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Why Everyone Calls This Million Dollar Dip (After Just One Bite): this isn’t your average grocery store tub – this is Million Dollar Dip, a legendary recipe that lives up to its name. This is the one dip I bring to parties time and time again – and everyone asks for the recipe!
Prepare to be wowed by this Million Dollar Dip’s rich, creamy texture, explosive blend of flavors, and irresistible cheesy goodness. The original recipe started at Neiman Marcus, but was such a hit, the name (coming from the store’s high price tag) stuck!
Warning: one scoop is never 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.
Table of Contents
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: Mayo adds creaminess and richness to the dip. Mayonnaise contributes a subtle tanginess and helps to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency. If you’re out of mayo, you can swap for Sour Cream.
- 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. Crunchy bacon provides an indulgent, salty element and pairs perfectly with the creamy base. Use real bacon bits from chopped up crunchy bacon for best results.
- 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 adds a distinctive aroma and enhances the dip’s overall complexity.
Steps to Make Million Dollar Dip
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following method:
Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
Add Spices
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mixture, and stir until well combined.
Chill
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to the next day, to allow the flavors to blend.
Enjoy
Before serving, garnish the million dollar dip with additional chopped green onions and shredded cheese, if desired.
Does Million Dollar Dip Include Almonds?
Traditional Million Dollar Dip often does include slivered or chopped almonds, which add crunch and a slightly sweet, nutty contrast to the creamy base. However, many popular versions (including mine) leave the almonds out entirely. I prefer it without, but if you’d like to add them, go for it!
Add 1/2 cup slivered almonds, as desired. Toast the almonds ahead of time on medium heat and let cool before mixing into dip with cheese.
Why Almonds are Optional
- Some people don’t like the texture in a creamy dip
- Nut allergies or preferences
- The dip is still rich, savory, and “million dollar” without them
So if you’re making Million Dollar Dip and skipping almonds, you’re still very much on track — it’s more about the creamy, savory combo than one required ingredient.
Other Million Dollar Dip Flavor Ideas
If you’re looking for other ways to kick up the flavor of this dip with some additions, try some of our favorite ideas below:
- Caramelized onions – deeper, slightly sweet flavor
- Garlic powder or roasted garlic – boosts savory depth
- Sharp white cheddar – adds tang and richness
- Toasted pecans or walnuts – mild crunch without being overpowering
- Crushed Ritz crackers (mixed in just before serving)
- Fried onions – classic and crowd-pleasing
- Diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne
- Chipotle powder or smoked paprika for warmth
- Lemon zest – wakes everything up
- Fresh parsley or dill – lightens the dip
- Pimentos – subtle sweetness and color
- Blue Cheeses – adds a funky kick and richness
- Sour Cream – adds a creamy, zesty kick
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.
Million Dollar Dip Recipe 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.
Yes, million-dollar dip can be made ahead of time and eaten the next day. 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
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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 isn’t 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!