Boat Dip Recipe (Rotel Ranch Dip)
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor, this easy Boat Dip recipe is the ultimate no-fuss crowd-pleaser. Perfect for scooping with chips or veggies, it’s ready in minutes and made for sunny days and laid-back snacking.
This creamy, party-ready rotel dip recipe is a fun twist on the viral TikTok dish – and it’s easy to see why it’s become so popular. With just a handful of simple ingredients and no cooking required, you can whip up this mouth-watering dip for summer parties, lazy weekends, or spontaneous get-togethers by the water. Whether you’re headed to the lake, beach, or just hanging out on your patio, this dip is a guaranteed winner.
One of the things I love the most about this rotel ranch dip, apart from the incredible flavor, is how effortless it is to make. Just mix everything in a bowl and you’re done! It’s rich and tangy thanks to the sour cream and ranch dressing, with a punch of flavor and spice from taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Scoop it up with everything from tortilla chips and veggies to crackers and Fritos.
Make this Boat dip ahead and chill it until you’re ready to serve, allowing all the flavors to intensity as they blend together. If you love this type of dip, you’ll also want to try Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip and Ranch Beer Cheese Dip.
Why is it called “Boat dip?”
This boat dip gets its fun name from its laid-back, grab-and-go snacking quality – perfect for days spent on the water, at the beach, or anywhere outdoors. It’s easy to mix up, easy to pack, and even easier to enjoy with chips – no utensils or reheating required!
With its creamy texture and bold, tangy flavor, this rotel dip recipe is the kind of snack that fits right in at summer gatherings, whether you’re floating on a boat or just chilling on the patio.
Ingredients needed to make Boat dip
- Sour cream: The creamy, tangy base that gives this dip its smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Rotel tomatoes: Add mild heat, bright flavor, and chunky texture. Be sure to drain them well to keep the dip thick and scoopable.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold, cheesy goodness. For the best flavor, grate it yourself. Colby-Jack, Mexican blend, or mild cheddar also work beautifully.
- Ranch dressing: Brings herbaceous, savory notes that tie everything together. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade version.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the dip with a zesty, spicy kick. For a lighter option, go with a reduced-sodium blend.
- Potato Chips: Ruffles are my go-to for their sturdy crunch, but tortilla chips work just as well for dipping.
- Scallions: For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle thinly sliced scallions on top. It adds a pop of color and a mild oniony bite.
How do you make Boat dip?
Combine the dip ingredients:
- Add everything except the chips and scallions to a medium size bowl and stir until evenly combined.
Chill the dip:
- Transfer the dip to the fridge to chill for 2-3 hours, covered.
Garnish and serve:
- Stir the chilled dip well just before serving.
- Top the dip with finely diced scallions and serve it alongside ruffled (sturdy) potato chips!
Serving
Tortilla chips are the classic choice for scooping up this creamy, cheesy dip, but there’s plenty of room to mix things up. Ridged potato chips like Ruffles add a salty crunch, while pretzels bring a satisfying snap.
For a lighter, low-carb option, pair Boat dip with fresh veggies like celery, carrots, bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or even pickles. You can even turn it into a full crudités platter. Check out these 7 Tips to a Delicious Crudités Platter for inspiration!
Crackers and pita chips offer a sturdy, neutral base, while Fritos Scoops bring bold flavor and the perfect shape for piling on the dip.
And don’t forget a refreshing drink to go with it. A crisp pear martini, with its light sweetness and hint of citrus, pairs beautifully. You can also keep things fun and fruity with a chilled summer sangria to balance the dip’s richness.
Sandy’s tips and substitutions:
- Storage: Store leftover Boat dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip as the creamy texture can change.
- Extra heat: Use fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes and green chilies if you want to level up your spice game! It also provides a delicious smokey profile to this taco dip.
- Double the recipe: Make a double batch of this Boat dip when serving a larger crowd – perfect for your holiday parties and summer gatherings.
- Chill the dip: This dip must be chilled for 2-3 hours before serving to help it thicken and for the flavors to meld together. Always place the dip back into the fridge when not using it for an extended time due to its creamy base.
- Thickness: If you want a thicker, richer dip, make this ranch dip with cream cheese and reduce the sour cream in the recipe.
- Rotel: Chunky salsa can be used instead of Rotel, if you prefer.
- Mix-ins: Give this dip added texture and more hearty flavor by including fire-roasted corn, black beans, shredded chicken, chopped bacon, or browned ground beef or sausage.
More sensational dip recipes you may want to try:
Get the Recipe:
Creamy Boat Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 oz Sour Cream
- 10 oz Original Rotel, drained
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded
- 1 oz Dry Ranch Seasoning
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- Ruffels Potato Chips for serving
- ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions, about 2 medium (optional)
Instructions
- Add everything except the chips and scallions to a medium size bowl and stir until evenly combined.
- Transfer the dip to the fridge to chill for 2-3 hours, covered.
- Stir the chilled dip well just before serving.
- Top the dip with finely diced scallions and serve it alongside ruffled (sturdy) potato chips!
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
