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This TikTok-viral Boat Dip Recipe is the easiest poolside party appetizer you’ll ever make, and quite possibly the most delicious! Made with just six simple ingredients and no cooking required, it’s cool, creamy, ultra-flavorful. Perfect for parties, BBQs, or lazy weekends.
If you’ve been on TikTok lately, chances are you’ve come across the viral boat dip recipe that everyone is raving about. Also known simply as TikTok boat dip, this creamy, cheesy appetizer is as easy as it is addictive. Made with just six simple ingredients, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing dip in just 5 minutes.
What makes this boat dip so popular? It’s cold, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for year-round snacking. The combination of ranch and taco seasoning gives it a bold, zesty taste, while the cheese and Rotel add texture and richness. Best of all, it requires no cooking at all. Just mix, chill, and serve!
Whether you’re headed to a BBQ, pool party, tailgate, or potluck, this easy boat dip is guaranteed to be a hit. Grab some tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, and get ready to serve the appetizer everyone will be asking for.
Table of Contents
Why is it called Boat Dip?
Boat dip is a cold and creamy party dip that went viral on TikTok thanks to its simple ingredients and quick prep. Despite the name, you don’t actually need a boat to enjoy it! The dip got its playful name because it’s the kind of easy, shareable recipe you can toss in a cooler and bring along to the lake, pool, or backyard gathering.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This boat dip recipe comes together with just six simple ingredients, but each one brings its own flavor and texture. Here s a closer look at the ingredients and some easy substitutions you can make.
Note: See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients with exact measurements.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream forms the creamy, tangy base for this recipe and helps balance the richness of the other ingredients. Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed option or a dairy-free sour cream to make it vegan-friendly.
- Rotel Tomatoes: I made this recipe with canned Rotel tomatoes with mild green chilies. This provides the dip with added texture and a tangy, mildly spicy flavor. Plain tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes are also delicious.
- Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning gives the dip a flavorful kick with a hint of smokiness. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or use homemade taco seasoning.
- Ranch Seasoning: Ranch seasoning adds a tangy, savory, and herby flavor. You can use store-bought ranch seasoning or homemade ranch seasoning.
- Colby Jack Cheese: I love Colby Jack Cheese in this version of boat dip, but shredded cheddar cheese or even mozzarella cheese would also taste great.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions give a fresh, mild onion flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy, spicy flavors of the other ingredients.
How to Make Boat Dip
Here’s how to make this viral TikTok sensation:
Add the sour cream, drained Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning to a large bowl. Mix well to combine, then fold in the shredded cheese and green onions.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. If desired, garnish with freshly sliced green onions and shredded cheese just before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Chill for best flavor. If time allows, refrigerate the dip for 1 to 2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the dip extra cold and refreshing.
- Stir if separated. After sitting in the fridge, the sour cream and tomato juices may separate slightly. Just give the dip a quick stir and it will come back together.
- Add some crunch. For extra texture and flavor, mix in chopped pickled jalapeños, black beans, or a handful of sweet corn kernels.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture. Shredding your own Colby Jack (or cheddar) gives the dip a creamier finish.
- Adjust the seasonings. Start with the recommended amounts, then taste and add more taco or ranch seasoning if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Serving Ideas
This TikTok boat dip is delicious with all your favorite crunchy dippers. Serve it with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, Fritos, or fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, celery sticks, or cherry tomatoes. It’s so fantastic scooped up with slices of soft baguette, soft pretzel bites, or fresh pita bread.
Leftovers
Store leftover boat dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After refrigerating, stir the dip to remix the ingredients, as some separation may have occurred. Freezing is not recommended.
More Poolside Dip Recipes
Boat Dip Recipe (TikTok Viral Dip)
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce) container full-fat sour cream
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, drained well
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, low-sodium
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 green onions , (green parts only), sliced
Instructions
- Add the sour cream, drained Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning to a large bowl. Mix well to combine. Fold in the shredded cheese and green onions and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, time allowing. Remove from the refrigerator and stir before serving. Garnish with additional green onions and shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I used 2 cans drained of rotel n 1 pkg of ranch n 1 pkg of taco seasoning w 16 oz of sour cream n 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese is that ok?
Absolutely, that’s totally fine! Using two cans of Rotel and adjusting the seasonings is a great way to amp up the flavor, and cheddar works well, too. The recipe is very flexible – feel free to customize it to your taste!
This boat dip was the star of our fourth of July party. My only regret is not making 3x!
So glad it was a hit! Next time, definitely go for the triple batch—thanks for sharing!