Description

Delicious Boat Dip, also known as Rotel Ranch Dip, is a creamy and flavorful appetizer perfect for easy gatherings. Combining the zing of dry ranch seasoning with the boldness of Rotel diced tomatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, this dip is quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Chopped green onions and optional jalapeños add a fresh and spicy finish, making it an irresistible party favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Base

1 cup Sour Cream
1 packet Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (approximately 1 ounce)

Flavor Add-ins

1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 ounces), drained
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
6 slices Cooked Bacon, crumbled

Garnish

1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions
1/4 cup Chopped Jalapeños (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices for about 8–10 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of sour cream and the entire packet of dry ranch seasoning mix. Whisk them together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the seasoning is fully incorporated, about 1–2 minutes.
Add Tomatoes: Drain the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies thoroughly. Fold the drained tomatoes gently into the sour cream and ranch mixture using a spatula to evenly combine without breaking up the tomato pieces too much.
Incorporate Bacon and Cheese: Stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
Transfer and Garnish: Spoon the finished dip into a serving bowl. Top it with the chopped green onions and add jalapeño slices on top if you desire an extra spicy kick.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dip for at least 60 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken slightly for the best texture and taste experience.

Notes

Draining the Rotel tomatoes is essential to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
The dry ranch seasoning mix ensures a firm texture; avoid using ranch dressing instead.
For a spicier dip, add extra jalapeños or substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
Cook bacon evenly to crispness for optimal texture and flavor.
Make the dip ahead of time and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor infusion.