Neiman Marcus Dip
Ever had a dip that makes people literally hover around the snack table? This is that dip. Neiman Marcus Dip (also called Million Dollar Dip) is legendary for a reason – it’s ridiculously addictive and disappears faster than you can say “pass the crackers.”
The magic of this dip lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy almonds, and the subtle kick from green onions and Tabasco create a creamy, savory explosion that’ll have everyone asking for your recipe. The best part? It takes just 10 minutes to throw together, but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (8-ounce) package extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon TABASCO sauce
Steps
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the mayonnaise evenly coats all ingredients without breaking down the bacon crumbles or cheese shreds.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. This resting time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and develop depth. The dip actually tastes better after sitting overnight!
- Serve chilled with crackers or Frito corn chips. For best texture and flavor, remove from refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to take the edge off the cold.
Smart Swaps
- Light mayonnaise instead of regular (1:1 ratio) – cuts calories while maintaining creaminess
- Turkey bacon instead of pork bacon – reduces fat content while keeping that smoky flavor
- Smoked almonds instead of regular toasted almonds – adds an extra dimension of flavor
- Pepper jack cheese for half the cheddar – introduces a pleasant heat that complements the Tabasco
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Replace mayonnaise with 2/3 cup Greek yogurt + 1/3 cup light mayonnaise to reduce fat and add protein while cutting approximately 4g carbs per serving
- Use 1/4 cup almonds instead of 1/3 cup to reduce carbs by approximately 1g per serving
- Serve with cucumber rounds or bell pepper slices instead of crackers to dramatically reduce the glycemic impact (saves 15-20g carbs per serving)
- Add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika to enhance flavor without adding carbs
Pro Tips
- Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded – it melts better into the dip and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant
- For a smoother consistency, pulse half the bacon and almonds in a food processor before mixing
- This dip makes an excellent spread for sandwiches or burgers the next day