Our Most Popular Appetizer Recipe of 2024 So Far

And it only takes 5 minutes to make!

Southern Living Boat Dip ready to serve with tortilla chips
Photo:

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

It’s no secret that Southerners love a little nibble. Whether we’re visiting around the kitchen table, rocking on the front porch, or lounging on the patio with a glass of sweet tea, it’s nice to have a little snack to tide us over until suppertime.

But while we’ll never turn down cheese straws, deviled eggs, or cucumber sandwiches, a new recipe has stolen the hearts of our fans this year—Boat Dip.

 

What Is Boat Dip?

You’ll never believe it—boat dip is dip you eat on a boat! Really complicated, right? Boat Dip came about because folks were looking for something super easy that you can stir together in minutes, toss in a Tupperware, and stash in a cooler for a day of cruising the waters of your favorite lake, river, bay, or ocean.

Why We Love Boat Dip

It’s a close race when it comes to what we love the most about Boat Dip, from its flavor to its ease – yes, even your kids can make it. There are just three basic steps:

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Stir them together.
  3. Throw it in your cooler.
Southern Living Boat Dip ingredients

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

What’s In Boat Dip

Summer’s best dip is made from some of our favorite ingredients, most of which are probably already in your pantry and fridge: sour cream, a can of Rotel, dry Ranch seasoning, dry taco seasoning, shredded cheese, and green onions—if you’re feeling fancy. It's easy, cheesy, and beloved by pretty much everyone that tastes it.

Southern Living Boat Dip in a bowl to serve with tortilla chips

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

How Do You Serve Boat Dip?

The beauty of Boat Dip is that you can dress it up or down depending on your mood. I’ll be honest—much like Buffalo Chicken Dip, Boat Dip is not much of a looker. But when you’re on a boat, who cares how your dip looks? Feel free to serve it straight from the Tupperware bobbing around in the cooler with your cold drinks. Just be sure to have plenty of bags of tortilla chips for dipping!

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