Boat Dip
Boat Dip is the ultimate easy appetizer that’s perfect for summer weekends, lake days or tailgating with the crew. This creamy, cheesy dip is loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors and comes together in just minutes.

Southern Living Magazine declared this dip their most popular appetizer and we just had to try it. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or hanging at the lake, this rotel ranch dip will be gone before you know it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for any casual get-together – From boating trips to backyard BBQs, this no-cook dip travels well and disappears fast.
- Big flavor, minimal effort – Just stir it up and chill. No stove, no oven, no stress. A great appetizer for tacos or Mexican night.
- Versatile enough for any chip – Serve it with tortilla chips, Fritos, Ruffles or even your favorite kettle-cooked potato chips.

Ingredients for Boat Dip Recipe
- Sour cream
- RoTel tomatoes with green chilies (drained) or chunky salsa
- Shredded cheddar cheese (pepper jack works too)
- Green onions, thinly sliced
- Ranch dressing mix
- Granulated garlic
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Chips for serving: tortilla chips, Fritos or potato chips
Step-By-Step Instructions for Boat Dip

- In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, drained can of Rotel, shredded cheddar, green onions and ranch seasoning.
- Add granulated garlic, cumin and chili powder. Stir until well combined.

- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.

- Serve cold with your choice of chips.
Recipe Notes
- Storage: Keep Boat Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover dip will be good for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
- Make it spicy: Use hot Rotel and a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños. Use taco seasoning in place of garlic, cumin and chili powder.
- Add-Ins: Stir in corn and rinsed and drained black beans to this rotel ranch dip.
- Make it lighter: Swap plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream. Serve with fresh veggies.
Helpful Tip
Double the batch if you’re serving a crowd. It goes fast, especially if you’ve got a hungry crew.
More Dip Recipes You’ll Love
- Brisket Queso – Smoky chopped brisket melted into a cheesy skillet dip. Perfect with tortilla chips or piled on burgers.
- Cheesy Bean Dip – A hearty, baked dip made with refried beans, melted cheese and spicy seasonings. A game day favorite.
- Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip – Cool, creamy and just the right amount of kick. Great with crackers, chips or crisp veggies.
- Smoked Caramelized Onion Dip – Loaded with caramelized onions and melty cheese for a dip that no one can resist.
- Texas Caviar is loaded with amazing flavors! Made with black eyed peas, black beans, tomatoes and onions with Italian dressing – you are absolutely going to love it!

The Dip Everyone Will Ask You For
If you’re heading to the lake, hosting a BBQ or just looking for an easy make-ahead appetizer, Boat Dip is the move. It’s quick to mix up, full of flavor and sure to be the first thing to disappear from the snack table. Make it for your next gathering and watch the bowl get scraped clean.
Save this recipe and make it your go-to for easy summer dips. Leave a comment and rating below to let us know how it turns out!
Boat Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 10 ounces RoTel Tomatoes with green chilies well drained
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup green onions sliced
- 3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar, green onions and ranch seasoning.
- Add granulated garlic, cumin and chili powder. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
- Serve cold with your choice of chips.
Notes
- Storage: Keep Boat Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover dip will be good for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
- Make it spicy: Use hot Rotel and a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños. Use taco seasoning in place of garlic, cumin and chili powder.
- Add-Ins: Stir in corn and rinsed and drained black beans to this rotel ranch dip.
- Make it lighter: Swap plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream. Serve with fresh veggies.




