Easy Boat Dip Recipe
Heading to the beach, lake, or just hanging out on the back porch? This easy Boat Dip recipe is the perfect snack to bring along. It takes just 10 minutes to make, travels like a dream, and is guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at the party. Grab your chips and dive in because summer snacking is ready to make a splash!
Get The Scoop!
- Quick and Easy: Make it in just 10 minutes with minimal effort and only 5 ingredients.
- Travels Well: Perfect for packing in a cooler and taking along for outdoor activities.
- Crowd Pleaser: It’s always a hit, no leftovers guaranteed!
What is Boat Dip?
Boat Dip got its name for being super easy to make and take to outdoor gatherings, especially by the water. This summertime dip went viral as a popular TikTok video, and now it’s all the rage!
I love to pack this Ro-tel dip recipe for picnics because it’s simple to throw together in 10 minutes. Since it’s also versatile, my favorite add-ons are chopped cilantro, diced green onions and a can of sweet corn!
Need more dips for outdoor fun? Bring along Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce and Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip. All that’s left to do is grab your favorite chips, pack your cooler, and jump in the lake!
What You’ll Need
You’ll need the following items to make this easy boat dip! To view quantities, check out the recipe card below.
- cream cheese, softened
- sour cream, full fat or light
- Ro-tel tomatoes, drained
- sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- taco seasoning, homemade or store bought
- chopped mini sweet peppers and extra shredded cheddar, for garnish
Step by Step Instructions
- Beat the Cream Cheese: Add softened cream cheese to a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. (Tip: You can also use a food processor to make it extra smooth.)
- Mix Everything Together: Stir in the sour cream, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning. Blend until combined but still a little chunky.
- Garnish: Top with chopped mini sweet peppers and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for a colorful finish.
- Serve: Pair with tortilla chips and sliced mini sweet peppers for the ultimate dipping experience.
Favorite Pairings
- Dippers: Tortilla chips, Fritos, or crunchy sliced mini sweet peppers.
- Dip Duo: Offer a sweet dip like Cheesecake Fruit Dip alongside Boat Dip to satisfy every craving.
Make It Yours
🌶️ Add More Spice: Love heat? Stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
🌽 Add Veggies: Mix in a can of sweet corn or black beans for a heartier version.
😀 Lighten it Up: Use low-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese instead of the regular versions for a lighter dip.
Dip Tips
- Drain the Ro-tel: Extra liquid can water down the dip, so be sure to drain the canned tomatoes thoroughly.
- Soften the Cream Cheese Fully: Soft cream cheese blends more easily and prevents lumps, giving your dip that perfect creamy texture.
- Chill Before Serving: For best flavor, let the dip chill in the fridge for about an hour after mixing – it helps the flavors blend well!
Recipe FAQs
Boat Dip is designed to be served chilled for best results. Since it contains cream cheese, you can definitely bake it, but it’s easier to pack for the beach if it’s cold.
Freezing is not recommended. Due to the dairy content, the texture may become grainy once thawed.
Storage Notes
- Make it ahead and store in an airtight container up to 2 days in advance.
- Store leftover Boat Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again!
Easy Boat Dip Recipe
*See notes in post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- hand mixer
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese - (softened)
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 10 ounce can Ro-Tel - (tomatoes and green chiles)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese - (shredded)
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning - (equals 3 tablespoons)
Garnish
- shredded cheddar and chopped mini sweet peppers - (optional)
Dippers
- tortilla chips and sliced mini sweet peppers - (optional)
Instructions
- Add softened cream cheese to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer until creamy. You can also use a food processor or blender.8 ounces cream cheese
- Stir in the sour cream, drained Ro-tel, sharp cheddar cheese and taco seasoning. Mix until blended but still chunky.16 ounces sour cream,10 ounce can Ro-Tel,8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese,1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- Garnish with chopped mini sweet peppers and shredded cheddar if desired.shredded cheddar and chopped mini sweet peppers
- Serve with tortilla chips and sliced mini sweet peppers for dipping.tortilla chips and sliced mini sweet peppers
Notes
- Make ahead up to 2 days in advance.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Boat Dip cannot be frozen due to the high dairy content.
Nutrition
*Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
this looks extremly yummy and I am excited to tear into it.
Thanks, Josh! Can’t wait for you to tell me what you think!
Great recipe and very easy to make! My family loved it!
So happy to hear that Lisa! Yay!