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Get ready to experience dip-lightenment! This isn’t your average grocery store tub – this is Million Dollar Dip, a legendary recipe that lives up to its name.
Prepare to be wowed by its rich, creamy texture, explosive blend of flavors, and irresistible cheesy goodness. Warning: one scoop might not be enough!
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Neiman Marcus Dip
Forget the store-bought tubs – this recipe is about to elevate your dip game to a whole new level. The Million Dollar Dip isn’t just a catchy title; it’s a testament to the luxurious taste and irresistible flavor that will have you wondering why it isn’t priced that way – although considering it is a dip that began in Nieman Marcus cafes in their department stores, it was a bit spendy!
So, what makes this dip so legendary? The secret lies in a decadent combination of creamy ingredients. We’re talking a rich and smooth base of cream cheese and mayonnaise, perfectly complemented by the sharp bite of shredded cheddar cheese. But the party doesn’t stop there! Crispy crumbled bacon adds a savory smokiness, while toasted almonds provide a welcome textural contrast. A hint of garlic powder and a touch of spice round out the flavor profile, creating a truly unforgettable taste sensation.
This million-dollar masterpiece isn’t just about indulging your taste buds; it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it up with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or sliced vegetables for a delightful appetizer or light lunch. It’s also the perfect dip for game nights, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with something truly special.
Get ready to ditch the boring dips and experience the culinary magic of the Million Dollar Dip. It’s easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to be the star of any party. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed!
How to Make Million Dollar Dip
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Cream Cheese (Softened): Provides a creamy and tangy base for the dip. Cream cheese adds richness and a smooth texture, helping to bind the other ingredients together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the dip. Mayonnaise contributes a subtle tanginess and helps to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold flavor and a cheesy richness to the dip. Sharp cheddar cheese provides a tangy and slightly salty taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Chopped Cooked Bacon: Adds savory, smoky flavor and a crispy texture to the dip. Bacon provides a deliciously indulgent element and pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
- Chopped Green Onions: Adds freshness, color, and a mild onion flavor to the dip. Green onions contribute a subtle bite and freshness that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor and a hint of garlic aroma to the dip. Garlic powder enhances the savory profile of the dip without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances out the sweetness of the mayonnaise and richness of the cheeses. Salt is essential for achieving a well-seasoned dip.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor and enhances the overall savory taste of the dip. Onion powder complements the green onions and adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, earthy flavor and a hint of sweetness to the dip. Smoked paprika provides a distinctive aroma and enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following method:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped cooked bacon, and chopped green onions.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mixture, and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
- Before serving, garnish the million dollar dip with additional chopped green onions and shredded cheese, if desired.
- Serve the dip with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Million Dollar Dip
Ensure Cream Cheese is Softened: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before making the dip. Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a creamy and luxurious texture.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese and bacon, as they significantly impact the flavor of the dip. Fresh, sharp cheddar cheese and crispy, flavorful bacon will elevate the overall taste of the dish.
Properly Cook and Drain Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy and golden brown, then drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease. Crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces for even distribution throughout the dip.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the dip as you mix in the seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and smoked paprika. Adjust the amounts to suit your personal preference, ensuring a well-balanced and flavorful dip.
Allow Flavors to Meld: For the best flavor, refrigerate the dip for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting period allows the seasonings to infuse the dip, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious final product.
Garnish Before Serving: Before serving, garnish the dip with additional chopped green onions or crumbled bacon for added flavor and visual appeal. These fresh toppings provide a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Serve with a Variety of Dippers: Million-dollar dip pairs well with a variety of dippers, such as tortilla chips, pretzel crisps, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables. Offer a selection of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Store Properly: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the dip to come to room temperature before serving leftovers, or gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the cream cheese.
FAQs
Yes, you can add a kick of heat to million-dollar dip by incorporating spicy ingredients like diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
Million-dollar dip pairs well with a variety of dippers, such as tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips. It also makes a delicious spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Yes, million-dollar dip can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the refrigerator. Prepare the dip as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Yes, you can customize million-dollar dip to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can use different types of cheese (such as Monterey Jack or Gouda) or add additional ingredients like diced jalapeños or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of million-dollar dip by omitting the bacon or using vegetarian bacon bits as a substitute. You can also add extra vegetables or herbs to enhance the flavor and texture of the dip.
While you can technically freeze million-dollar dip, it’s not recommended as the texture may change once thawed. The cream cheese and mayonnaise can become grainy or separate upon freezing and thawing, affecting the overall quality of the dip.
Million-dollar dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to consume it within this time frame for the best quality and flavor.
While million-dollar dip is typically served cold or at room temperature, you can serve it warm if desired. Simply transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish and heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
What to Serve With Million Dollar Dip
Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips are a classic choice for dipping into million-dollar dip. Opt for different flavors or shapes of tortilla chips to add variety to your spread.
Vegetable Crudité: Serve a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables such as carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas. These provide a refreshing and healthy option for dipping.
Crackers: Offer a selection of crackers such as water crackers, pita chips, wheat crackers, or multigrain crackers. The crunchy texture of crackers complements the creamy dip.
Pretzels: Pretzel rods, pretzel twists, or pretzel crisps add a salty and crunchy element to the spread. They pair well with the savory flavors of the dip.
Baguette Slices: Slice a French baguette into rounds and toast them lightly to create crispy baguette slices. These provide a sturdy base for spreading the dip.
Fresh Fruit: Add a touch of sweetness to your spread with fresh fruit such as apple slices, pear slices, grapes, or berries. The contrast of sweet fruit with the savory dip is delightful.
Crostini: Slice a baguette thinly, brush with olive oil, and toast until golden brown to make crostini. These crunchy bread slices are perfect for spreading with the creamy dip.
Pita Bread: Cut pita bread into wedges or strips and lightly toast them for a warm and soft option for dipping. Pita bread pairs well with the Mediterranean-inspired flavors of the dip.
Cheese Platter: Serve a variety of cheeses such as sliced cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or goat cheese alongside the dip for a more indulgent spread.
Charcuterie: Add cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni to your spread for a savory and protein-rich option.
Pickles and Olives: Include a selection of pickles, gherkins, and olives on your platter for a tangy and briny addition to the spread.
Nuts: Offer a bowl of mixed nuts such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts for a crunchy and satisfying snack.
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Million Dollar Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup chopped cooked bacon, about 10 slices
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, fresh ground
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped cooked bacon, and chopped green onions.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mixture, and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
- Before serving, garnish the million dollar dip with additional chopped green onions and shredded cheese, if desired.
- Serve the dip with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious!
Yum
The recipe instructions call for pepper but isnโt listed in the ingredients.
Thanks for noting that, its 1/8 tsp of fresh cracked pepper or just a crank of two if you have a fresh pepper grinder!