Boat Dip is the easiest poolside party appetizer you’ll ever make—and is quite possibly one of the most delicious! Cool and creamy, this crowd-pleasing, ultra-flavorful dip takes just six ingredients to make and is perfect for any party!

Round tortilla chip stuck halfway in a bowl filled with boat dip made with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, drained rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning.

Summer may be getting ready to set sail, but this TikTok-famous boat dip isn’t—at least not at my house. If you have yet to taste this viral sensation, you may be wondering what the deal is with this dip. What makes it so crazy appealing?

Well, it’s simple. 1). The ingredients are simple, and you only need six of them. 2). It takes just 5 minutes to make. 3). It’s cold and creamy, which is great for year-round serving and enjoyment. 4). It combines the flavors of ranch and taco seasoning.

This dip is great for all sorts of indoor or outdoor activities. Bring it along with you to your next BBQ, potluck, pool party, or book club.

Why is it Called Boat Dip?

Boat dip gets its name because it’s often prepared for outdoor events like barbecues, tailgates, or, yep, boat parties. It’s a cold dip that is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

All of the ingredients needed to make boat dip in individual measuring cups and ramekins.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Please find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Sour Cream: Sour cream forms the creamy, tangy base for boat dip and helps balance the richness of the other ingredients. For best results, use full-fat sour cream.
Rotel Tomatoes: The images shown use Rotel tomatoes with mild green chilies. This provides the dip with added texture and a tangy, mildly spicy flavor.
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 to the dip. 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.

Ounce to Tablespoon Conversion

When measuring dry seasoning, the general conversion is:

1 ounce of dry seasoning = approx. 2 tablespoons

This recipe calls for one tablespoon of taco seasoning and one tablespoon of ranch seasoning. If you’re using store-bought seasoning packets, each package will have approximately one tablespoon of seasoning left over. Add additional seasoning to taste.

Recipe Tips

If time allows, chill the dip in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the dip get extra cold.
If left in the refrigerator for an extended period, the sour cream and the liquid from the tomatoes may split. This isn’t a big deal; simply give the dip a good stir to recombine.
Add some crunch to your dip. Favorite additions include pickled jalapeños (drained and chopped) and sweet corn.

How to Make Boat Dip

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.

If desired, garnish with freshly sliced green onions and shredded cheese. Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, sliced baguette, soft pretzel bites, or fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, celery sticks, or cherry tomatoes.

Glass mixing bowl filled with sour cream, drained rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning.

Glass mixing bowl filled with mixed together sour cream, drained rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning.

Shredded cheddar cheese and green onions added to large glass mixing bowl filled with mixed together sour cream, drained rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning.

Leftovers

Leftover boat dip should be stored 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 Delicious Dips

Boat dip made with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, drained rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning in a large white serving bowl and garnished with additional shredded cheese and green onions.

RECIPE CARD