Description
If you love queso but wish it were a little lighter, a little healthier, and maybe even a bit higher in protein—this Cottage Cheese Queso Dip is your answer. It’s everything you want in a warm, creamy cheese dip: rich, velvety, and loaded with flavor. But here’s the twist—it’s made with blended cottage cheese, so it’s secretly high in protein, low in guilt, and absolutely addictive.
Serve it warm with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or drizzle it over tacos and nachos. It’s perfect for game day, parties, or your next snack attack, and no one will believe it’s made from cottage cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp milk (or more, as needed to thin)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- Pinch of chili powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins:
- 1 tbsp diced green chiles or pickled jalapeños
- 2 tbsp salsa or diced tomatoes
- 1–2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese Base
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy—about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Heat and Melt the Cheese
- Pour the mixture into a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until fully melted and the dip becomes thick and velvety.
Step 3: Customize and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Stir in optional add-ins like green chiles, salsa, or cilantro if desired.
- Serve warm with your favorite dippers!
Notes
- For the smoothest queso, blend the cottage cheese thoroughly—no curds should remain.
- Full-fat cottage cheese and sharp cheddar give the richest, creamiest result.
- Adjust spice levels to taste—start mild, then stir in heat at the end if needed.
- If the queso thickens as it cools, stir in a splash of milk while reheating.
- Great for parties, but also works as a meal prep dip or drizzle over bowls and veggies!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Blending + Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Nutrition
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg