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Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip) – Creamy Rotel Ranch Party Appetizer


  • Total Time: 2 hours 7 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip) is a creamy, tangy party classic featuring rich cream cheese, zesty ranch seasoning, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies for a flavor-packed appetizer. Combined with sour cream, sharp cheddar, fresh green onions, garlic, and a pinch of smoked paprika, it’s a crowd-pleasing dip best served chilled. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or potlucks, this dip offers a smooth, hearty texture and spicy kick. Easy to prepare ahead, it makes entertaining stress-free and delicious.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained (retain 1 tbsp liquid)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Place softened cream cheese in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.
  2. Add ranch seasoning and beat for another 30 seconds until incorporated.
  3. Drain the Rotel, reserving 1 tablespoon of liquid.
  4. Fold in the drained Rotel, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic, hot sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
  7. Stir once before serving.
  8. Garnish with green onions, paprika, and extra shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use light cream cheese for a lower-fat option. Can substitute Rotel with any diced tomatoes and chopped green chilies. For extra heat, increase hot sauce or add jalapeños. Prepare up to 2 days ahead; cover and refrigerate. Stir before serving and store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days. If dip separates after chilling, mix well before serving. If too thick, add reserved tomato liquid or a splash of milk.

  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-cook (Chilling)
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 22mg