I Finally Tried the Creamy, Cheesy Boat Dip—and Now I Get it
TikTok Boat Dip
Another day, another TikTok recipe that has us heading to the store and whipping up a summer-worthy snack. This time, it's boat dip, which went viral way back in July of 2021 when Lindsey Noden posted a TikTok video of her family digging into a plastic container of the dip on, you guessed it, a boat.
Since then, many many creators have tried their hand at the Mexican-inspired recipe, which is super easy and supremely satisfying. And although we're sure it's delicious served on a boat, we also know that the tasty dip will be a hit at pool parties, beach days and your Labor Day cookout.
In honor of the last hurrah of summer, we did a deep dive into boat dip and decided to give it a shot. You only need four ingredients (five if you happen to like cilantro), a bowl and a spoon. Oh and some chips. You definitely need chips. Here's how it went when we tried the viral recipe in our landlocked kitchen.
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Related: Best Low-Carb & Keto Cold Dip Recipes
Ingredients for Boat Dip
Kelli Acciardo
To make boat dip all you need are five ingredients, a cutting board (or a sturdy galley surface), bowl and a knife. It would definitely take you longer to cast a reel or drop anchor.
Whewn you're at the store pick up a packet of taco seasoning, a bunch of fresh cilantro, a can of RO-TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (or fire-roasted tomatoes if you can't find Rotel), a small pint of sour cream and a bag of shredded Mexican cheese (or cheddar or Colby). That's it.
While this particular boat dip is vegetarian, some TikTokers have added bacon or cooked ground beef for a heartier snack.
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How to Make Boat Dip
As you can see from this easy TikTok tutorial, boat dip recipe is foolproof and highly customizable. You can even make your own taco seasoning if you're feeling fancy, but I opted for the lazy girl packet you can find for $1.22 in the store, and that worked just fine.
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Start by adding 14 ounces of sour cream to a bowl (or 24 ounces if you want to double the recipe), your taco seasoning packet (I used Siete Mild Taco Seasoning Mix), a bunch of chopped cilantro and a couple of handfuls of the shredded cheese. (Three handfuls if you like your dip extra cheesy.) Then, give that a good mix.
Kelli Acciardo
Next, you're going to add the can of Rotel to the bowl. Again, if you're doubling the recipe, toss in two cans, along with more cheese, cilantro and another packet of taco seasoning. Mix well.
Kelli Acciardo
Stir until you have a creamy, chunky dip. Although you can dig in right away, the flavor is better if you stash it in the fridge for an hour or two. Before digging in, add some garish. We like some chopped fresh tomatoes, cilantro leaves, and a little extra cheese, but do what speaks to you.
How to Serve Boat Dip
Boat dip is best paired with Tostitos (Scoops to be exact), although you can also serve it with any other tortilla chips, pita chips, crudités, flatbread crisps or potato chips.
It can be served at room temperature, but if you want to make your boat dip in advance—to take on an actual boat or to a cookout—you should chill it in the fridge for a few hours until you're ready to leave. Because this is a sour cream-based dip that can turn a little too warm if left in the blazing sun all day, only let it sit out for 2 hours max. Any leftovers will keep in the fridge for a couple of days. The dip might separate as it sits, but if that happens just give it a good stir.
Related: 20 of Our Favorite Dip Recipes
What I Thought About Boat Dip
This dip tastes like a cold taco salad or nachos—minus the chips. With cheese, sour cream, zesty tomatoes and chiles and a dusting of taco seasoning, it has all the flavors you want from a cold dip on a hot summer day. It's great solo, but also plays well with other dips. It would be great alongside a bowl of guac and a bowl of salsa.
Even if you're landlocked without a boat or an ocean breeze in site, one scoop of this boat dip will transport you to a seaside destination in no time and have you feeling like you're living your best nautical life.
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