Keto Trash Dip

Yield: 8 servings
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Low (Minimal active cooking, mostly assembly and baking)
Lasts: Up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Best served warm. Reheats well in the oven or microwave.

Description: Don’t let the name fool you—this “trash” is pure treasure! A beloved party classic gets a delicious, guilt-free keto makeover. This dip is the epitome of comfort food: a creamy, cheesy, savory base loaded with flavorful mix-ins, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the perfect centerpiece for game day, potlucks, or any gathering where you want a dish that’s sure to disappear fast. Serve it with low-carb dippers for a snack that fits your lifestyle without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream

• 1/2 cup (120ml) high-quality mayonnaise

• 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

• 4 oz (115g) diced cooked ham (about 3/4 cup)

• 4 oz (115g) cooked spicy Italian sausage, crumbled

• 1/2 cup (75g) diced green bell pepper

• 1/3 cup (50g) diced red onion

• 1 (4.25 oz / 120g) can sliced black olives, drained

• 1 (4 oz / 115g) can diced green chiles, drained

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Salt, to taste (caution: ham, olives, and sausage add saltiness)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onion tops, for garnish

For Serving (Keto-Friendly Options):

• Pork rinds

• Celery sticks

• Bell pepper strips

• Cucumber rounds

• Cheese crisps (whisps or homemade)

• Low-carb tortilla chips, lightly toasted

Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat (Time: 5 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take this time to ensure your cream cheese is truly softened at room temperature—this is key for a smooth dip. Gather all your ingredients and do your dicing and measuring. This “mise en place” makes the assembly quick and easy.

2. Create the Creamy Base (Time: 5 minutes)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat these together until completely smooth and well-integrated, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.

3. Mix in the “Trash” (Time: 5 minutes)

To the creamy base, add 1 cup each of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses (reserving the remaining 1/2 cup of each for the topping). Add the diced ham, crumbled sausage, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and green chiles. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.

Using a spatula, fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture. Taste (with a keto-friendly dipper!) and add a pinch of salt only if needed, remembering the saltiness of the mix-ins.

4. Bake to Perfection (Time: 25-30 minutes)

Transfer the dip mixture to a 9-inch pie dish, a small oven-safe skillet, or a 1.5-quart baking dish. Spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheddar and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling vigorously around the edges and the cheese topping is melted and has developed golden-brown spots.

5. Serve & Enjoy (Time: 5 minutes)

Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to scoop. Garnish generously with the chopped fresh chives or green onions. Serve immediately while warm and gooey, surrounded by your chosen selection of keto-friendly dippers.

Chef’s Notes & Variations

• Protein Swaps: Feel free to use cooked, crumbled bacon, diced pepperoni, or rotisserie chicken in place of the ham or sausage.

• Spice Level: For a kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix or use hot pepper jack cheese.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Try adding finely chopped broccoli, spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), or jalapeños.

• Texture Tip: For a super-crispy top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dip (without the final cheese topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, add the topping, and bake as directed, possibly adding 5 extra minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approximately 1/2 cup of dip)

Note: Nutrition calculated for dip only, excluding dippers.

• Calories: 455 kcal

• Total Fat: 42g

• Saturated Fat: 19g

• Protein: 16g

• Total Carbohydrates: 5g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Net Carbs: 4g

• Sugars: 2g

• Cholesterol: 105mg

• Sodium: 780mg