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