My Secret Neiman Marcus Dip Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Hot Appetizer
Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here. When it comes to party appetizers, I have a philosophy: it needs to be easy, it needs to be delicious, and it needs to disappear within minutes. I want people to gather around the bowl, scooping up every last bit. This Neiman Marcus Dip is my secret weapon for exactly that. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor from beef and bacon. I first had a version of this at a friend’s house a few years ago and I was instantly obsessed. The combination of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and seasoned beef just works, and the best part is how incredibly simple it is to make. It’s the kind of dish that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen, but in reality, it comes together in no time.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is the definition of a crowd-pleaser. It’s got all the flavors people love: cheese, bacon, and ground beef. What’s not to love? I’ve made this for countless gatherings, from casual game nights to holiday parties, and the result is always the same—an empty dish and people asking for the recipe. The secret is the combination of different cheeses, creating a perfect texture that’s gooey and scoopable. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s a comforting, savory, and satisfying dip that I just can’t get enough of.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Meat: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground sausage for a different flavor profile. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and bacon entirely and add some black beans or corn for texture.
- Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its robust flavor, but you can use a Mexican blend, pepper jack for a kick, or even mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese.
- Tomatoes: If you want less heat, use a can of plain diced tomatoes instead of the diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo gives the best creamy texture, but you can use a light version if you prefer.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a tangier, slightly healthier option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Combine the Base In the same skillet (or a large oven-safe dish if you’re baking it), combine the softened cream cheese, drained diced tomatoes, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Add the cooked ground beef, half of the cooked and crumbled bacon, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
Step 4: Bake the Dip Transfer the dip mixture to a baking dish if it’s not already in one. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Remove the dip from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite chips, crackers, or bread.
Tips for Success
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This makes it much easier to mix and will prevent a lumpy dip.
- Drain the Tomatoes and Beef: A watery dip is a sad dip. Be sure to drain the canned tomatoes and ground beef thoroughly to keep the dip thick and creamy.
- Serve it Hot: This dip is at its best right out of the oven. The melted cheese and warm ingredients are what make it so irresistible.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dip is perfect with tortilla chips, Fritos, or even sliced baguette. For a more substantial spread, serve it alongside some Sheet Pan Quesadillas or some warm, soft pretzels. A crisp, light beer or a zesty margarita would be a great beverage pairing to cut through the richness of the dip.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
- Fat: 25-30g
Note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific brands and amounts used.
Storage and Leftover Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big “if” in my experience), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for a minute or two, or warm it in the oven until bubbly again. The texture might change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of incredible dips and appetizers, you’ve come to the right place. For a different take on a cheesy dip, try my Crockpot Nacho Dip—it’s perfect for a lazy game day. Another favorite of mine is this Beer Cheese Dip, which is always a huge hit. And for a more elegant, but equally easy, option, this Baked Brie Appetizer will impress any guest. For a twist on a classic, my Cheesy Hot Dip is a must-try.
Final Thoughts
This Neiman Marcus Dip has become a permanent fixture in my recipe rotation. It’s comforting, satisfying, and just plain good. The best part is that it’s so customizable, you can really make it your own. I hope this becomes your go-to appetizer too. Give it a try at your next gathering and let me know how much your guests love it! What’s your favorite dip to make for a party? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below.
Neiman Marcus Dip: The Ultimate Hot & Cheesy Party Dip That Disappears Fast
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb bacon
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 4 cups chopped green onions
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm with chips, crackers, or bread.
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