This viral boat dip recipe is the perfect dip for game day, tailgates, or last-minute guests. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of zesty, thanks to sour cream, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and cheese.
It’s basically everything good you love about taco dip, without all the effort.
It’s the kind of easy dip that disappears so fast that you’d think no one had eaten all day or that they didn’t have any self-control. It’s just that good!
Though it’s gone viral on TikTok, this zesty dip has all the charm of an old-school taco dip, just simplified. It earned the name “boat dip” because people started packing it in coolers for lake days. But it tastes just as good whether your captain’s chair is on deck or in front of the TV.
It’s one of those rare dips that doesn’t go watery or weird in the fridge. In fact, it comes out even creamier the next day.
I’ve even used leftovers as a spread in a turkey sandwich, and I’m not saying it changed my life, but I did stand quietly in the kitchen for a moment of reflection.
For the ultimate game day lineup, pair this boat dip with Texas caviar and crispy chicken nuggets for dunking, and you’ve got a spread your buddies won’t forget.
Ingredients to Make Boat Dip
Gather the ingredients needed to make our Boat Dip recipe. Culinary professionals call this the Mise en Place, which means “Everything in its Place.”
Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also helps ensure you have all of the ingredients on hand to make the recipe.
Can I Change Up the Recipe?
Absolutely! For a ranch-style twist, use ranch seasoning instead of taco – or combine both for a flavor mash-up.
Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt if you want a tangier base with a bit more protein.
Add a kick of heat with cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a little sriracha. Add just enough to keep things interesting.
How to Make Boat Dip
- Add the sour cream and taco seasoning to a medium bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix well, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld – overnight is even better.
Give it a quick stir before serving, then top with chopped chives if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve chilled with your favorite dippables – tortilla chips, pita chips, veggies, or anything you enjoy scooping with.
*It can be used immediately but will be less flavorful.
Whether you’re kicking back solo or throwing a full-blown birthday bash, this dip fits right in.
Just one bite and you’ll start planning your next excuse to make it. Maybe involving guests or maybe not!
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To bring it back to life, give it a quick stir before serving the next day.
This dip isn’t freezer-friendly – the dairy base can separate and lose its creamy texture.
Recipe FAQ’s
It’s vegetarian as-is. To keep it gluten-free, check your taco seasoning, as some blends contain flour or wheat-based fillers. For a vegan version, use dairy-free sour cream and a plant-based cheese that blends well. Just be aware that some work beautifully, others not so much, so choose one you trust.
You can, but the flavor will be milder. Add green chilies and a pinch of salt to bring it closer to that zesty Rotel punch.
Absolutely. Use it as a creamy base, then add guacamole, black beans, lettuce, or more cheese to build your own taco-style layer dip.
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Boat Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cream regular or low fat
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning or 1oz packet of taco seasoning
- 10 ounce Rotel tomatoes drained
- 1 cup cheddar cheese -shredded
- 2 teaspoons fresh chives optional -chopped or garnish
Instructions
- Add the sour cream and the taco seasoning to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add the drained Rotel tomatoes and cheddar cheese to the sour cream mixture and whisk to combine.
- Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours (overnight is best) to allow the flavors to combine. *It can be used right away, but it won't be as flavorful.
Notes
For a kick of spice, add a little cayenne pepper, sriracha, or red pepper flakes. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel? You can, but the flavor will be milder. Add green chilies and a pinch of salt to bring it closer to that zesty Rotel punch. Can I turn this into a layered dip? Absolutely. Use it as a creamy base, then add guacamole, black beans, lettuce, or more cheese to build your own taco-style layer dip..
Henry T says
Made this for a quick snack, super easy to make with great flavors. I substituted the packet of seasoning with your taco seasoning recipe.
Chef Dennis Littley says
Thanks fo letting me know you enjoyed my easy to make dip!