✔ Updated · fixed quantities, make-ahead timing and step photos
Million dollar dip is my make-ahead lifesaver: sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, green onions and toasted almonds stirred into creamy mayo. I mix it the night before, and the bowl is usually empty by halftime.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Shred your own cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking starch and makes the dip dry and a little gritty.
Why You'll Love Million Dollar Dip
- No cooking beyond bacon, just mix and chill.
- Better the next day, so it takes the stress out of party prep.
- Salty, creamy, crunchy, all in one scoop.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Toast the almonds. I toast them in a dry skillet until they smell nutty. Raw almonds taste flat in here; toasted ones taste buttery and stay crunchy.
- Chop for easy scooping. Chop the bacon finely and give the almonds a rough chop too, so the dip clings to a cracker instead of sliding off.
- Make it richer. Swap 1/4 cup of the mayo for softened cream cheese for an extra velvety dip.
- Make it spicier. Add a minced pickled jalapeño, a little more cayenne or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Keep it cold. This is a mayo-based dip, so don't leave it out longer than 2 hours (1 hour on a hot day). Set the bowl in a larger bowl of ice for long parties.
- Storage. Covered in the fridge, it keeps 3 to 4 days. The almonds soften a little after day two, so I add a fresh sprinkle before serving.
Million Dollar Dip
12
servings15
minutes10
minutes245
kcal1
minuteA cold, creamy make-ahead party dip: freshly shredded sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, sliced green onions and toasted slivered almonds stirred into mayonnaise with a pinch of cayenne, then chilled so the flavors meld. Makes about 3 cups.
Ingredients
6 slices bacon
1/2 cup slivered almonds
8 ounces sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
1 cup mayonnaise
5 green onions, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 pinch cayenne pepper
salt and black pepper, to taste
crackers, pretzel crisps or veggie sticks, to serve
Directions
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, for 4 to 5 minutes until light golden and nutty. Tip onto a plate to cool.
- Cook the bacon in the same skillet over medium heat until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes, turning now and then. Drain on paper towels, cool, then chop finely.
- Shred the cheddar and thinly slice the green onions.
- In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, cheddar, green onions, bacon, almonds and cayenne. Taste and add salt and pepper (it rarely needs salt).
- Spoon into a serving bowl, cover and chill at least 1 hour, or overnight. Stir, top with a few extra almonds and green onions, and serve cold with crackers.
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More Party Dips
Want a hot dip next to this cold one? My Velveeta spinach dip and buffalo chicken dip are always on my game-day table. For more bacon in a bowl, try my BLT dip, or go classic with French onion dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called million dollar dip?
The name is a nod to how rich and addictive it tastes, not to fancy ingredients. It's also called millionaire dip or Neiman Marcus dip, and the base is always cheddar, bacon, green onions and almonds in mayonnaise.
Can you make million dollar dip ahead of time?
Yes, and it's better that way. Make it up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate. The flavors meld and the onion mellows. Stir before serving and top with a few fresh almonds.
Is million dollar dip served hot or cold?
Classic million dollar dip is served cold, straight from the fridge. Some people bake it at 350°F until bubbly, but the mayo can turn oily when heated, so I stick with cold.
What do you serve with million dollar dip?
Buttery round crackers are the classic. Pretzel crisps, bagel chips, celery sticks, bell pepper strips and toasted baguette slices all work. It also makes a great sandwich spread.
Can I leave out the almonds?
Yes. Swap them for toasted pecans, or skip the nuts and add a little extra bacon for crunch. Leave out the cayenne too if you're serving young kids.
🎄 Planning Christmas dinner? See all our Christmas side dishes next to the mains and a make-ahead timeline.
