Million Dollar Dip: The Ultimate Neiman Marcus Bacon Cheese Almond Appetizer
Indulge in this legendary Neiman Marcus Dip, a true holiday classic and fan-favorite party appetizer. Loaded with crispy bacon, rich cheese, and crunchy almonds, this irresistible spread is ready in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for effortless entertaining.
There’s a reason this incredible Neiman Marcus Dip also goes by the enticing name, “Million Dollar Dip”—it truly is that amazing! This iconic appetizer offers a luxurious flavor profile and a satisfying blend of textures, yet it comes together with remarkable speed and simplicity. Boasting a mere six primary ingredients and requiring less than 10 minutes of hands-on preparation, this dip is the ultimate solution for a simple, last-minute party appetizer, a festive holiday spread, or a delightful treat for any occasion. Its rich, creamy, and savory characteristics make it an instant crowd-pleaser that guests will rave about.
The beauty of the Million Dollar Dip extends beyond its quick preparation to its incredible versatility in serving. My absolute favorite way to present this delightful spread is alongside an assortment of crisp, flaky crackers. The satisfying crunch of a good cracker perfectly complements the dip’s creamy consistency and rich flavors. However, its appeal doesn’t stop there. This dip also pairs wonderfully with crunchy pretzels, offering a salty counterpoint, or with fresh, raw vegetables like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a lighter, refreshing option. For a more substantial serving, consider toasted bread rounds or baguette slices. No matter your choice of dipper, this bacon, cheese, and almond dip is sure to be the star of your snack table!
Essential Ingredient Notes for Crafting Your Perfect Million Dollar Dip
Achieving the legendary taste and texture of Neiman Marcus Dip relies on a few key ingredients and how you prepare them. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your dip is nothing short of spectacular:
- Cream Cheese: The foundation of this creamy dip starts with full-fat cream cheese. It’s absolutely crucial that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you begin mixing. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy dip that’s difficult to blend smoothly. To soften quickly, you can leave it on the counter for 30-60 minutes, or unwrap it and microwave on low power (e.g., 50%) in 10-15 second bursts until just pliable, not melted.
- Mayonnaise: A good quality mayonnaise contributes to the dip’s luxurious creaminess and provides a subtle tang that balances the rich flavors. Use your preferred brand; while lighter versions exist, regular full-fat mayonnaise will offer the best consistency and taste, staying true to the original “Million Dollar” experience.
- Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon is one of the undisputed stars of this spread, adding a crucial layer of smoky flavor and delightful crunch. For an unparalleled texture, I highly recommend cooking your own bacon until it’s extra crispy. My personal secret for quick, mess-free, and perfectly crispy bacon is using my Air Fryer Bacon method – it’s a game-changer! However, any method that yields truly crispy bacon (pan-fried, baked in the oven) will work. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces. While store-bought bacon bits can be used in a pinch, fresh bacon cooked to perfection will significantly elevate the dip’s flavor and texture. You’ll need about 9 strips, which will produce a generous amount of crumbled bacon.
- Green Onions: These vibrant additions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a beautiful touch of color. Be sure to finely chop both the white and the green parts of the scallions. They offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and bacon, ensuring the dip isn’t overly heavy.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese brings that classic, comforting cheesy goodness and a slightly sharp flavor. For the best melting quality and superior taste, I strongly suggest shredding a block of cheddar cheese yourself. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make the cheese less creamy when mixed and sometimes impart a slightly floury texture. A sharp or medium cheddar works best here, but you can experiment with a blend of cheeses like Colby Jack for a milder profile. You’ll need approximately 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese to achieve that desired cheesy richness.
- Almonds: The almonds are essential for introducing a delightful textural contrast and a subtle nutty flavor that defines this Neiman Marcus Dip. I’ve found that almond slivers are ideal because their thin profile integrates seamlessly into the creamy base while still providing a distinct crunch in every bite. If slivered almonds are unavailable, thinly sliced almonds or roughly crushed almonds can be suitable substitutes. However, I highly advise against using whole almonds, as their size and hardness can make the dip difficult to scoop and enjoy. For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the almond slivers in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly golden – this really brings out their nuttiness!
- Ground Black Pepper: (Optional, but highly recommended) While not one of the core “six ingredients,” a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper can significantly enhance and round out the flavors of the dip. It adds a subtle warmth and a touch of zest that complements the savory bacon and cheese beautifully.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Million Dollar Dip: Your Go-To Appetizer!
Incredibly Quick & Easy to Prepare: This spectacular dip is ready from start to finish in about 5-10 minutes, making it your ultimate secret weapon for last-minute gatherings.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Convenience: Effortlessly prepare this dip hours or even a day in advance, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Simple Ingredients, Irresistible Flavor: With only 6 fuss-free, readily available ingredients, you’ll achieve maximum taste with minimal effort.
Minimal Kitchen Tools Required: All you need is one mixing bowl, a spoon, and a knife for chopping, ensuring a swift and easy cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Neiman Marcus Million Dollar Dip
Preparing this incredibly popular dip is wonderfully simple. Just follow these straightforward steps to create a show-stopping appetizer:
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Prepare All Your Ingredients
Start by setting up your “mise en place” – measure out all the ingredients and have them ready. The most crucial step here is ensuring your cream cheese is thoroughly softened to room temperature; this guarantees a smooth, lump-free dip. Next, finely chop the green onions, utilizing both the white and green parts for maximum flavor and color. If you don’t have cooked bacon on hand, now is the time to cook it until it’s exceptionally crispy. Once cooled, crumble the crispy bacon into small, uniform pieces. If using almond slivers, you can lightly toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their nutty flavor. -
Combine the Spread to Perfection
Once all your Million Dollar Dip ingredients are prepped and awaiting their grand combination, add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, crumbled crispy bacon, finely chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and almond slivers into a large mixing bowl. If you’re adding the optional ground black pepper, now is the time to include it. Using a sturdy spoon or a flexible rubber spatula, vigorously stir and mash the ingredients together. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined, ensuring the savory bacon, crunchy almonds, and fresh green onions are evenly dispersed throughout the creamy cheese base. This step guarantees a burst of flavor and texture in every single bite. -
Serve Immediately or Chill for Enhanced Flavor
Your homemade Neiman Marcus Million Dollar Dip is now ready to impress! You have the option to serve it immediately alongside your preferred crackers or dippers. However, for an even deeper, more complex flavor profile, I highly recommend covering the bowl and refrigerating the dip for at least an hour. This chilling period allows all the wonderful flavors to meld and harmonize, resulting in a richer and more satisfying taste experience. If chilling, remember to give it another good stir just before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
Pro Tips for Storage & Make-Ahead Planning for Your Million Dollar Dip
Storing Leftovers: Any leftover bacon cheese spread should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Always give it a good stir before serving any leftovers.
Make-Ahead Mastery: This dip is a fantastic candidate for preparing in advance! You can fully assemble the dip up to 24 hours before your event. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Making it ahead allows the flavors to deepen and meld, often tasting even better the next day. Stir well before serving to ensure optimal consistency and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Famous Million Dollar Dip
The original name, Neiman Marcus Dip, comes from its creator, Helen Corbitt, a legendary chef who developed the recipe for Neiman Marcus’s flagship restaurant in Texas back in the 1950s. It quickly became a sensation, so much so that it was published in her popular cookbook and has remained a classic, beloved holiday staple ever since. Its immense popularity and incredibly delicious taste led to its well-deserved nickname, “Million Dollar Dip.” This name perfectly captures just how good it is and how much people adore it – truly tasting like a million bucks!
Absolutely, making this dip ahead of time is not only possible but highly recommended, especially for busy holidays or party preparations! You can fully assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Once combined, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to meld and deepen, often resulting in an even more delicious dip. Just remember to give the bacon cheese dip a good stir to reincorporate all the ingredients and restore its creamy texture before serving.
The versatility of Million Dollar Dip makes it fantastic with a wide range of dippers. My personal favorite way to enjoy it is with a variety of crisp crackers. Buttery Ritz Crackers, wholesome whole wheat crackers, or crunchy Club Crackers all work beautifully. For alternate options, consider:
- Pretzels: Both classic twisted pretzels and pretzel crisps offer a satisfying salty crunch.
- Sliced Toasted Bread: Thinly sliced baguette or ciabatta, lightly toasted, provides a more substantial vehicle for the dip.
- Fresh Veggie Sticks: For a lighter, healthier accompaniment, serve with crisp celery sticks, baby carrots, cucumber rounds, or colorful bell pepper strips.
- Pita Chips: These offer a different kind of crunch and a slightly savory flavor.
The key is to choose dippers sturdy enough to scoop up the generous, creamy texture of the dip!
While the traditional Neiman Marcus Dip recipe is perfection, you can certainly explore some ingredient swaps to suit dietary needs or personal preferences:
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other shredded cheeses. A blend of Monterey Jack and Colby, or even a smoked gouda, can add different dimensions of flavor.
- Nuts: If almonds aren’t your preference, chopped pecans or walnuts can provide a similar crunchy texture, though they will alter the flavor profile slightly. Ensure they are finely chopped.
- Mayonnaise: For a slightly lighter version, you can opt for light mayonnaise, but be aware that the richness and overall texture might be subtly different from the classic recipe.
- Bacon: If you prefer, turkey bacon can be used, just ensure it’s cooked until extra crispy and crumbled.
Remember that altering core ingredients will naturally change the dip’s signature taste, but it’s a great way to personalize it!
Pro Tips for Enhancing Your Million Dollar Dip Experience
This Neiman Marcus Dip is already phenomenal, but these insider tips can take it from fantastic to truly unforgettable:
Make it Fancy: Customizing and Elevating Your Dip
I generally adhere closely to the classic Neiman Marcus Dip recipe because its inherent simplicity and undeniable deliciousness are precisely why it earned the “Million Dollar” name! However, if you’re looking to add an extra layer of complexity or a gourmet touch, feel free to experiment with these optional additions:
- Flavor Boosters: A subtle pinch of garlic powder, a tiny dash of onion powder, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce nuanced flavor dimensions without overpowering the original profile. For a hint of smoky warmth and a lovely color, a pinch of sweet paprika works wonders.
- Premium Cheese Choices: While shredded cheddar is classic, you can elevate the dip by incorporating a portion of a sharper, more complex cheese. Consider adding some freshly grated Gruyere or Jarlsberg alongside or as a partial substitute for the cheddar for a nutty, more sophisticated undertone.
- Fresh Herb Garnish: Just before serving, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or finely minced parsley can add a burst of freshness and a beautiful visual appeal.
Remember, these additions are completely optional and intended for those who enjoy experimenting; the dip is absolutely perfect in its classic form!
Let it Chill: The Secret to Deepening Flavors
While the sheer simplicity of this bacon and cheese dip allows you to serve it immediately after mixing, I wholeheartedly recommend letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This step, though optional, makes a significant difference in the final taste. During the chilling period, all the distinct flavors – the savory bacon, the sharp cheese, the tangy mayonnaise, and the fresh green onions – have ample time to meld and harmonize. This creates a more cohesive, well-rounded, and deeply satisfying flavor profile that is truly more “Million Dollar” worthy. If you have the luxury of time, an overnight chill is even better! Just be sure to give the dip a good stir before presenting it to your guests, as it tends to firm up slightly when cold.
Perfect Presentation and Serving Ideas:
To make your Million Dollar Dip truly shine, consider how you present it. Serve it in an attractive bowl, perhaps a ceramic or glass one that highlights its creamy texture and colorful bits of bacon and green onion. Arrange your chosen dippers artfully around the bowl or on a separate serving platter. Providing a small spreading knife or spoon ensures guests can serve themselves easily. For larger gatherings, consider making a double batch – this dip disappears quickly!
More Irresistible Appetizer Recipes You May Also Enjoy…
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this Million Dollar Dip, you’re in for a treat! We’ve curated a collection of other fantastic, crowd-pleasing appetizer recipes that are just as simple to make and equally satisfying. Perfect for any gathering, these dips and bites are sure to become new favorites in your recipe repertoire:
- Easy Fiesta Corn Dip Recipe for a Crowd
- Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Bites with Bacon
- Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip Recipe
- Mini Caprese Avocado Toast Appetizer Recipe
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to explore this delicious Million Dollar Dip recipe. If you made this recipe, we would absolutely love to hear from you below in the comments section! Your feedback and ratings are incredibly valuable and help our community of food lovers. If you’re keen to keep up with what The Erhardts are Eating (and where our culinary adventures take us), be sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter & Youtube. We love connecting with fellow food enthusiasts and sharing our latest culinary creations and explorations!
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Neiman Marcus Million Dollar Dip
Caitlyn Erhardt
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5 minutes
0 minutes
5 minutes
Appetizer
American
8 Servings
203 kcal
Ingredients
- 4 Oz Cream Cheese softened
- 4 Oz Mayonnaise
- 9 Stripes Bacon cooked crispy & crumbled
- 4 Green Onions chopped
- 1 ½ Cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- ½ Cup Almond Slivers lightly toasted for extra flavor, optional
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Optional, for enhanced flavor
Instructions
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Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature. Measure out all remaining ingredients. Finely chop the green onions (both white and green parts) and cook bacon until very crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Toast almond slivers lightly in a dry pan if desired.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, crumbled crispy bacon, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and almond slivers. Add the optional ground black pepper, if using. Stir and mash all ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
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Serve the Neiman Marcus Million Dollar Dip immediately with your favorite crackers or dippers. For optimal flavor and a richer taste, cover and chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least one hour (or up to 24 hours) before serving. Stir again just before presentation.
Notes
Chilling the Dip: For a more developed and harmonious flavor profile, allow the combined dip to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. While optional, this step significantly enhances the taste.
Serving Suggestions: This versatile dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers. My top recommendation is an assortment of crackers (Ritz, whole wheat, Club). You can also serve it with crunchy pretzels, fresh veggie sticks (celery, carrots, cucumber), or lightly toasted bread slices.
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Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 3.6g
Protein: 9.7g
Fat: 16.8g
Saturated Fat: 6.3g
Cholesterol: 36mg
Sodium: 467mg
Potassium: 150mg
Fiber: 0.8g
Sugar: 0.8g
Calcium: 102mg
Iron: 1mg
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