- Dried parsley
- Dried chives
Instructions:
- Place all the ingredients into a medium sized bowl.
- Mix the cream cheese and ingredients well with a fork. Use a silicone spatula to scrape out from the bowl.
- For the best results, let the dip sit for a couple of hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for Creaminess:
- If your cream cheese dip comes out too thick, add in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream, mixing well after each addition.
- If you don't have heavy cream, add 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream, mixing and adjusting as needed.
- If neither of the above helps, let the dip come closer to room temperature, as it may simply be too cold.
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
The easy cream cheese dip will still turn out great with these ingredient substitutions:
- Cream cheese: Try Neufchatel cheese, which is similar to cream cheese.
- Granulated garlic: Definitely try some roasted garlic for a fantastic earthy flavor. Add a bit of minced garlic if you like the punch of raw garlic.
- Granulated onion: Replace with less onion powder or dried minced onion.
- Dried parsley: Use fresh parsley (double the amount), dried basil, or even dried dill.
- Dried chives: Use double the amount of fresh chives and about the same amount of minced green onion or dried cilantro.
Additional Ingredients:
- Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, oregano, cilantro, basil, chives, or thyme works great.
- Heat: Dust the top with cayenne, pepper flakes, chipotle, or hot paprika.
5-Layer Keto Dip
For a more elaborate and layered dip, consider a keto-friendly take on the classic 7-layer bean dip. This 5-layer version is perfect for parties and gatherings.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients:
- 20 oz Guacamole
- 4 oz Cream cheese
- 4 oz Mayonnaise
- 8 oz Sour Cream
- 2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 16 oz Salsa
- 10 oz Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 4 oz Green Onions, Diced
Instructions:
- Start by combining the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix until smooth.
- Chop up the green onions.
- Using a medium sized casserole dish, start by spreading out the guacamole on the bottom (Layer 1).
- Then carefully spread the sour cream mixture over top of the guac (Layer 2).
- Now spread the salsa over the sour cream mixture (Layer 3).
- Add the cheese (Layer 4).
- Top with green onions (Layer 5).
- This is best if you let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour and up to 24 for the flavors to intermingle.
Keto BLT Dip
This homemade keto dip recipe will actually last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the blt dip covered tightly and cold. This fabulous BLT Dip has the flavors of a BLT sandwich in dip form. Combine 1/3 of the bacon with the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, cheddar, and seasonings. Mix in a deep dish pie plate. Sprinkle on the lettuce, tomato, and the rest of the bacon.
Ingredients:
- Bacon
- Cream Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Cheddar Cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Mix together 1/3 of the bacon along with the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Spread the mixture in a deep-dish pie plate or pie pan and top with lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon.
Other Keto Dip Recipes
Here are a few more keto dip ideas to explore:
- Keto Dill Dip: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar (or dill pickle juice), and dill for a herby and flavorful dip.
- Keto Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy dressing that can be used as a dip for salads and veggies.
- Wow your guests with this keto whipped ricotta + marinated tomato dip: A simple, creamy low carb dip recipe that can be prepped ahead of time.
What to Dip: Keto-Friendly Dipper Ideas
It’s easy to get hung up on what to dip in your tasty low carb dip. The classics are crackers and chips but those tend to be high in carbs. You can use any type of low-carb crackers, chips, or veggie bites for dipping.
- Vegetables: Celery sticks, cucumber sticks, broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and sweet and spicy roasted carrots.
- Pork Rinds: A crunchy and salty alternative to traditional chips. Add chile powder to the pork rinds and then scoop up some dip.
- Keto Crackers and Chips: Look for almond flour-based or other low-carb cracker options.
- Fathead Dough: Make pita chips using low carb pita from Joseph’s
The Benefits of Making Your Own Keto Dips
Finding all the keto versions of store-bought dips and sauces can be so pricey. The regular dill dip mixes or premade store bought dips are often filled with extra ingredients like preservatives and sugar. Making your own dips allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they are low in carbs and free from unwanted additives. Plus, homemade dips often taste better and can be customized to your liking.
Storage Tips
For storage purposes, this needs to be refrigerated. As far as longevity is concerned, I've eaten this dip up to about a week after I've made it. You can store leftover keto dill dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
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