Description
This million dollar dip from the Pioneer Woman combines creamy ranch, crisp bacon, and sharp cheddar for an irresistible appetizer. Guests will devour this crowd-pleasing mixture that brings southern charm to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (8 oz/226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup swiss cheese, freshly grated
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 8 slices bacon, fried crisp and chopped fine
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 4 green onions, sliced (green and white parts)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne
- buttery crackers, for serving
- corn chips, for serving
Instructions
- Almond Toasting: In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, gently toast slivered almonds, shaking pan occasionally until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and cool completely.
- Creamy Base Preparation: Whip cream cheese and mayonnaise together using a hand mixer until smooth and uniform, eliminating any potential lumps.
- Cheese Integration: Fold Cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese crumbles into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of cheese throughout the blend.
- Flavor Fusion: Incorporate toasted almonds, crumbled bacon, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and 75% of green onions. Mix thoroughly with a spatula until all ingredients are perfectly combined.
- Chilling and Marinating: Transfer dip to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Final Presentation: Just before serving, sprinkle remaining green onions on top as a fresh garnish. Serve alongside buttery crackers and crisp corn chips for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Optimize Toasting: Carefully monitor almonds during toasting to prevent burning, as they can quickly transition from golden to charred.
- Cheese Temperature Tip: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smoother blending and easier mixing.
- Flavor Infusion Strategy: Refrigerate dip overnight for maximum taste development and more intense flavor profile.
- Texture Enhancement: Pat bacon and green onions dry before adding to prevent excess moisture from making dip watery.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg