Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix (or 1 oz packet to taste); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 cups (6 oz/170 g) sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, plus extra for garnish; 4 scallions, whites & light greens thinly sliced (reserve dark greens for garnish); 2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish; 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish; 2–4 tbsp cold water (to thin to scoopable texture); Black pepper, to taste (for garnish)

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I’m excited to share this fun, creamy Pontoon Dip that I recently discovered—it’s a dreamy blend of savory, herb-packed goodness that’s perfect for any gathering. I love how effortlessly it comes together in just 10 minutes, and how its flavor profile—combining sour cream, ranch seasoning, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs—drives everyone straight to the party bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find Pontoon Dip irresistible because it merges the tang of ranch with the richness of cheddar and the brightness of fresh herbs. It’s creamy and scoopable, just begging for chips or crisp veggies, and it’s always the first thing to vanish at gatherings. Plus, it’s a no-fuss recipe I can whip up in just 10

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Cream cheese, softened
Dry ranch seasoning mix
Worcestershire sauce
Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
Scallions (green onions), whites + light green parts, plus some dark green for garnish
Chives, thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish
Flat‑leaf parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
Tap water
Black pepper, for garnish

Directions

I whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl until mostly smooth.
I stir in shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese, the whites and light green parts of scallions, chives, parsley, and water until everything is well
I spoon the dip into a serving bowl and garnish with reserved cheddar, dark green scallion tops, extra chives, parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 servings and takes approximately 10 minutes total—ideal for last-minute entertaining or speedy

Variations

I love playing around with this dip by:

Swapping in Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten it
Altering the thickness by reducing or omitting water if I want a denser
Using homemade ranch seasoning or even prepared ranch dip if I don’t have the dry mix on hand.
Garnishing with pepper flakes instead of black pepper to add a little

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Letting it rest a bit before serving helps the flavors meld even
(Be mindful—this dip is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no reheating needed.)

FAQs

How far in advance can I make Pontoon Dip?

I often make it several hours ahead or even the night before—chilling helps the flavors

What should I serve with Pontoon Dip?

I serve it with potato chips, crackers like Ritz or pretzel thins, or fresh crudités such as carrots, celery, and bell

Can it safely sit out at a party?

For safety, I try not to leave it out for more than 2 hours. On hot days, I’ll place the bowl over ice to keep it chilled.

Can I freeze this dip?

I don’t recommend freezing—it’s best fresh or chilled in the refrigerator for a few days.

Why is there water in the recipe?

Adding a bit of water gives the dip the perfect scooping texture so chips don’t break when dipped.

Conclusion

I adore Pontoon Dip because it’s creamy, herb-rich, and packed with flavor—perfectly balanced between tangy ranch, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs. It’s a breeze to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and feels like summer in a bowl. Whether I’m hosting a party or just craving something comforting, this dip never disappoints.