This easy Boat Dip recipe is the perfect dip for any occasion! Made with sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, and a few flavorful ingredients, this creamy dip is perfect for Summer potlucks, game day, or even a holiday appetizer.
I first heard about Boat Dip on TikTok, so I knew that I had to make my own version! I tested the original recipe that was making its rounds, but I knew I could make it even better with some recipe testing.
After comparing more than 8 flavor variations, we found one that all testers could agree on, and I know that you're going to love it as much as we have!
Serve this zesty dip with your favorite dippables for an amazing appetizer that will have them coming back for more. One thing I know for sure – you're not going to have any leftovers!
Expert Tips
- Easy to make. Since this is a cold dip, there is no cooking involved! Just mix the ingredients, chill (if you have time), and serve it with tortilla chips, pita chips, potato chips, etc.
- Can be made ahead of time. In fact, this party-ready boat dip is even better the next day! Make it in advance so it's ready to bring to your next backyard BBQ.
- It's viral for a reason. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this viral boat dip recipe is worth the hype. You have to try it to believe it!
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: We recommend brick-style cream cheese that has been softened for an amazing creamy texture.
- Sour cream: Use a good-quality thick sour cream (like Daisy or Good Culture).
- Salsa (or Rotel): Taste testers preferred versions that used drained salsa (We like Garden Fresh Gourmet or pico de gallo) compared to the original recipe using Rotel. Use whichever you prefer (or have on hand) – they both work well!
- Green chilies: These are found in the canned food aisle, and add a very mild heat and zesty flavor. We used a small 4-ounce can for this recipe.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated cheddar cheese from the block was strongly preferred by testers, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
And just a few more ingredients:
- Ranch dressing mix (or my homemade ranch seasoning mix)
- Taco seasoning (optional)
- Corn (canned, fresh, or frozen)
How to Make Creamy Boat Dip
This is our tried-and-true version of one of the most popular dip recipes on social media! This boat dip with taco seasoning, cream cheese, and salsa was the top pick among recipe testers.
- Step one: Drain the salsa (if using). Add your salsa to a fine mesh strainer set over a small bowl. Stir it gently with a spoon, allowing the liquid to collect below. Measure out ⅔ cup of the salsa solids and set it aside.
- Top tip: The liquid is to be discarded, but to avoid waste, try using it to replace some of the water in soup, rice, or pasta dishes.
- Step two: Add the softened cream cheese to a large bowl and beat it with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the both as needed.
- Step three: Add the sour cream, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, and green chiles.
- Step four: Mix everything together using an electric hand mixer.
- Step five: Add the corn kernels and shredded cheese and gently fold them in with a spatula.
- Step six: Wrap the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill for 1-3 hours before serving for the best results. If you're in a pinch, you can serve it right away – it'll still taste great!
Serve it With:
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Pretzels
- Carrot sticks
- Baguette slices
- Corn chips
- Potato chips
- Bell pepper
Expert Tips
- Follow the recipe testing results. We tested this boat dip SO many different ways, and there were a few ingredients that were super popular with testers. The dip that rated the best used drained salsa (no Rotel), freshly shredded cheddar cheese (compared to pre-shredded), and taco seasoning (in addition to ranch seasoning).
- Drain the salsa. In order to prevent the dip from becoming liquid-y, I highly recommend draining the salsa first. The same technique is used in my layered cream cheese and salsa dip – one of my most popular recipes!
- Chill before serving (if you can). There are a lot of flavorful elements that go into this cream cheese and sour cream dip, and it will taste best if you allow the dip to chill for 1-3 hours before serving. That being said, it can be served right away if you're in a rush!
Swaps and Substitutions
With Greek yogurt: Swapping sour cream for plain Greek yogurt is an easy swap that tastes similar, but packs extra protein.
Light cream cheese: If desired, you can use the light version of cream cheese (or Neufchâtel) in place of the standard type. Be sure to use a brick-style to maintain a similar texture.
With fiesta corn: One of the original recipes uses fiesta corn, but since that's hard to find in many places, we use regular corn and a little taco seasoning for extra flavor. If you prefer, you can absolutely use fiesta or southwest corn.
Without Rotel: Our testers preferred batches made with salsa instead of Rotel, so if you don't have Rotel (or don't like it), this is the recipe for you!
More Easy Dip Recipes
If you loved this recipe for Cream Cheese Boat Dip, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Boat Dip
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sour cream good quality, like Daisy or Good Culture
- 1 package ranch seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch dressing mix
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning (optional)
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies undrained
- ⅔ cup drained salsa* or 1 (10oz) can Rotel, drained
- 1 can (12 oz) corn kernels drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese about 2 cups
- Tortilla chips for serving (or corn dippers, pretzels, pita chips, etc)
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese. Add the softened cream cheese to a large bowl and beat with an electric hand mixer until smooth.
- Drain the salsa. Add your salsa to a fine mesh strainer set over a small bowl, stirring it gently with a spoon so the liquid collects below, leaving the tomatoes and other ingredients in the strainer. Measure out ⅔ cup of the drained salsa (or use 1 can of drained Rotel tomatoes). Set aside.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Add in the sour cream, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, drained salsa (or Rotel), and green chilies. Mix until smooth and combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Finally, add the corn kernels and shredded cheese. Fold them in gently using a rubber spatula.
- Chill and serve. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for the best results. Dip can be served right away if desired, but it’s best when served after it has chilled.
- Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, corn dippers, or pretzels.
Notes
Nutrition
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Dorothy Bigelow
One of our favorite dip recipes! It's really easy to make and everyone devours it. Great for a last minute potluck or party.