We Made The Pioneer Woman’s Million Dollar Dip—and Her Recipe Is Pure Gold
Lauren Habermehl
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.
With all the talk surrounding this dip, we felt it was high time that our kitchen put the recipe to the test.
Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip Recipe
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip
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
Toasting Nuts For Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip
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
Mixing cream cheese and mayo for Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the cheeses
Mixing in cheeses for Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip
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
mixing final ingredients for Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip
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
Dipping A Cracker Into The Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip
To serve, sprinkle with additional green onions. Then serve with buttery crackers, salty pretzels and/or fresh vegetables of your choice.
Here’s What We Thought
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.
Would I make any adjustments? Nope! If a crowd-pleasing dip is your goal, the recipe as written is solid gold.
However, here are a few changes you may consider for adapting this recipe to your personal taste:
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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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
Dig in to this rich, warm one-skillet dip, topped with fresh tomato and green onions, and enjoy the gooey cheese and spicy kick from the chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
This 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
If five cheese fonduta isn’t one of the most mouthwatering foods of all time, I don't know what is! Substitute your favorite cheese for any you don't like. —Cheri Gilmore, Festus, Missouri
In 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
I'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
With 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
You 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
Grated Parm, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, mayo and butter make this dip as decadent as it gets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Longing 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
Since 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
I 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
Dips 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
I've been told by fellow party-goers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Since I usually have all the ingredients on hand for this recipe, this is a terrific go-to snack for entertaining friends and family. —Coleen Corner, Grove City, Pennsylvania
Here's a fantastic way to deliver all that blazing jalapeno popper taste without the work. Whenever I bring this jalapeno popper dip recipe to a party, I'm always asked for the recipe. Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips or butter crackers. —Jennifer Wilke, Collinsville, Illinois
Talk 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
This 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
This 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
I 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
"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."
I 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
This 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
With this creamy dip, I can get my daughters to eat spinach and artichokes. We serve it with chips, toasted pita bread or fresh veggies. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa
While 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
I'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
Here, caramelized onions are teamed up with Gruyere cheese for a rich appetizer fit for a classic cocktail party. &mdashRebecca Taylor, Manteca, California
My daughter was the first to try this recipe. She thought it was so good 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
I 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
This 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
As cold winter blows outside, our Test Kitchen home economists suggest warming up with this rich and creamy fondue. Don't be surprised when the pot is scraped clean!
To increase this hearty dip's zip, use another can of chilies 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
If 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
I 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
When 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
This 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
Try 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
A 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
c This 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
Just 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
This 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
You can assemble this effortless appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza-flavored dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
In 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
We 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
If 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
While 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.
Everyone 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
This 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
When 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
During 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
Little 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
My 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
