Low Sodium Crab Dip

Low Sodium Crab Dip
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Traditional crab dips often include high-sodium ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, and cheese. This version uses fresh lemon, herbs, and low-sodium alternatives to create a flavorful dip that’s still indulgent. It’s perfect for pairing with unsalted crackers, celery sticks, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Ingredients Needed

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese: Use low sodium or reduced-fat if preferred.
  • ⅓ cup sour cream: Adds creaminess without salt.
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise: Choose low sodium mayo for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium ketchup (or homemade): Mild sweetness without extra salt.
  • 2 teaspoons low sodium Worcestershire sauce (or omit): Adds depth without high sodium.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh flavor without salt.
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Fresh acidity to brighten the dip.
  • 2 teaspoons sodium-free seafood seasoning: Replace Old Bay with a no-salt blend.
  • 2 teaspoons paprika (unsmoked): Adds color and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (low sodium): Optional for mild heat.
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For depth without salt.
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adjust to taste.
  • 6 ounces shredded white Cheddar cheese, divided: Use low-sodium cheese if available.
  • ½ cup sliced green onions: Mild freshness.
  • 1 pound lump crab meat: Fresh or pasteurized, drained.

How To Make Low Sodium Crab Dip

Mix the Base:
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic, lemon zest and juice, seafood seasoning, paprika, hot sauce, pepper, cayenne, and 4 ounces of cheese until smooth.

Add Crab and Onions:
Fold in green onions and crab meat gently to avoid breaking up the crab.

Bake the Dip:
Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Low Sodium Crab Dip
Low Sodium Crab Dip

Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh lump crab (not canned) to keep sodium low.
  • Replace Old Bay with a no-salt seafood seasoning like homemade paprika, celery seed, and thyme.
  • For extra creaminess, add plain Greek yogurt (low sodium) instead of mayo.
  • Serve with unsalted crackers or sliced veggies to stay low sodium.
  • Make ahead: Prepare dip and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

How to Store & Reheat

  • Room Temperature: Serve immediately; do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
  • Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warm.
  • Freezer: Not recommended; cream cheese may separate when thawed.

Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp serving)

  • Calories: ~90
  • Sodium: ~70 mg (with low sodium swaps)
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 2 g
  • Fibre: 0 g
  • Sugar: 1 g

FAQs

Is crab naturally low sodium?
Fresh crab is naturally lower in sodium than canned or imitation crab, making it better for low sodium diets.

What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?
A blend of paprika, celery seed, thyme, and garlic powder makes a good sodium-free alternative.

Can I make this dip dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan sour cream, and omit cheese or use dairy-free shreds.

Can I serve this dip cold?
Yes, it can be chilled and served as a cold dip, though it’s traditionally served warm.

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Low Sodium Crab Dip

Recipe by Evelyn ReedCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

24

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

90

kcal

A creamy, cheesy crab dip with bold flavor but minimal salt, perfect for heart-healthy entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

  • ⅓ cup sour cream

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp low sodium ketchup

  • 2 tsp low sodium Worcestershire sauce (optional)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

  • 2 tsp sodium-free seafood seasoning

  • 2 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp low sodium hot sauce (optional)

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

  • 6 oz shredded low sodium white Cheddar cheese, divided

  • ½ cup sliced green onions

  • 1 lb fresh lump crab meat

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic, lemon, seafood seasoning, paprika, hot sauce, pepper, cayenne, and 4 oz cheese.
  • Gently fold in crab and green onions.
  • Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  • Let rest 10 minutes, garnish with extra onions if desired, and serve with unsalted crackers or veggies.

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