Not quite sure what a million dollars tastes like but according to Ree Drummond, her Pioneer Woman million dollar dip is as close as it gets.  Loaded with all of the best things in life, like bacon, cheese, toasty almonds and cream cheese, it’s no surprise this dip has garnered a reputation as a crowd-pleasing party recipe. The dip is also known as The Neiman’s Marcus’Dip, created for Neiman’s Marcus’s original restaurant in Texas in the 1950’s by Helen Corbitt. The dip was then published in her cookbook and has been a classic, holiday staple since. This dip also goes by the name “Million Dollar Dip”, because it is just that good and well loved.  Take your pick!

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 3/4 c mayonnaise
• 1/2 c slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 c shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 c shredded Swiss
• 1/4 c blue cheese crumbles
• 8 slices regular-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and finely chopped
• 4 green onions, sliced, green and white parts
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• Buttery crackers, pretzels or raw veggies, for serving

Directions:

1. Toast the nuts over medium-low heat in a dry skillet, stirring often; about 5-7 minutes. Or in the oven 400°.  Don’t walk away!
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Add the cheeses to the cream cheese-mayo.
4. Fold in the bacon, toasted almonds, green onions (reserve some for garnish) and spices.
5. Stir everything together until evenly blended.
6. Transfer to a serving dish.
7. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
8. To serve, sprinkle with additional green onions.
9. Serve with buttery crackers, salty pretzels and/or fresh vegetables of your choice.

If you want to adapt this recipe to your personal taste, kick it up a notch, add some extra cayenne (even a dash of one of these top hot sauces would be nice).  For more bacon flavor, fold in an additional slice or two of bacon.

I found the dip to be too stiff to dip  – ok for a spread. To dip, I added 1/2 – 1 cup sour cream.

Serves:  8-10

Source:  Ree Drummond – Pioneer Woman