What the Heck is This?
Boat Dip, also known as Rotel Ranch Dip, is the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for game day, backyard parties, or casual hangouts. Creamy, zesty, and packed with just the right amount of spice, it’s a ridiculously easy dip made with ranch seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and a few simple mix-ins. It gets its fun name because it’s a go-to favorite for lake days, boat parties, and casual gatherings when you want something fast, satisfying, and addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s insanely easy to throw together with just a handful of ingredients.
You do not need to cook anything; just mix and chill.
It is creamy, tangy, and perfectly spicy without being overwhelming.
It pairs well with chips, crackers, veggies, or even grilled meats.
It is easy to double or triple for a crowd.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, but highly recommended)
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies for serving
Let’s Do This Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Drain the Rotel tomatoes very well to avoid a watery dip. Slice the green onions thinly and cook and crumble the bacon if you are using it.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Fold in the drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and sliced green onions. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the chilled dip into a serving bowl. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, carrot sticks, celery, or sliced cucumbers. It’s ready to be devoured.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Boat Dip cold, straight from the fridge. It is fantastic with tortilla chips but also pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies for a lighter option. It also makes a fun spread for sandwiches or wraps if you have leftovers.
Switch It Up
Make It Spicier: Use Rotel Hot Diced Tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Make It Lighter: Swap the sour cream and mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
Add More: Stir in some diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.
Make-Ahead Tips
Boat Dip is actually better when made ahead because the flavors have time to blend. You can make it up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: How long does Boat Dip last?
A: It will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use low-fat ingredients?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise, or even substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Q: What if I can’t find Rotel?
A: You can use any brand of diced tomatoes with green chilies, or mix regular diced tomatoes with a few diced jalapeños.
Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Boat Dip, also known as Rotel Ranch Dip, is the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for game day, backyard parties, or casual hangouts. Creamy, zesty, and packed with just the right amount of spice, it’s a ridiculously easy dip made with ranch seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and a few simple mix-ins. It gets its fun name because it’s a go-to favorite for lake days, boat parties, and casual gatherings when you want something fast, satisfying, and addictive.
Ingredients
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, but highly recommended)
2 green onions, finely sliced
Tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Drain the Rotel tomatoes very well to avoid a watery dip. Slice the green onions thinly and cook and crumble the bacon if you are using it.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Fold in the drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and sliced green onions. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the chilled dip into a serving bowl. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, carrot sticks, celery, or sliced cucumbers. It’s ready to be devoured.
Notes
Serve Boat Dip cold, straight from the fridge. It is fantastic with tortilla chips but also pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies for a lighter option. It also makes a fun spread for sandwiches or wraps if you have leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~210 calories
- Protein: ~3g