Million Dollar Dip Recipe (An Easy Party Appetizer Everyone Loves)
Inside: This easy Million Dollar Dip recipe is a classic party appetizer made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, slivered almonds, and green onions. It’s a make-ahead favorite for game day, baby showers, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and neighborhood parties.
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“What can I bring?” is one of those questions that’s a lot easier to answer when you have a few tried-and-true recipes you can count on. Million Dollar Dip has been one of mine because it’s simple to make, travels well, and I never have to wonder if people will like it.
Around the Dallas area, you’ll hear it called Neiman Marcus Dip almost as often as Million Dollar Dip. I’ve never been much of a Neiman Marcus shopper myself—it’s always been a little too rich for my blood. But this recipe found its way into plenty of Junior League and church cookbook collections, and that’s where so many of us came to know it.
Whatever you call it, this creamy dip made with cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, and toasted slivered almonds has earned its place as a quintessential party dip. It’s quick to stir together, easy to make ahead, and one of those classic recipes that’s still around because it’s just plain good.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Dip Recipe.
There are plenty of appetizers you make once and forget about. This isn’t one of them. Million Dollar Dip has remained popular because it’s:
- Easy to make ahead. In fact, I think it tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Easy to transport. There’s nothing to reheat or assemble once you get where you’re going.
- Made with simple ingredients. Everything is easy to find at the grocery store, and there’s a good chance you already have some of it on hand.
- Fits just about any gathering. Whether you’re taking it to a casual get-together or setting it out for holiday guests, it always feels right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup real mayonnaise (such as Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup bacon crumbles (about 8 slices cooked bacon)
- ½ cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Ingredient Tips:
- Bacon: Freshly cooked bacon or good-quality real bacon pieces both work well.
- Cream cheese: Let it soften at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the mayonnaise.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheese gives the dip the best flavor and texture, but preshredded will work as well.
- Slivered almonds: Toasting them for a few minutes brings out their flavor and adds extra crunch.
How to Make Million Dollar Dip.
Step 1: Toast the Almonds.
Place the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Remove them from the skillet immediately and allow them to cool completely.
Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth and creamy. Taking a minute to blend these first helps create a smoother dip without any cream cheese lumps.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, toasted almonds, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, if using. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Chill.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. The flavors blend together as the dip chills, and the texture becomes even creamier. If you want, add a few bacon crumbles and green onion slices for garnish.
Million Dollar Dip Recipe:
Million Dollar Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup real mayonnaise such as Duke’s or Hellmann’s
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup bacon crumbles about 8 slices cooked bacon
- ½ cup slivered almonds lightly toasted
- 4 green onions thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper optional
For Garnish (optional)
- Additional bacon crumbles
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and let cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, toasted almonds, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne, if using. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, stir if needed and garnish with additional bacon and green onions. Serve chilled with crackers, Pretzel Crisps, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Toasting the almonds only takes a few minutes but adds extra flavor and crunch.
- Freshly shredded cheddar gives the creamiest texture, but pre-shredded cheese works if you’re short on time.
- Packaged real bacon crumbles are a great shortcut, while freshly cooked bacon makes a beautiful garnish.
- This dip can be made up to 24 hours ahead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing isn’t recommended.
What to Serve with Million Dollar Dip.
Million Dollar Dip is traditionally served cold with crackers, but it’s easy to build an appetizer spread around it. If you’re serving this for a party, I like offering two or three different options so guests can choose what they like.
Some of my favorite dippers include:
- Ritz crackers
- Pretzel Crisps
- Club crackers
- Toasted baguette slices
- Celery sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Cucumber slices
A Little Texas History.
Many people trace Neiman Marcus Dip back to the Zodiac Room restaurant inside the famous upscale downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus department store, where the chef Helen Corbitt helped popularize simple, elegant recipes back in the 1950s.
As the recipe spread outside of Texas, it also became known as Million Dollar Dip. Whether that nickname came from its rich ingredients or simply because it tasted like “a million bucks” isn’t entirely clear, but it’s certainly fitting!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use packaged bacon crumbles and pre-shredded cheese?
Yes. Both are great shortcuts when you’re short on time. That said, freshly shredded cheddar blends into the dip a little better, and freshly cooked bacon makes a prettier garnish if you’re serving this for a party. For everyday gatherings, packaged real bacon crumbles and pre-shredded cheese work just fine.
Can I make Million Dollar Dip without almonds?
Yes. The toasted slivered almonds give the dip its signature crunch, but you can leave them out if you’re serving someone with a nut allergy.
How should I store leftover Million Dollar Dip?
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again. Because it’s made with mayonnaise and cream cheese, I don’t recommend freezing it—the texture won’t be the same after thawing.
One thing that struck me while making this recipe is how much it has in common with a classic cheese ball. Both are made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon.
The biggest difference is the presentation. One gets rolled into a ball. The other gets a fancy name and is served in a bowl. Basically, Million Dollar Dip is the regular old cheese ball’s filthy rich relative.
more Appetizers You Might Like
- Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe (Fresh, Colorful & Crowd-Pleasing)
- Boursin Cheese with Fig Jam (Two Easy Appetizer Versions)
- Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip for Parties (Slow Cooker or Baked)
- Sausage Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers: Low Carb Appetizer Winner
- Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs (Easy 3-Ingredient Appetizer)
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