Million Dollar Dip

Million Dollar Dip is a tasty mix of a few basic ingredients that somehow come together to make something seriously delicious. It’s one of those go-to party dips that’s been showing up on game day appetizer menus and holiday snack tables forever. Just serve it with some crackers or fresh veggies and watch it disappear!

Why Is It Called Million Dollar Dip?

The name likely comes from its rich, indulgent flavor and how quickly it disappears at parties, like it’s worth a million bucks! It’s a playful way of saying the dip is so good, it tastes expensive, even though it’s made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.  this dip was created in the 1950’s by Helen Corbitt for the Zodiac Room, which is a restaurant located in a Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas.

You might’ve also heard this classic dip go by other names, like Neiman Marcus Dip or ABC Dip, thanks to the almond, bacon, and cheese trio. Whatever you call it, my version kicks things up a notch with chive and onion cream cheese mixed with mayo, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, green onions, and toasted almonds. A few simple seasonings bring it all together and add a little extra depth to every bite.

Ingredients to Make Million Dollar Dip Recipe

My family loves appetizers like this Million Dollar Dip—we’re total snackers at heart. Honestly, there are days we’d rather just dip our dinner than sit down to a full meal, especially on laid-back weekends when everything’s a little more relaxed. Some of our favorites, like my Three Cheesesteak Dip and Chicken Enchilada Dip, are basically meals in themselves. What makes this dip extra awesome is that it’s super easy to whip up ahead of time. Plus, the flavors get even better as it chills—perfect for entertaining! Ingredients you’ll need to make Million Dollar Dip Recipe: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Cream Cheese – Softened chive and onion cream cheese gives the dip a creamy texture.
• Mayonnaise – Definitely use real mayo and not Miracle Whip, it’s too sweet for this dip.
• Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese gives it a pop a flavor.
• Bacon – Bacon adds a smoky flavor.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder or granulated garlic, lemon pepper and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce.
• Nuts – Toasted almonds add crunch and texture.
• Onions – Green onion for a mild onion flavor.
• Accompaniments – Crackers, celery and carrot sticks or chips for dipping.

How to Make the Best Million Dollar Dip Recipe

• Heat Oven and Toast Almonds – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 6-8 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Cool completely.
• Combine the Dairy Ingredients – Use an electric hand mixer to combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, lemon pepper and Worcestershire sauce. 
• Mix-Ins – By hand stir in the cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions and almonds. Mix well.
• Refrigerate – Place into an airtight container and chill for at least 6 hours preferably overnight. 
• Serve – Enjoy with crackers, vegetables or pita chips for dipping.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need to Make Million Dollar Dip

• Large mixing bowl for mix the ingredient together.
• Hand mixer for whipping the dairy ingredients smoothly. A whisk won’t work here.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cheese grater for shredding fresh cheese.
• Sheet pan for toasting the nuts.
• Skillet for frying the bacon.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Bacon: You could use precooked bacon crumbles (or real bacon bits) for a time saver, but I highly recommend you go the extra mile and make your own bacon for the best flavor. You could use also turkey bacon, if preferred. See how to fry bacon in the oven here.
• Cheese: You can use sharp cheddar, colby jack cheese, swiss cheese or medium cheddar cheese. You could swap it out with pepper jack for spice. You might also want to try it with feta cheese or crumbled blue cheese.
• Ranch Seasoning: You could use a 1 ounce packet of ranch seasoning in place of the seasonings in the recipe.
• Spice: You could add a few dashes of hot sauce, diced pickled jalapenos, black pepper or cayenne pepper for spice.
• Nuts: You could use chopped pecans in place of almonds. Either way toasting the nuts is a must. It takes such little effort with big flavor rewards. To toast the almonds, spread them in a single layer on a sheet pan. Toast in a preheated 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes or until lightly golden and fragrant. Cool completely before adding to the remaining ingredients.
• Make a Double Batch: This ingredients for this million dollar dip will easily double, if you’re feeding a crowd.
• Serving Options: Serve this easy dip with crackers and fresh vegetables such as celery, carrots, cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices. You can also enjoy with potato chips, tortilla chips, pita chips, Ritz crackers or crostini for dipping.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip: This million dollar dip is no different from others in that it gets better when it’s made in advance so the flavors can meld together. You can make it one day ahead of time and pop it into the refrigerator in an airtight container to chill until you’re ready to serve it.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in a sealed container chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing leftover dip. The sour cream and cream cheese can break down and change texture when it’s thawed.

More Southern Style Dip Recipes to Make

Regardless of the type of gathering from casual game day parties, entertaining friends and family or holiday meals dips are always a favorite. More homemade dip recipes you may like to try:

• Tangy Dill Pickle Dip is addictive!
• You may have everything you need in your cupboard to make Homemade Ranch Dip.
• Baked Mexican Fiesta Dip.
• Marry Me Chicken Dip is a fan favorite!
• Creamy Bean Dip for your next downhome fiesta.
• Buffalo Chicken Dip is a riff on all of the flavors we love about spicy buffalo wings.
• Make your own Homemade French Onion Dip one time and you’ll be hooked!
• Easy Shrimp Dip recipe.
• Tasty Easy Zesty Cheese Dip from A Family Feast is perfect for game day eats.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Mixer