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This is one of those recipes that sneaks into your life quietly, then suddenly becomes the thing everyone asks you to bring. Million Dollar Dip doesn’t rely on flash or fancy tricks. It wins people over with pure comfort, richness, and just enough texture to keep every bite interesting.
I’ve made this dip for last-minute get-togethers, lazy weekends, and a few “I’ll just have a spoonful” evenings that turned into something more. It’s indulgent without trying too hard, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.
The name might sound dramatic, but once you scoop it up with a buttery cracker, you’ll get it. Creamy, salty, crunchy, and savory all land at once. It tastes like something you’d swear took way more effort than it actually did.
Million Dollar Dip is sometimes called Neiman Marcus dip, and while the story varies depending on who you ask, the result is always the same. An unapologetically rich appetizer that disappears faster than you expect.
I love that this dip doesn’t need heat, special equipment, or timing gymnastics. It’s a mix, a fold, a chill, and suddenly you’re the person who “makes that amazing dip.” That’s a role I’m happy to accept.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- Slivered almonds – Toasted and chopped, these add crunch and a slightly nutty contrast to the creamy base.
- Cream cheese – The backbone of the dip, giving it that rich, smooth, indulgent texture.
- Mayonnaise – Adds silkiness and depth, helping the dip stay luscious rather than stiff.
- Cheddar cheese – Brings sharp, savory flavor that balances all the creaminess.
- Bacon – Crispy and salty, it adds bold flavor and little bursts of texture.
- Green onions – Fresh and mild, they cut through the richness and brighten everything up.
- Garlic powder – A gentle background note that rounds out the savory flavors.
- Black pepper – Adds warmth and subtle bite without overpowering the dip.
- Cayenne pepper – Just a touch for quiet heat that lingers pleasantly.
Each ingredient plays a clear role here, and that balance is what keeps the dip from feeling heavy or flat. Nothing is extra, and nothing feels missing.
How to make Million Dollar Dip?
Step 1 – Build the Creamy Base
Start with softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl. I usually use a spatula, working slowly until they’re mostly combined. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth, just cohesive.
This base sets the tone for the entire dip, so take a moment here. If the cream cheese is properly softened, everything else falls into place more easily.
Step 2 – Add the Crunch
Fold in the toasted, chopped almonds gently. You want them evenly distributed without crushing them too much. That crunch is part of what makes this dip feel special.
The contrast between creamy and crisp starts right here, and it only gets better as more ingredients join in.
Step 3 – Bring in the Cheese
Add the freshly grated cheddar cheese next, folding it in slowly. Grating your own cheese really matters here, and you’ll notice the difference in texture immediately.
The cheddar melts slightly into the base, giving the dip body and a rich, savory backbone.
Step 4 – Fold in the Bacon
Now comes the bacon, chopped nice and fine so you get bits in every scoop. Stir gently so it spreads evenly throughout the dip.
This is where the dip starts smelling irresistible, and where self-control becomes optional.
Step 5 – Finish with Flavor
Add the green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Fold everything together until well combined, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
This rest time matters more than it seems. The flavors settle, the texture firms up slightly, and the dip becomes something better than it was ten minutes earlier.
Step 6 – Serve and Garnish
Just before serving, give the dip a gentle stir and sprinkle a few extra sliced green onions on top. It’s a small touch, but it makes the whole bowl look inviting.
Set it out with crackers, chips, or vegetables, and watch what happens. It rarely lasts long.
Serving Ideas That Always Work
Million Dollar Dip is incredibly flexible when it comes to serving. Buttery crackers are the classic choice, and for good reason. They’re sturdy enough to scoop and rich enough to match the dip.
Toasted baguette slices or crostini add a little elegance without changing the comfort-food vibe. I like them lightly crisp, not rock hard.
Potato chips bring a salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy base. Thicker chips work best so they don’t snap mid-scoop.
If you want something fresher, sliced carrots, celery, and bell peppers are great options. They cut through the richness and make the platter feel balanced.
Tips
- Use brick-style cream cheese and let it fully soften for the smoothest texture.
- Grate your own cheddar for better flavor and creamier results.
- Toast the almonds slowly, stirring often, so they don’t burn.
- Fold ingredients gently to keep the texture varied and interesting.
- Chill the dip for at least an hour so the flavors can fully develop.
Easy Variations to Try
One of the things I love about Million Dollar Dip is how forgiving it is. You can tweak it slightly and still end up with something delicious.
Swapping part of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream lightens the dip a bit while keeping it creamy. I wouldn’t replace all of it, but half works nicely.
Different cheeses can add new personality. A little Gruyère brings nuttiness, Swiss adds mild sweetness, and blue cheese gives bold, tangy depth if you’re into that.
You can also play with the nuts. Toasted walnuts or pecans change the flavor subtly while keeping that essential crunch intact.
Storage and Make-Ahead Notes
This dip actually improves with time, which makes it ideal for planning ahead. I often prepare it the night before and let it rest in the fridge overnight.
Stored in an airtight container, Million Dollar Dip keeps well for up to four days. Give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Freezing isn’t a great idea here. The creamy base doesn’t thaw well, and the texture suffers more than it’s worth.
If you’re serving leftovers, letting the dip sit out for ten minutes helps soften it slightly and brings the flavors back to life.
Million Dollar Dip is rich, comforting, and surprisingly versatile. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation, not because it’s flashy, but because it works, every single time.
Million Dollar Dip Recipe
Description
If you’re a fan of creamy dips, Million Dollar Dip is a must-try! The indulgent combination of cream cheese, mayo, grated cheddar, crispy bacon bits, toasted almonds, and a few spices creates an irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Also known as Neiman Marcus Dip, this recipe delivers rich flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite. Serve it with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies—and enjoy even more the next day!
ingredients
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise with a rubber or silicone spatula and mix well to combine. (It’s ok if the mixture is not entirely smooth.)
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Fold in the chopped almonds, cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
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Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and dip to firm up slightly.
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Top with a few more sliced scallions and serve with buttery crackers, toasted baguette, or fresh-cut vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 serving (about ¼ cup)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 285kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 420mg18%
- Potassium 120mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 12g24%
- Calcium 180 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use brick-style cream cheese, not the kind that comes in a tub. Set it out at room temperature in advance to give it time to soften. You can follow my tips for how to soften butter to soften cream cheese quickly if you don’t have time to let it sit.
- Use a hand mixer: You can easily combine the cream cheese and mayonnaise using a hand mixer. But be sure to fold in the rest of the ingredients by hand for optimal texture.
- To toast the almonds, place them in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir very frequently to toast evenly for 5 to 7 minutes, until light brown and aromatic.
- Make ahead tip: This dip tastes even better the next day! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Million Dollar Dip ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add fresh green onions before serving.
What should I serve with Million Dollar Dip?
Buttery crackers (like Ritz), toasted baguette slices, crostini, potato chips, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks and cucumber rounds all pair perfectly.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits?
You can use real bacon bits from the store, but freshly cooked and crumbled bacon gives the best flavor and texture.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! Swap almonds for toasted pecans or walnuts, use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of half the mayo, or try different cheeses like Gruyère or blue cheese for part of the cheddar.