Boat Dip

This Boat Dip is a classic summer recipe perfect for parties, pool days, or boat rides! It’s creamy with ranch and bacon, making it addicting for all sorts of reasons. Mix it up in advance to keep entertaining a breeze.

When we are hosting a summer gathering or sitting by the pool, this Boat Dip is something I always have on the menu. It’s made with 10 of my family’s favorite ingredients, including 3 types of cheese, ranch and bacon!

You can meal prep it as a snack or make a big batch the morning you plan to host friends and family. It fits perfectly in a cooler with a couple of ice packs to enjoy snacking all day long. If you love a delicious dip recipe, my Million Dollar Dip and Cheese and Sausage Dip are two others you should try.

Why You’ll love this recipe

• 10 ingredient dip. With a couple of approachable ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time, this dip will be ready to chill!
• Make a double batch, it disappears fast! If you are having a party, I recommend making two batches and keeping the second in the fridge to refresh halfway through.
• Perfect for both adults and kids. I’ve found no matter the age, it’s a true crowd pleaser even with picky eaters.

ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Full Recipe Card Below

• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Sour cream: Adds nice tang and creaminess, you can also use Greek yogurt.
• Mayonnaise: Adds fat to balance the tang and the cream cheese.
• Ranch dip mix: Buy your favorite store-brand packet.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy bite we all love.
• Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese: Grate your own cheese, it’s so worth it!
• Cooked and crumbled bacon: A great use for leftover bacon or cook it yourself and save a piece for a chef’s snack!
• Green onions: Adds a pop of color and light onion flavor.
• Jalapeno: Optional, but you’ll definitely want to add if you like heat.
• Garlic powder: Infuses each bite with garlic flavor.
• For serving: Wavy potato chips, Fritos Scoops, Ritz crackers, fresh vegetables, or pretzel crisps are all items I serve with this dip.

Tools You’ll Need

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board

how to make boat dip

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until completely smooth and lump-free.
2. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dip mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined and creamy.

3. Mix in the cheddar, Monterey or pepper Jack cheese, bacon, green onions, and jalapeño (if using). Stir until evenly mixed.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours — overnight is even better.
5. Just before serving, give it a quick stir, transfer to a serving bowl, and top with extra green onions and a sprinkle of bacon if desired. Serve cold with your favorite dippers.

expert tips

• Use a hand mixer for easy mixing. This takes all the effort out and helps to make that light and creamy texture.
• Grate the cheese yourself. This ensures there won’t be a gritty texture from the pre-shredded cheese.
• Make it in advance to allow the flavors to meld better. This makes for an even more flavorful dip, just give it a nice stir before serving.
• If you are looking for a lighter dip, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayo in place of regular.
• Make it spicy if you wish. I give the option of adding jalapeno, but you can easily add cayenne too!

storage

Store any leftover boat dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remove from the fridge to take the chill off about 10 minutes before serving.

I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it will change texture once it thaws. But prepping it in advance for a party or a boat day is perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Dip recipes

• Cream Cheese Onion Dip
• Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
• Chuy’s Copycat Jalapeno Dip
• Slow Cooker Taco Dip