Boat Dip (Viral TikTok Recipe)

I perfected a six ingredient Boat Dip that quietly became the secret star of my Light Party Snacks lineup and I’m sharing the surprisingly simple formula behind it.

I bring Boat Dip to every summer hang and somehow it always disappears first. It’s cool and creamy, the cream cheese keeps it slick while crispy bacon adds that salty surprise, and people keep asking whats in it even after they lick the rim.

The TikTok buzz is real, and thats why I love serving it when I’m aiming for simple Dips And Snacks that feel special. I pile it in a big bowl and everyone crowds around for that Backyard Boat Dip vibe, and honestly I like watching their faces when they take the first bite.

You wont expect how addictive it is.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese, rich and creamy, high in fat and calories, add silky texture.
• Sour cream, tangy and smooth, add acidity and creaminess, some calcium and fat.
• Ranch seasoning, salty and herby, adds umami and salt, watch sodium levels.
• Sharp cheddar, tangy and savory, boost flavor and protein, gives a gooey melt.
• Bacon, smoky and crispy, mostly fat and sodium, add crunch and savory hit.
• Green onions, fresh and mild, add brightness and oniony zip, some fiber.

Ingredient Quantities

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

How to Make this

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, drain on paper towels and crumble; set aside about 1/4 cup for sprinkling on top.

2. If the cream cheese isn’t soft, microwave it in short 10 to 15 second bursts until spreadable, then put it in a medium mixing bowl.

3. Add the sour cream and the entire packet of ranch dressing mix to the cream cheese.

4. Beat or whisk that mixture until totally smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl so no lumps remain.

5. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar, most of the crumbled bacon (save the 1/4 cup), and most of the sliced green onions, mixing until evenly combined.

6. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, smooth the top and sprinkle the reserved cheddar, bacon and green onions over it for garnish.

7. Chill the dip at least 30 minutes so it firms up and the flavors meld; if you prefer it warm bake at 350 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes until bubbly, then brown the top briefly under the broiler if you want.

8. Before serving let the dip sit at room temp for 5 to 10 minutes so it’s easier to scoop. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet for frying the bacon
2. Plate lined with paper towels to drain and crumble the bacon
3. Small microwave safe bowl or small saucepan to soften the cream cheese
4. Medium mixing bowl for combining everything
5. Electric hand mixer or whisk to beat the cream cheese mixture smooth
6. Rubber spatula or wooden spoon for folding and scraping the bowl
7. Box grater for shredding cheddar, optional if you buy pre-shredded
8. Measuring cup and spoons (you’ll need a 1/4 cup)
9. Serving bowl and an ovenproof baking dish if you want to bake and broil the dip

FAQ

Boat Dip (Viral TikTok Recipe) Substitutions and Variations

• Cream cheese: swap for Neufchâtel 1:1 for less fat, mascarpone for a richer silkier dip, or thick Greek yogurt to lighten it, it will be tangier.
• Sour cream: plain Greek yogurt 1:1 works great, or use crème fraîche for a creamier milder tang, strained yogurt also ok.
• Ranch packet: make your own by mixing dried dill, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper (about 1 tsp herbs + 1/2 tsp powders to replace one packet), or use 2 tbsp store-bought ranch seasoning.
• Bacon: swap with crisped pancetta or prosciutto, turkey bacon for less fat, or smoked tempeh or crispy fried shallots for a vegetarian crunch.

Pro Tips

– Grate your cheddar from a block, don’t use the pre-shredded stuff. It’s got anti-caking powder so it won’t melt smooth, and if you stick the block in the freezer for 10 minutes it’s way easier to grate. Trust me, the dip comes out silkier.

– Bake the bacon on a rimmed sheet so you can do a bunch at once and it gets evenly crispy, you won’t have to babysit a pan. Save a tablespoon of the bacon fat for frying chips or brushing a baguette, it adds insane flavor.

– If the cream cheese gets a little grainy after microwaving don’t panic, beat it longer and scrape the bowl well. Also if you have time let the dip chill overnight, the flavors deepen a lot more than just 30 minutes.

– Want different textures or strength of flavor? Add a splash of milk or a bit more sour cream if it’s too thick, or fold in extra shredded cheese if it’s too loose. And chop the green onions fine and save the green tops for garnish so it looks sharp.