Million Dollar Dip

I’ll admit it, I’m the person at the party who can’t stay out of the dip, and this Million Dollar Dip recipe is among my favorites. It’s creamy, cheesy and loaded with flavor!

When I make a batch for guests, I usually make extra to enjoy after the party is over. Hey, the hostess needs a wind-down snack, right?

Million Dollar Dip is so simple to make and you won't even turn on your oven.

To make it, I stir softened cream cheese and mayo until smooth, then fold in sharp cheddar, chopped bacon, green onions and a little garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and smoked paprika.

A little time in the fridge lets the flavors blend, and then it's ready for a big plate of crackers.

Why You'll Love It

This is one of those easy party dips you can make with ingredients you probably already have. There's no cooking at all besides the bacon, which makes it one of my go-to no-cook appetizers when the oven is full.

Cold dips for parties like this one hold up on the table through game night, Super Bowl Sunday, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve or any holiday gathering. My version leans smoky, with bits of crispy bacon in every bite.

It's one of my favorite game day dips because every scoop has a little crunch, a little cheese and a lot of bacon. Every time I set it out, I end up hovering by the bowl!

Million Dollar Dip Ingredient Notes

Here's what you'll need on hand to make my yummy dip recipe.

Cream cheese: Use a full-fat brick, not the tub, and let it soften on the counter first. Cold cream cheese leaves little lumps that won't stir out. Making Million Dollar Dip with cream cheese gives it a thick, rich body.

Mayonnaise: Real mayo gives the dip its creamy, tangy base. It's what makes this a scoopable dip instead of a stiff cheese spread.

Bacon: Cook it over medium heat until crisp, then chop it. Store-bought real bacon bits work when I'm short on time.

Smoked paprika: Just a little gives the dip bold flavor and a hint of smoke that goes so well with the bacon. Regular paprika works too, just with less smoke.

Sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese has more flavor than mild, so it stands up to all that bacon and mayo. Pre-shredded cheese works, but I like to shred my own, off the block.

How to Make Million Dollar Dip

This Million Dollar Dip recipe comes together in one bowl. I stir the softened cream cheese and mayo until smooth, then mix in the cheddar, bacon, green onions and seasonings.

Then I spoon it into a serving dish, cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill for at least an hour.

Right before serving, I sprinkle a little extra cheddar and green onion on top so it looks as good as it tastes.

Grab the full recipe card at the bottom of the post for the exact amounts before you head to the store.

My Best Tips

Soften the cream cheese: Set it out about 30 minutes ahead. It blends with the mayo in seconds when it's soft, with a spoon or an electric hand mixer.

Cook the bacon extra crispy: Crispy bacon keeps a little crunch even after it chills in the creamy dip.

Give it time to chill: For the best flavor, don't skip the hour in the fridge. It isn't just for serving it cold. It lets the garlic, onion and paprika soak into the dip.

Let it sit a few minutes: Straight from the fridge, Million Dollar Dip is thick, so I set it out about 15 minutes before serving. That makes scooping with a cracker so much easier!

Substitutions and Variations

• A little heat: Use pepper jack for half the cheddar, or add a diced pickled jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
• Sour cream: Swap sour cream for half of the mayo if you like more tang.
• Chives: Use chopped fresh chives in place of the green onions.
• Stuffed peppers: Spoon the dip into halved mini sweet peppers for a bite-size appetizer. This makes such a nice, crunchy party bite!

What to Serve It With

Buttery crackers are my favorite choice, since this is one of those thick, creamy dips for crackers that clings to every bite. Pita chips, bagel chips, tortilla chips, thick potato chips and pretzel crisps are great too, as long as they're sturdy enough to scoop.

For a lighter option, set out fresh veggies like celery sticks, bell pepper strips and cucumber slices.

When I set out Christmas party appetizers or game day spreads, I put it next to Warm Cheesy Bacon Dip, Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts and Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make ahead: Stir it together up to 1 day ahead, cover it and keep it in the fridge. It's ready to go the next day, so just add the garnish right before serving.

Room temperature: Don't leave it out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour on a hot day over 90°F. When a party runs long, I set out half and keep the rest cold.

Refrigerator: Keep leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Million Dollar Dip FAQs

Can You Heat Up Million Dollar Dip?

No, don't do that! Million Dollar Dip is made to be served cold, and warming it makes the mayo and cheese turn oily. If you want a warm dip, my Warm Cheesy Bacon Dip is baked until bubbly.

Can You Freeze Million Dollar Dip?

No, the creamy base separates when it thaws, so the dip turns watery and grainy. It's best made fresh and eaten within a few days.

Do I Have to Add Almonds?

Nope! Some recipes use them, but I prefer bacon for my crunch. If you love almonds, stir in some toasted slivered almonds with the cheddar.

Of all my party dip recipes, this is the easiest to mix up the night before your next party. All that's left to do is open a sleeve of crackers.

You're going to love this recipe! Let me know in the comments if you decide to give it a try.

More Holiday Appetizers

• Warm Cheesy Bacon Dip
• Million Dollar Deviled Eggs
• Sausage Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers
• Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
• Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls