It’s Easy To Make But Hard To Stop Eating
Million Dollar Dip lives up to its name for three good reasons. First, whether you serve it with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables, it delivers big, rich flavor that feels indulgent. Second, the recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand. Third, it comes together in about five to ten minutes, making it a perfect go-to for last-minute entertaining.
This creamy, savory dip traces its origins to Texas, where bold flavors are a tradition. It was popularized in the 1950s by Helen Corbitt, the legendary director of Food Services at Neiman Marcus, who first served the dip in the Zodiac Room at the Neiman Marcus Dallas store. Corbitt is also credited with creating Texas Caviar around 1940, which she first served at the Houston Country Club.
Make Million Dollar Dip With Six Simple Ingredients
You don’t need to be a millionaire to make this dip. The ingredients are straightforward and the method is easy. For the best results, use the classic ingredients as originally intended: cream cheese, real mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, green onions, crisp bacon, and sliced or slivered almonds for a pleasant crunch.
You Will Need
- Cream cheese softened to room temperature. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
- Mayonnaise — use real mayonnaise for a rich, creamy base.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese — freshly grated from a block tastes best.
- Green onions thinly sliced, including some of the green tops; reserve a little for garnish.
- Crisp, crumbled bacon — real bacon adds savory depth; save a bit for garnish.
- Sliced or slivered almonds for added crunch; toasting them lightly enhances the flavor.
You Can Put This Dip Together In Minutes
If the cream cheese is softened, this dip comes together very quickly. Beat the cream cheese with the mayonnaise until smooth, then fold in the shredded cheddar, green onions, bacon crumbles, and almonds. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the dip for two to three hours so the ingredients can meld. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly and become easier to dip.
This dip is versatile: serve it with celery sticks, chips, pretzels, or toasted rounds. It also makes a delicious baked potato topper — the combination of cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and green onion complements a hot potato beautifully.
Dips and appetizers became staples of American entertaining in the 1950s, and Million Dollar Dip is a timeless example. If you enjoy easy party recipes, try some family favorites like a quick cheeseball, dried beef dip, beer cheese dip, or savory pinwheel appetizers.
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
Million Dollar Dip
Helen Corbitt created this dip for the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. Six simple ingredients make an amazing, quick, and easy appetizer.
10 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
- One 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Full-fat cream cheese yields the best results.
- 1 1/2 cups real mayonnaise.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded.
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced (include some green tops). Reserve a little for garnish.
- 1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted if desired.
- 1/2 cup crisp bacon crumbles (about 4–5 slices). Reserve a little for garnish.
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese with the mayonnaise until smooth and well blended.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar, green onions, bacon crumbles, and almonds.
- Garnish with reserved bacon and green onions.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least two to three hours to let flavors meld.
- Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to soften.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 198
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 27mg
Sodium: 218mg
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
If this Million Dollar Dip is your kind of snack, you’re in good company. If you enjoyed the recipe, please consider sharing the post on your social media channels and leaving a review or comment — it helps a small kitchen a lot.
Love, GB (Betty Streff)