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This Million Dollar Dip is the recipe I pull out every single time I need something fast, impressive, and guaranteed to disappear. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with bacon and green onions, and ready in 5 minutes flat. No cooking, no fuss, just one bowl and a spoon.
I recently made a batch and tasted it right away. It was really good. Then I went back a few hours later, and it was even better. The flavors had all come together, and the dip had thickened up into something seriously special. I updated the recipe to reflect that: refrigerate it before serving whenever you can. You will not regret it.
If you love easy cold appetizers, my Jalapeño Popper Dip and French Onion Dip are two more you can throw together in minutes.
Key Ingredients
Here is what you need and why each ingredient matters:
- Whipped cream cheese: This is the secret to how fast and smooth this dip comes together. Whipped cream cheese mixes in easily without any lumps, and you do not need to soften it first.
- Mayonnaise: The base that makes the dip creamy and scoopable. Full-fat works best here.
- Shredded cheese: Freshly shredded off the block is the way to go. It melts into the dip more smoothly and has better flavor than the pre-shredded bags. Cheddar is the classic choice, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack both work great.
- Green onions: Use both the white and green parts. They add a mild sharpness that cuts through all the richness.
- Garlic paste: So much easier than mincing fresh garlic, and it gives you real garlic flavor rather than the powdered kind. A Dorot frozen garlic cube works perfectly too.
- Cooked bacon: Chopped into small bits so you get bacon in every single scoop. If you want to save time, Hormel Real Bacon Bits are a solid shortcut. For the very best flavor, try my Oven Baked Bacon. It comes out perfectly crispy every time.
See the recipe card below for full quantities.
How to Make Million Dollar Dip
This is about as simple as a recipe gets. Three steps and you are done.
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a large bowl.
Step 2: Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Why This Recipe Works
Using whipped cream cheese instead of block cream cheese is a small change that makes a big difference. It mixes in smooth and creamy right out of the container, no softening required. Garlic paste adds real garlic flavor without any of the harsh raw edge you can get from fresh-minced garlic. A full cup of bacon means every bite has a little something extra. And that chill time before serving is not optional in my house anymore. It takes this dip from good to great.
What to Serve with Million Dollar Dip
This dip goes with just about anything you would put out at a party:
- Crackers: Ritz, Club crackers, Triscuits, or any buttery cracker you like
- Chips: Classic potato chips, tortilla chips, or pita chips
- Veggies: Carrots, celery, sliced cucumbers, and bell pepper strips all work great
- Crostini: Toasted baguette slices for a fancier spread
- Pretzels: The saltiness is a perfect match
It is perfect for game day, spring potlucks, Easter gatherings, or any time you need a crowd-pleaser fast. Check out my full list of make-ahead appetizers for a crowd for more easy party food ideas.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Million Dollar Dip is a fantastic make-ahead appetizer, which makes it one of my favorites for entertaining.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Before Serving: Let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes and give it a stir.
- Freezing: Not recommended. Mayo and cream cheese do not thaw well and the texture will not be the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Real Bacon Bits like Hormel are a great time-saver. Just make sure to use the “real” bacon variety, not the imitation kind.
The dip itself is gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free dippers like fresh veggies or gluten-free crackers.
You can swap in sour cream for the mayo. The dip will be a little tangier and slightly less rich, but still really good.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
More Easy Party Appetizers
Planning a party? These are some of my favorites to serve alongside:
Million Dollar Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese freshly shredded cheese off the block works best
- 7 green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 cup bacon cooked, chopped into small bits (can use Hormel Real Bacon Bits)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients together in a large bowl.8 ounces whipped cream cheese, 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 7 green onions, 1 tablespoon garlic paste, 1 cup bacon
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients together.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
- Serve immediately with chips, crackers, or your favorite vegetables.
Jenn’s Notes
- Save a little bit of bacon and cheese for the top of the dip and sprinkle it over the top right before serving.
- You can mix up the amount of the ingredients you add in your dip. If you love bacon, add a bit more! More of a cheese fan? Shred more on the top! You can get creative with it.
what is the cube garlic
The cube garlic refers to frozen garlic cubes that you find in the freezer section. They are pre minced garlic frozen into small portions, usually about 1 teaspoon per cube.
If you cannot find them, you can use about 1 teaspoon of freshly minced garlic instead.
We made this for Superbowl. it’s fantastic. We all loved how easy it is to make and customize.
loving these recipes and pinwheels and dips for summer .