Creamy Million Dollar Dip (Bacon Cheese Dip)
This Creamy Million Dollar Dip is one of those easy recipes you will not be able to resist! Made with a rich combination of cream cheese, creamy mayo, sour cream, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a creamy dip that’s always one of the first things to disappear at holiday gatherings, game day parties, and family get-togethers.
Originally posted November 2016, updated July 2026
Million Dollar Dip
Whether you’ve heard it called Million Dollar Dip, Neiman Marcus Dip, or even Crack Dip, there’s a good reason this popular classic has stood the test of time. Inspired by the original recipe often associated with Helen Corbitt, the longtime director of food services at the famous Neiman Marcus Zodiac Room, this decadent dip combines simple ingredients into a party favorite that’s packed with bold flavor.
The best part? It comes together in just a few minutes with an electric hand mixer and doesn’t require any cooking if you use real bacon bits. It’s the perfect appetizer for everything from holiday season entertaining and game nights to backyard cookouts and your next party.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Ready in just minutes with no baking required.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, game day, potlucks, and family parties.
- Loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy base.
- Easy to customize with different types of cheese or your favorite seasonings.
- Stores beautifully for making ahead.
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Serving bowl or shallow serving dish
- Plastic wrap (for storing leftovers)
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Million Dollar Dip recipe are all common and easy to find in any grocery store.
- Softened cream cheese – I prefer full fat cream cheese, but you could use low fat if you want to make lighter versions
- Full-fat sour cream
- Real mayonnaise
- Minced garlic or garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese*
- Crispy bacon crumbles or real bacon bits
- Green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
*Note: For the best flavor, buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which doesn’t melt or blend quite as smoothly. I did not go the extra mile this time but I do recommend it.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to change up the flavor? Try adding one of these:
- Ranch seasoning
- Cayenne pepper
- Dashes of hot sauce
- Pickled jalapeño
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Gouda cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Slivered almonds for a little crunch and nutty flavors
Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip
The combination of sharp cheddar, bacon and cream cheese along with the remaining ingredients make the BEST Million-Dollar Dip ever!!
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use an electric hand mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add the garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the seasonings are fully incorporated.
- Fold in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and half of the bacon crumbles, stirring until evenly combined.
- Spread the dip into a serving bowl or shallow serving dish in a single layer. T
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon, then garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. For the creamiest texture, let the dip sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving if it’s been chilled.
Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Cheese Dip
- Use full-fat dairy products for the creamiest texture.
- Freshly shred your own cheese for the smoothest dip.
- Cook bacon until extra crispy for the best smoky flavor.
- Make it a day ahead so the flavors have time to blend.
- Garnish with extra green onions or bacon just before serving.
What to Serve with Bacon Cheese Dip
This easy dip recipe pairs well with almost anything. Try serving it with:
- Ritz crackers
- Buttery crackers
- Wasa crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Bagel chips
- Pita chips
- Fresh vegetables
- Fresh veggies like celery, carrots, cucumber, broccoli, and bell peppers
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Because of the combination of cream cheese and the combination of sour cream, the dip firms up quite a bit after chilling. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving so it becomes soft and spreadable again.
Variations
There are countless ways to customize this creamy bacon cheese dip.
- Add ranch seasoning for a ranch-style crack dip.
- Stir in chopped pickled jalapeño or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Swap some of the cheddar for Pepper Jack, Gouda, Swiss, or blue cheese.
- Turn it into a hot dip by placing it in a baking dish and baking at 350°F until bubbly.
- Make it even heartier by serving it alongside buffalo chicken dip, jalapeño popper dip, cowboy caviar, or your favorite bagel dip at your next gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Million Dollar Dip?
Very close! This recipe is inspired by the famous Million Dollar Dip (also called Neiman Marcus Dip), but includes bacon and cheddar cheese for even more indulgent flavors.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavor is even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
Can I use real bacon bits?
Yes. Real bacon bits are a great shortcut and work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I bake this?
Yes. While this recipe is one of my favorite cold dips, you can spread it into a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly for a delicious hot dip.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the creamy base may separate after thawing.
This full recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorite appetizers for the holiday season, game day, holiday gatherings, and every party in between. Be sure to check out the recipe card below for printable instructions!
Get inspired with more amazing recipes here:
Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip
Description
This Creamy Million Dollar Dip is one of those easy recipes you will not be able to resist! Made with a rich combination of cream cheese, creamy mayo, sour cream, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a creamy dip that’s always one of the first things to disappear at holiday gatherings, game day parties, and family get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, divided
- 5 oz. real bacon pieces or crumbles*, divided
- *You can also cook and chop 1 pound of bacon
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides at least once to get it all mixed in.
- Add in the seasonings, half of the cheese and half of the bacon. Stir until well combined.
- Spread in a pie plate. Top with remaining bacon and cheese.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate. If refrigerating, allow it to warm up to room temp for at least 10-15 mins before servings.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Use full-fat dairy products for the creamiest texture.
- Freshly shred your own cheese for the smoothest dip.
- Cook bacon until extra crispy for the best smoky flavor.
- Make it a day ahead so the flavors have time to blend.
- Garnish with extra green onions or bacon just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
- Calories: 89
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 126.9 mg
- Fat: 8.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 2.2 g
- Cholesterol: 17.9 mg
Did you use the bacon pieces/bits you can purchase in a bag or jar or real cooked bacon?
Yes, I used the real bacon pieces purchased in a bag (salad toppiong), but you could also cook and crumble about 1 pound of bacon.
Sounds good. I make it with chopped up ‘chipped beef’ (like for creamed chip beef breakfast), instead of bacon, and use dill weed with chopped green onion tips, & chopped fresh parsley. I shape it into a ball & roll it in some more of the chopped green onion tops, chopped fresh parsley, & chopped chip beef pieces.
I’m scheduling this to share. Wouldn’t this be a great addition to your Super Bowl party fare?
Thank you!
You had me at bacon and cheese! This looks like a great appetizer to take to parties. Thanks for sharing at the Monday Funday Link Party. – Emily