🛥️ Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip)
Description
A cold, creamy dip made with Rotel tomatoes, ranch seasoning, cheese, and sour cream. No cooking required, and it gets better the longer it chills. Perfect for parties, lake days, or game night.
⏱️ Time
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Prep: 5 minutes
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Chill: 30–60 minutes (recommended)
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Total: ~10 minutes active time
🍽️ Servings
About 8–10 people
🛒 Ingredients
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1 (16 oz) container sour cream
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1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
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1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
(or Mexican blend / Colby Jack) -
Optional add-ins:
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½ tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp smoked paprika
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1–2 tbsp chopped green onions
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1–2 tbsp chopped jalapeños (for heat)
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👩🍳 Instructions
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In a medium bowl, add sour cream.
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Stir in the ranch seasoning until smooth.
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Fold in drained Rotel tomatoes.
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Add shredded cheese and any optional add-ins.
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Mix well.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
🥨 Serving Suggestions
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Tortilla chips
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Corn chips (Fritos-style)
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Crackers
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Veggies (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
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As a spread for wraps or sandwiches
❓ Q & A (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why is it called “Boat Dip”?
A: It’s a super popular lake/boat snack because it’s:
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Cold
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No-cook
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Easy to transport
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Addictive enough that people keep “anchoring” near it 😄
Q: Do I really need to drain the Rotel?
A: YES. This is the #1 mistake. Undrained Rotel makes the dip watery. Drain very well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. It’s best after 1–24 hours in the fridge. Just stir before serving.
Q: How long does Boat Dip last?
A: Stored covered in the fridge, it lasts 3–4 days.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Yes! Try:
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Hot Rotel instead of Original
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Extra jalapeños
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A dash of cayenne or hot sauce
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Yep:
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Use light sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Reduce cheese to ½ cup
Q: Can I add meat?
A: Totally optional but popular additions:
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Cooked, crumbled bacon
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Seasoned ground beef
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Shredded chicken
Q: Is this the same as Rotel dip?
A: Not quite.
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Rotel dip is usually warm and made with Velveeta.
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Boat Dip is cold, sour-cream based, and ranch-flavored.