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Home / Appetizers / Dip

TikTok-style Boat Dip

5
/5
2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
18 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Pin
By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 07/12/2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This creamy party-ready boat dip is a fun twist on the TikTok classic. You'll only need a handful of ingredients and no fancy tools, and you'll have a cool, creamy, and ultra-flavorful ranch dip that is perfect for any party, or for taking to the pool, lake, or beach!
This creamy party-ready boat dip is a fun twist on the TikTok classic. You'll only need a handful of ingredients and no fancy tools, and you'll have a cool, creamy, and ultra-flavorful ranch dip that is perfect for any party, or for taking to the pool, lake, or beach!
This creamy party-ready boat dip is a fun twist on the TikTok classic. You'll only need a handful of ingredients and no fancy tools, and you'll have a cool, creamy, and ultra-flavorful ranch dip that is perfect for any party, or for taking to the pool, lake, or beach!

This creamy party-ready boat dip is a fun twist on the TikTok classic. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients and no fancy tools, and you’ll have a cool, creamy, and ultra-flavorful ranch dip that is perfect for any party, or for taking to the pool, lake, or beach!

This is one of my Dip recipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!

brown serving bowl of creamy rotel ranch dip with chips for dipping.
Pin this recipe for later!

This summer, my kids are allllll about going to the neighborhood pool, which I love. Watching them swim and have an absolute blast is so fun.

But there’s something about swimming that will make you undeniably hungry. And when my kids are hungry… whew… you better not be between them and some food lol.

Usually I just make up a cooler full of snacks, but this boat dip (a rotel ranch dip) really hits the spot!

If you’ve been on TikTok at all over the past year or so, you’ve probably seen a version of this dip… it’s super popular!

And once you taste it, you’ll understand why! My version includes cream cheese which makes it extra creamy, and it stands up a little better to dipping.

So let’s make some and have a fantastic summer!

How to make boat dip?

This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

step by step photo collage of how to make rotel ranch dip.
  1. Whip cream cheese. I find this is easiest done with a hand mixer, but a whisk will work just as well.
  2. Combine. Add all the rest of the dip ingredients and stir well.
  3. Cover and chill. Chill for 2-3 hours, then enjoy!

Helpful Tip!

While this dip can certainly be enjoyed right after making it, I find that this dip tastes best when it’s chilled for at least 2 hours. All the flavors really have a chance to blend together!

serving bowl of boat dip with a pita chip dipped in it.

Variations of this recipe

  • Seasoning – instead of ranch seasoning, or in addition to, try adding a couple tablespoons of taco seasoning.
  • Rotel – if you can’t find rotel, you can use an equivalent amount of drained chunky salsa.
  • Corn – frozen (and thawed) corn can be used in place of the fire-roasted corn.
  • Stir-ins – to make this dip extra hearty, try adding some drained and rinsed black beans, cooked and shredded chicken, or cooked and drained ground sausage or beef.
  • Cheese – instead of cheddar cheese, a Colby-Jack or Mexican blend cheese are great alternatives.
dipping a tortilla chip into a bowl of rotel ranch dip.

FAQ’s

What is boat dip?

Despite the name, you definitely don’t need a boat to enjoy boat dip. This Mexican-style ranch dip is called that because it’s a perfect dip to take to a day spent on the water… in a boat, by the pool, or to the beach. However, you can make this dip for any occasion!

Can this ranch dip be made without cream cheese?

Absolutely! I like the extra creaminess the cream cheese adds, but you can replace it with an additional 1 cup of sour cream.

Making ranch dip ahead of time

I love this recipe because it’s actually better when you make it ahead!

The flavors really get a chance to meld together this way. I like to make this dip at least 2-3 hours before serving.

tortilla chip with a big scoop of boat dip.

Storage

Leftover dip should be refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoyed within 4-5 days.

More Dip Recipes:

overhead photo of a distressed white bowl full of guacamole with tomatoes
Classic Guacamole Dip
white bowl of creamy jalapeño dip with chips
Copycat Chuy’s Jalapeno Dip
chicken taco dip
Chicken Taco Dip
dipping chip into hot street corn dip
Mexican Street Corn Dip
mixing bowls

My Favorite Mixing Bowls!

I love these mixing bowls for two main reasons: the non-slip bottoms make mixing easier, and the airtight lids mean you don’t have to transfer the contents to another container to refrigerate!

Get on amazon

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

brown serving bowl of creamy rotel ranch dip with chips for dipping.

Boat Dip (rotel ranch dip)

5 from 10 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Calories: 611
Servings: 8 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
This creamy party-ready boat dip is a fun twist on the TikTok classic.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 16 oz sour cream
  • 1 oz packet ranch seasoning mix (click for a homemade version)
  • 15 oz can fire-roasted corn drained
  • 10 oz can rotel drained
  • 4 oz can diced green chiles drained
  • 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Whip cream cheese

  • Add softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer (or a whisk or rubber spatula) until creamy and smooth.

Combine

  • To the mixing bowl, add sour cream, ranch seasoning, corn, rotel, green chiles, and cheese. Stir to combine well.

Cover and chill

  • Cover mixing bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours.

Serve

  • Serve chilled, with tortilla or pita chips as dippers.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

  1. I’ve estimated this dip will serve 8, but the exact serving size is up to you.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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5 from 10 votes

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Recipe Rating




  1. Ida thompson says

    Posted on 7/22 at 8:20 pm

    Can you use fiesta ranch seasoning instead of regular ranch and taco seasoning

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/23 at 7:51 pm

      I haven’t tested it, but I’m sure that would taste yummy 🙂

      Reply
  2. Heidi B says

    Posted on 7/8 at 6:30 pm

    I made this for the 4th. We really like it! It makes a ton, there was only 5 of us, so we have yummy leftovers. We found it a little bland as well, but then we added 1/2 a packet of taco seasoning and some salt and then it was great. You could even add the entire packet of taco seasoning and no salt. We used Frito scoops, tortilla chips and pretzels. All 3 went great with the dip. We have also tried it with ruffles, not a good match. I will make this again for our next gathering.

    Reply
  3. Ali says

    Posted on 7/4 at 6:56 pm

    I really wanted to like it but it tastes too much like cream cheese and sour cream. It’s pretty bland. It needs something else. Sorry. I won’t make again

    Reply
  4. Jen says

    Posted on 6/15 at 9:54 am

    Made this yesterday and it was devoured! Will definitely make again this summer!

    Reply
  5. Mike says

    Posted on 4/4 at 6:13 pm

    This was so easy to make in such a delicious hit. I always make this for the boat when I have a group of people on the boat and they all love it!

    Reply
  6. Bud Kelly says

    Posted on 8/8 at 7:26 am

    Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. I did add 2 tbs of taco seasoning.

    Reply
  7. Pamela says

    Posted on 7/9 at 4:17 pm

    It was good. However, I didn’t have any green chilies and the Rotel was mild so it was a little bland. Plus, we ate some as soon as it was made without first chilling it. I will make it again with the green chilies next time. It really needs that little extra kick to it. I was wondering if I can freeze some of it since it makes some much.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/14 at 9:01 pm

      Since dairy can sometimes separate during the freezing and thawing process, I haven’t tested freezing this recipe, so I can’t say for certain how it’ll turn out.

      Reply
  8. Donna Smith says

    Posted on 7/5 at 10:18 am

    Beach Dip

    Reply
  9. Marion says

    Posted on 7/4 at 10:42 am

    I made this and the group of people I made it for loved it. Don’t add any hot pepper unless u like it hot.

    Reply
  10. Molly says

    Posted on 6/25 at 10:17 am

    I have already made this 3 times, and am making it again this weekend. It is SOOOOOOOOOOO good and addicting. I think this time I might add the suggested ground sausage add on this time. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  11. MaryLouise says

    Posted on 10/8 at 3:20 pm

    I just discovered your postings. Your recipes look so yummy! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  12. Sandra says

    Posted on 7/14 at 5:29 pm

    This is SO good! Such an amazing dip!

    Reply
  13. Erin says

    Posted on 7/14 at 12:23 pm

    No doubt, this is really amazing! Definitely a must make!

    Reply
  14. Beth says

    Posted on 7/13 at 2:34 pm

    This looks so amazing! I love boat dip, and this version looks particularly delicious. I can almost taste it!

    Reply
  15. Deborah says

    Posted on 7/12 at 9:23 pm

    I cannot wait to try this. Looks amazing. Thank you for
    sharing!

    Reply
  16. Lucy says

    Posted on 7/12 at 8:55 pm

    You are an exceptional cook. Your recipes are easy and absolutely delicious ..I have tried a ton of them..This boat dip is a winner as usual….your recipes are easy and you really explain various ideas and how to make each one…you are the best..lucky family

    Reply

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Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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