I’ll be completely honest; I didn’t grow up with boat dip. In fact, I had never heard of boat dip until recently. Like most new obsessions of mine, I came across it while perusing my TikTok feed. At first, I was confused. Was it a fishy seafood dip? An ancient Viking recipe? Was it supposed to be eaten out of a gravy boat? I immediately took to the internet to try and quench my increasingly growing curiosity. Now I’d like to consider myself one of the world’s foremost boat dip historians (please don’t check me on that).
Why You’ll Love It
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Flavor, flavor, flavor. This dip is creamy, tangy, zesty, and utterly irresistible.
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It couldn’t be easier to make. No heat, pots, or pans are required to whip it up.
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It’s a grocery store superstar. Every ingredient can be easily found at your local supermarket, bodega, or grocery delivery service.
Key Ingredients in Boat Dip
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Sour cream and cream cheese. Compose the creamy base of the dip. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure easy mixing.
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Diced tomatoes and green chilies. Canned tomatoes and chilies add both acidity and spice to the dip, all without having to break out a knife and cutting board.
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Shredded cheese. You can use whatever type of cheese you like. Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, a combination of the two; the possibilities are endless!
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Low-sodium taco seasoning. This store-bought seasoning packet saves you the trouble of measuring out your own blend of spices.
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Ranch seasoning mix. Adds a savory, garlicky note without having to peel a single clove.
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Scallions. Thinly sliced scallions add color as well as much-needed freshness to the dip.
Helpful Swaps
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Full-fat Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for an extra tang.
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Canned diced tomatoes and habaneros can be swapped for diced tomatoes and green chilies for a bit more of a spicy kick.
Storage and make-ahead tips
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Leftover dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days.
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The boat dip can be made up to three days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and stir before serving.

