“Million dollar recipes” earn that moniker due to the fact that they taste so rich and delicious, we’d pay a million dollars (or more) for a serving—and definitely for the recipe. These timeless million dollar recipes range from breakfast side dishes and appetizers to dinners and desserts. Up the ante by adding any of these, our best million dollar recipes, to your menu this week.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Think of this spaghetti recipe like lasagna with far less fuss. Jarred marinara sauce and a box of pasta makes it easy to assemble. A triple-play of creamy elements (cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream), two types of protein (Italian sausage and ground beef), and plenty of melty mozzarella cheese delivery on the rich promise. It’s oven-ready in a mere 20 minutes, and the entire 12-serving casserole is ready to share in less than 45. “Meat or no meat, it's a great recipe for any pasta shape you want,” a five-star reviewer confirms.
Million Dollar Dip Pockets
If you like those bake-from-frozen pizza pockets or their larger, savory toaster hand pie cousins, then this might just be the million dollar recipe for you. This empanada recipe coaches you through how to make a simple homemade dough recipe for the “wrapper.” The filling features a whopping four(!) types of cheese and crumbled bacon so each bite is overflowing with decadent flavor.
Test Kitchen Tip: Cook this million dollar recipe in the oven (15 minutes at 425°F) or the air fryer (5 to 7 minutes per batch at 400°F).
Million Dollar Pound Cake
It’s called “pound cake” because classic recipes called for a pound each of butter, sugar, and eggs. That rich ratio is the not-so-secret formula to yield the moist, dense results you’re used to with this crowd-pleasing dessert recipe. Over time, we’ve dialed-in the million dollar recipe to have slightly different proportions that are even more foolproof. To pump up the flavor, we also recommend spiking the cake with almond and vanilla extracts as well as opting for salted butter and adding a pinch of salt to complement the sweetness. “Awesome recipe. I did add the salt and liked it better than my old recipe,” one BHG home baker says.
Million Dollar Bacon
Crispy bacon on its own is a treat. But once you essentially “candy” it with maple syrup and brown sugar, then spice things up with cayenne and black pepper, you’ll never go back to plain ol’ strips. This is our copycat version of the “Millionaire’s Bacon” that originated at San Francisco's Sweet Maple restaurant, and it’s brilliant beside pancakes, French toast, waffles, eggs, as well as crumbled and served over ice cream, pasta, caramel rolls, or brownies. Savory, salty, spicy, and sweet all at once, this priceless breakfast side dish is about to become a staple on your menu.
Million Dollar Pie
Also known as millionaire's pie, billion dollar pie, or million dollar pie, this no-bake cream pie dates back to the American south in the 1930s. Unlike somewhat fussy pastry-crusted pies, this easy dessert recipe starts with a press-in graham cracker crust. The indulgent aspect comes in next, with a combination of sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping as the foundation for the luscious pineapple- and mandarin orange-infused filling. Toasted coconut, pecans, and maraschinos are the literal cherries on top.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
If you have a few pantry items and some leftovers on hand, this chicken casserole will cost you pennies to bring to the table. We tend to think it still tastes like a million bucks, and no one will guess that it’s semi-homemade. Round up a can of cream of chicken soup, some leftover or rotisserie chicken, and a sleeve of Ritz crackers and you’re well on your way to having this family-friendly chicken dinner ready to devour.
Million Dollar Dip
Remember those dip pockets we discussed earlier? Well this party-sized snack allows that same bacon-loaded, garlicky, and cheesy filling to take centerstage. We’re glad to give credit where it’s due; this million dollar recipe is also referred to as Neiman Marcus dip, since it was originally served in the 1950s on the menu for a restaurant tucked away inside a Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas
Million Dollar Deviled Eggs
A single ingredient swap makes a difference that’s indistinguishable to the eye—but will make you feel like your taste buds hit the jackpot. Instead of all mayo to create the silky yolk filling, we suggest infusing 2 tablespoons of softened butter to elevate the richness of these easy deviled eggs. One fan confirms, “‘Everything is better with butter,’ even eggs. Family loved them!”
Millionaire Shortbread
A foolproof, classic buttery shortbread alone already tastes like a million bucks. But add salted caramel vibes and a chocolate topping? Talk about luxe. There's no need to stop there, though, one BHG fan believes. "One of my favorite things ever! I added food-grade 24 karat gold flakes on top to up the 'millionaire' factor."
Million Dollar Cake
Follow the instructions to bake a box of yellow cake mix. Once you dress that up with a cream cheese frosting (which is light yet rich thanks to pudding mix and whipped topping), no one will ever guess you took some help from the store. This is especially true once you add a few tropical accessories like mandarin oranges and pineapple.
