When chilly evenings roll in and I find myself longing for cozy gatherings at home, there’s one appetizer that never fails to steal the show: Neiman Marcus Dip, affectionately known as Million Dollar Dip. The moment I whip it up, the creamy, cheesy aroma fills my kitchen, instantly transporting me to joyful celebrations shared with friends and family. This no-bake wonder, brimming with savory bacon and a delightful crunch from almonds, is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it the ideal stress-free addition to your next party or game day spread.
What truly sets this dip apart is not just its fantastic flavor profile, but how it effortlessly caters to any crowd—whether you’re entertaining or simply satisfying a late-night snack craving. Grab your crackers, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks, because this creamy delight is about to become your go-to appetizer for any occasion! Let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dip that brings smiles and satisfaction with every scoop.
Why is Neiman Marcus Dip a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, savory bacon, and rich cheddar cheese creates a taste that’s simply unforgettable.
No-Bake Ease: This recipe is a breeze to whip together, making it perfect for busy hosts.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s game day or a casual get-together, this dip will disappear in no time!
Versatile Options: Mix it up with different cheeses or add Greek yogurt for a twist.
Make Ahead: Prepare it in advance to let the flavors meld beautifully—ideal for stress-free entertaining!
Neiman Marcus Dip Ingredients
For the Base
• Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy base; substitute with low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
For the Flavor
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Provides rich flavor and texture; swap for Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
• Bacon Bits – Adds a savory, crunchy element; turkey bacon can be used for a lower-fat alternative.
For the Crunch
• Sliced Almonds – Offers a nutty crunch; chopped walnuts or pecans can be substituted if desired.
For Freshness
• Green Onions – Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor; use chives as an alternative if preferred.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Dip
Chop Green Onions: Rinse and chop the green parts of the green onions, discarding the white parts. This adds a fresh crunch to your dip and enhances the overall flavor.
Mix Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise. This creamy base is the foundation of your delicious dip, bringing everything together.
Add Flavor: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, sliced almonds, and the chopped green onions to the mayonnaise. Each ingredient contributes to the rich, savory taste you’ll love.
Stir Together: Stir the mixture well until everything is evenly combined. Aim for a smooth consistency with all those delightful bits beautifully mixed in.
Chill: Refrigerate your dip for at least 1 hour before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a taste that will delight every palate.
Optional: Serve with buttery crackers, bagel chips, or fresh veggies for the perfect dip experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Neiman Marcus Dip
Room Temperature Magic: Allow the dip to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and makes it easier to scoop.
Drying Ingredients: Pat dry any added bacon bits or green onions with paper towels. This prevents the dip from becoming watery, ensuring a creamy consistency.
Consume Fresh: Neiman Marcus Dip is best enjoyed fresh or within 3 days of preparation. Avoid freezing it, as this can lead to undesirable texture changes.
Cheese Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy kick. This personal touch can elevate the dip to your liking!
Make Ahead: Preparing the dip in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Make it the night before for easy entertaining!
What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Dip?
Elevate your appetizer experience with these delightful pairings that complement the creamy, savory goodness of your dip.
Buttery Crackers: These provide a light, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip, inviting each scoop.
Tortilla Chips: Their crisp crunch allows for easy dipping, adding a satisfying crunch that balances the rich flavors of the dip.
Bagel Chips: With their sturdy texture and slightly toasted flavor, bagel chips make for a perfect base for scooping up every last bit.
Veggie Sticks: Fresh and crisp vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell peppers not only add color but also a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the creaminess.
Cheese Platter: Pairing a selection of cheeses, like sharp cheddar or creamy brie, enhances the cheesy notes in the dip and offers a variety of flavors.
Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of bubbly complements the richness of the Neiman Marcus Dip, cleansing the palate between bites and enhancing the overall experience.
Chocolate Mousse: For a sweet finish, serving a rich chocolate mousse after enjoying the dip adds a delightful contrast and leaves guests with a memorable ending.
Storage Tips for Neiman Marcus Dip
Fridge: Store leftover Neiman Marcus Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
Room Temperature: If serving at a gathering, let the dip sit out for about 10 minutes at room temperature before serving for optimal taste and scoopability.
Freezer: Avoid freezing the dip, as the texture can change, leading to a watery consistency upon thawing.
Reheating: Since this is a no-bake dip, it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Simply enjoy straight from the fridge!
Neiman Marcus Dip Variations
Customize the Neiman Marcus Dip to suit your taste and dietary needs with these fun twists!
Greek Yogurt: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to add protein and a tangy flavor while keeping it creamy.
Spicy Jalapeños: Stir in diced jalapeños for a zesty kick that elevates the savory richness, perfect for heat lovers.
Cream Cheese Blend: Incorporate cream cheese along with mayonnaise for an ultra-thick and luxurious consistency, adding depth to every bite.
Different Cheeses: Use pepper jack or feta cheese for a unique flavor boost, transforming the dip into a new culinary experience with every serving.
Herbaceous Touch: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to infuse freshness and a burst of color, making the dip visually appealing and delightful.
Nut-Free Option: Omit sliced almonds or replace with crispy fried onions for that unexpected crunch without the nuts, appealing to those with allergies.
Smoky Flavor: Introduce smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the mix, creating a subtle smoky essence that pairs beautifully with the creamy textures.
Roasted Garlic: Blend in roasted garlic for a rich, savory profile that will turn the dip into an irresistible crowd favorite.
Make Ahead Options
These Neiman Marcus Dip preparations are perfect for busy home cooks! You can mix the dip up to 24 hours in advance to let the flavors meld wonderfully. Just prepare the dip according to the recipe, then cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Before presenting, allow the dip to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavors. If you’ve added any bacon bits or green onions, pat them dry first to keep the dip from becoming watery. This way, you’ll serve a creamy, delicious dip that’s just as satisfying as when it was freshly made!
Neiman Marcus Dip Recipe FAQs
What type of mayonnaise should I use for Neiman Marcus Dip?
Absolutely! You can use regular mayonnaise for a rich taste, but if you’d like a lighter option, low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt works wonderfully too. The creaminess remains, and you’ll save some calories!
How should I store leftovers of Neiman Marcus Dip?
Store any leftover Neiman Marcus Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3 days to retain its creamy texture and flavor. Just remember to grab it out and let it sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature before serving for a delightful taste!
Can I freeze Neiman Marcus Dip?
I don’t recommend it! Freezing Neiman Marcus Dip can change the texture significantly, making it watery when thawed. Since this is a no-bake dip meant to be enjoyed fresh, it’s best to savor it cool or at room temperature.
What if my Neiman Marcus Dip is too watery?
If your dip turns out a bit watery, it could be due to wet ingredients. Make sure to pat dry the bacon bits and green onions with paper towels before mixing them in! If needed, add a touch more mayonnaise or some cream cheese to thicken it up to your liking.
Is Neiman Marcus Dip safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, it’s essential to be cautious! Since Neiman Marcus Dip contains sliced almonds, it’s best to substitute them with chopped walnuts, pecans, or simply leave it out entirely if you’re serving someone with nut allergies.
Can I make Neiman Marcus Dip ahead of time?
Very! In fact, it’s encouraged. Make your Neiman Marcus Dip a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This extra time allows all those scrumptious flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dip that’s even more delicious!
Ultimate Neiman Marcus Dip Recipe—Creamy, Savory Perfection
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop Green Onions: Rinse and chop the green parts of the green onions, discarding the white parts.
- Mix Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise.
- Add Flavor: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, sliced almonds, and the chopped green onions to the mayonnaise.
- Stir Together: Stir the mixture well until everything is evenly combined.
- Chill: Refrigerate your dip for at least 1 hour before serving.