Will the Pioneer Woman's famous "Million Dollar Dip" live up to the hype? We put Ree Drummond's recipe to the test!
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We’re 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. It’s high time that our kitchen put this million dollar recipe to the test.
What Is a ‘Million Dollar’ Recipe?
It’s a recipe that’s rich, hence the name! The recipes often have indulgent ingredients, like cream cheese, though this recipe for Mama’s Million-Dollar Fudge calls for butter and evaporated milk instead.
Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip Recipe
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 cup shredded Swiss
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
8 slices regular-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and finely chopped
4 green onions, sliced, green and white parts
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Buttery crackers, pretzels or raw veggies, for serving
Glass Mixing Bowls: This nested set by Duralex is a space-saving option with bowls of all sizes to suit mixing tasks of all sizes.
Chef’s Knife: For chopping bacon and dicing green onions, a quality knife is a cook’s most important tool.
Chip/Dip Bowl: I love a serving bowl like this one that’s both functional and beautiful.
Directions
Step 1: Toast the almonds
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Toast the nuts over medium-low heat in a dry skillet, stirring often; about 5-7 minutes. Don’t walk away! Remove the almonds from the pan once golden and fragrant and let cool.
Step 2: Beat the cream cheese and mayo
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the cheeses
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Add the three types of cheeses, stir, then fold in the bacon, toasted almonds, green onions (reserve some for garnish) and spices.
Step 4: Mix the ingredients
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Stir together everything together until evenly blended, then transfer to a serving dish. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
Step 5: Serve the dip
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
To serve, sprinkle with additional green onions. Then serve with buttery crackers, salty pretzels and/or fresh vegetables of your choice. Looking for more recipes? Learn how to make million-dollar spaghetti.
Jackpot, Ree! This dip is worth a million dollars (as is your Pioneer Woman chili).
We love the nutty crunchy and texture the almonds add to this otherwise creamy dip. The combination of cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese is the perfect combo of tang, sharpness and pungent perfection.
For those wary of blue cheese, don’t be scared off (and try these blue cheese recipes to be converted). Its flavor is subtle and is almost imperceptible. In the amount used here, its strong flavor doesn’t overpower. Rather, it complements the other ingredients, particularly the salty bacon and zippy onions.
How to Make Million Dollar Dip Your Own
Would I make any adjustments? Nope! If a crowd-pleasing dip is your goal, the recipe as written is solid gold.
However, if you want to adapt this recipe to your personal taste, here’s where to start:
To 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.
If you’re still completely against blue cheese, despite our reassurances, replace it with Parmesan, feta or goat cheese. Those cheeses would still contribute the necessary tang that makes this dip worth a million bucks.
Hot Dip Recipes to Complete Your Spread
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Taste of Home
Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip
This creamy dip is oozing with cheesy goodness thanks to the combination of cream cheese and mozzarella. We topped ours with pepperoni slices, but you can easily customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. This is just one more delicious way to use your cast-iron pan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Queso FundidoDig in to this one-skillet dip and enjoy the gooey cheese and the spicy kicks from chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger DipThis fun dip recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Five-Cheese FondutaIf melted cheese isn’t one of the most mouthwatering foods of all time, I don't know what is! Substitute your favorite cheeses if you'd like. —Cheri Gilmore, Festus, Missouri
Cowboy Beef DipIn a foods class, a group of us developed this recipe for the North Dakota's annual Beef Bash. We won the contest!—Jessica Klym, Killdeer, North Dakota
Artichoke Spread with Garlic BreadI've tried several different artichoke dip recipes, but this one is the absolute best! I serve it at nearly every family gathering and there are never any leftovers. This is probably my most-requested recipe. —Heidi Iacovetto, Phippsburg, Colorado
Nacho Cheese DipWith jobs, school and sport activities, evening is our time for family fun. We munch on this zippy dip while visiting or watching a movie. —Dawn Taylor, Milton, Kentucky
Spicy Honey Sriracha Game-Day DipYou can easily whip up this creamy, spicy, salty dip. For parties, I love dips in the slow cooker—just turn it to low once the dip is cooked and let your guests help themselves. No need to worry about the dip getting cold and having to reheat it. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Three Cheese Artichoke & Spinach DipGrated Parm, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, mayo and butter make this dip as decadent as it gets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Green Olive DipOlive fans will love this dip. It's cheesy and full of beef and beans. It could even be used as a filling for taco shells. —Beth Dunahay, Lima, Ohio
Buffalo-Style Chicken Chili DipLonging for that Buffalo wing thing without the bones? This do-ahead dip freezes well in individual containers, so you can pull them out when you want to spread a little cheer. —Brenda Calandrillo, Mahwah, New Jersey
Baked Asparagus DipSince I'm from Wisconsin, I thought it was only logical to put together a vegetable and a cheese—two of the foods my state produces in abundance. This cheesy asparagus dip fits the bill. —Sandra Baratka, Phillips, Wisconsin
Chipotle Mexican Street Corn Dip with Goat CheeseI was craving Mexican street corn that I had during a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, so I came up with this fabulous dip. It blends the traditional profile of the popular street food with updated flavors for a tasty twist. —Joseph A Sciascia, San Mateo, California
Slow-Cooked Crab DipDips made in the slow cooker are ideal for entertaining since they free up the oven. Leftovers of this one are incredible the next day scooped over a baked potato. —Susan D’Amore, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Jalapeno Popper SpreadI've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Seafood Cheese DipThis cheesy recipe has an ideal combination of seafood flavors and clings beautifully to slices of bread. —Michelle Domm, Atlanta, New York
Hot Wing DipSince I usually have all the ingredients on hand for this recipe, this is a terrific go-to snack when entertaining friends and family. —Coleen Corner, Grove City, Pennsylvania
Jalapeno Popper DipHere's a fantastic way to deliver all that blazing jalapeno popper taste without the work. Whenever I bring this jalapeno popper dip to a party, I'm always asked for the recipe. Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips or butter crackers. —Jennifer Wilke, Collinsville, Illinois
Marinara-Mozzarella DipTalk about an easy marinara mozzarella dip! With just three ingredients and two loaves of baguette-style French bread, you'll have an easy appetizer that will please your family and guests. For a tasty variation, try using goat cheese instead of mozzarella cheese. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
Honey Champagne FondueThis special champagne fondue has wonderful flavor from Swiss cheese and a hint of sweetness from honey. It clings well to any kind of dipper. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Mexican Layer DipThis adaptable Mexican layer dip is like a magnet to hungry guests at our family get-togethers and casual parties. It’s tasty served hot or cold. Just one chip full and you’re hooked!—Sheila Frasher, Crown City, Ohio
Hot Creole Shrimp DipI came across a recipe for hot crawfish dip, and it sounded delicious, but we don't have a lot of crawfish available in my area. However, I'm a big fan of shrimp, so I used that instead. This Creole shrimp dip has become a family favorite. You can increase the heat with your favorite hot sauce or add a bit of acidity with a squeeze of lemon. —Jill Burwell, Renton, Washington
Hot Chili Dip"I first made this zippy dip for my husband's birthday party," recalls Nikki Rosati of Franksville, Wisconsin. "So many people asked for the recipe that I photocopied it to pass out."
Three-Cheese FondueI got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio
Buffalo Chicken DipThis is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
Simple Swiss Cheese FondueWhile growing up, a friend's mother would make this fondue when I spent the night. Every time I make it, it brings back fond childhood memories. I love the rich flavor. Happy dipping! —Tracy Lawson, Farr West, Utah
Hot Bacon Cheese DipI've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Creamy Onion DipHere, caramelized onions are teamed up with Gruyere cheese for a rich appetizer fit for a classic cocktail party. &mdashRebecca Taylor, Manteca, California
Taco Joe DipMy daughter was the first in our family to try this recipe. She thought it was delicious so she passed it on to me. My husband and I think it’s terrific. Because it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for parties or busy days. —Lang Secrest, Sierra Vista, Arizona
Slow-Cooker Cheese DipI brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio
Easy Pepperoni Pizza DipThis is so easy to make and transport. You won't have to keep it warm long, because it'll be gone in a flash. It's a great appetizer for any party. —Lisa Francis, Elba, Alabama
Zesty Nacho DipTo increase this hearty dip's zip, use another can of chiles and Mexican-style stewed tomatoes and processed cheese. You could also keep it warm in a slow cooker or fondue pot. It's tasty served over a baked potato too. —Denise Hill, Ottawa Lake, Michigan
Pressure-Cooker Buffalo Chicken DipIf you like quick and easy recipes that are spicy, you'll love this Instant-Pot Buffalo chicken dip. It's super cheesy and easy. and it has that real Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hot Chipotle Spinach and Artichoke Dip with LimeI make spinach and artichoke dip for party guests all the time, but I wanted to give it a Mexican twist. I amped up this app with smoky chipotle chiles and tangy lime for an unexpected kick. —Joseph Sciascia, San Mateo, California
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken DipIf you like spice, you'll love this slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip. It's super cheesy and full of rich flavor, and really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bacon Cheese FondueWhen I'm looking for an appetizer with mass appeal but want a change from the usual cheese spread, this is the recipe I make. Everyone enjoys the rich flavor. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Sausage DipThis warm sausage dip is a family-favorite snack on cool days. The meat-lovers in your family will especially love this country-style appetizer. —Susie Wingert, Panama, Iowa
Cheesy Beef Taco DipTry this recipe for a warm, hearty snack with a bit of a kick. It's a hit with my family, and guests rave about it, too. Ideal for parties, it makes a big potful. The only "utensil" you'll need to serve it with is a brimming bowl of tortilla chips. —Carol Smith, Sanford, North Carolina
Mexican FondueA handful of items and a few moments of prep work are all you'll need for this festive fondue. Not only does it take advantage of canned goods and other convenience items, but the slow cooker does all the work. —Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Spinach and Artichoke DipThis rich and creamy dip is perfect for special occasions. It tastes especially good when served warm with crackers. The red onion adds flavor and color. —Diane Morrison, Bradford, Pennsylvania
Southwestern Bean DipJust by using different types of beans, you can make this dip as spicy as you like it. My family could eat this as a complete meal. —Jeanne Shear, Sabetha, Kansas
Beer & Cheddar FondueThis great-tasting beer cheese fondue is my mom's favorite, so I make it for her birthday every year. I like to serve this cheddar cheese fondue recipe with apple slices, rye bread cubes, and chunks of carrots, mushrooms, celery, zucchini, squash and broccoli. —Amanda Wentz, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Hot Pizza DipYou can assemble this easy appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
Warm Crab & Spinach DipIn Maryland, we stayed at a hotel that sent guests home with a crab dip recipe and a spice pouch. Now I’ve made my own dip that rekindles memories of that trip. —Kristina Wenner, Jamison, Pennsylvania
Baked Crab DipWe enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
Chipotle Ham 'n' Cheese DipIf you enjoy throwing dinner parties for friends, you can't beat a convenient slow-cooker recipe like this one. Who wants to be stuck in the kitchen? Just set the slow cooker on low and have fun visiting with guests. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Cheesy Pizza FondueWhile I was growing up, I would sit for hours reading cookbooks from cover to cover. I've carried that love of cooking with me through the years. I found this recipe when we lived in Wisconsin. - Julie Barwick, Mansfield, Ohio.
Easy Buffalo Chicken DipEveryone will simply devour this savory and delicious dip with shredded chicken throughout. The spicy kick makes it a perfect football-watching food, and the recipe always brings raves. —Janice Foltz, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tuscan Sausage & Bean DipThis is a spinoff of a Mexican dip I had once. The original was wicked good, but since I was going through an "I’m-so-over-Mexican-dip" phase, I decided to switch it up. Take it to a party—I'll bet you no one else will bring anything like it! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Warm Broccoli Cheese DipWhen my family gathers for a party, someone serves this flavorful, creamy dip. Everyone loves its zip from the jalapeno pepper and the crunch of the broccoli. —Barbara Maiol, Conyers, Georgia
Bacon-Ranch Spinach DipDuring the hectic holiday season, my slow cooker works overtime. I fill it with a savory bacon dip and watch everyone line up for a helping. Keep the recipe in mind for tailgating, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Slow-Cooker Artichoke-Spinach DipLittle extras, like crumbled feta and red wine vinegar, take this creamy dip of artichoke hearts, spinach and Parmesan to the next level. Just throw the whole nine yards into a slow cooker and this dip is good to go on game day. —Alyssa Janis, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer DipMy tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Lauren Habermehl is a recipe developer, food photographer and creator of the blog, Frydae. She is a prolific quoter of FRIENDS, lover of weekend DIY projects and procrastinating fitness enthusiast who enjoys exploring the Milwaukee-area with her husband, daughter and ugly mutt named Tyson Doodles.
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Updated: Aug. 01, 2023
