Description
This Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip) is a creamy, zesty, and ultra-satisfying appetizer that comes together in just minutes! Made with cream cheese, sour cream, Rotel tomatoes, ranch, taco seasoning, and shredded cheddar, this dip is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for an easy crowd-pleasing dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1–2 tablespoons taco seasoning (adjust to taste)
Mix-ins
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Add-ons
- 1/2 cup fire-roasted corn
- 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Creamy Base
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds (do not overheat).
- In a large bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or whisk.
- Add the sour cream and mix until fully combined and creamy.
- 2. Add Seasoning and Ingredients
- Stir in ranch seasoning mix and taco seasoning until fully blended. Adjust the taco seasoning based on spice preference.
- Drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly and gently fold them into the mixture.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- 3. Customize and Chill
- Add optional mix-ins such as fire-roasted corn, black beans, diced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
- Transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (overnight for the best flavor).
- 4. Serve and Enjoy!
- Before serving, give the dip a quick stir and garnish with extra cheddar, cilantro, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Drain the Rotel well to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix.
- For a protein boost, stir in cooked and crumbled ground beef or shredded chicken.
- Make ahead: This dip tastes even better when chilled overnight, making it a great prep-ahead recipe!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 190kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg