Cottage Cheese Queso is going to be your new favorite party dip. Whether you're snacking during game night or hosting a party, having the perfect dip can make all the difference. For the cheese lovers who are tired of the same old queso recipe and looking to spice things up, look no further than this Cottage Cheese Queso recipe, it's a game changer.
What if I told you there was an easy, creamier, tangier, and dare I say, better cheese dip out there? One that is made with simple ingredients and doesn't rely on preservative-packed cheese products and artificial stabilizers?
Listen, I get it. Cottage cheese may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of queso, but it's the secret to creating this creamy high protein queso dip. I understand why this recipe went viral on social media. It's so good I wanted to devour the entire bowl!
Cottage cheese has proven to be quite a versatile ingredient. If you want more cottage cheese recipes check out my Whipped Cottage Cheese, Cottage Cheese Toasts, Chocolate Cottage Cheese Mousse, Cottage Cheese Banana Bread, Cottage Cheese Alfredo, or Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls.
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Why you'll love this recipe
If you're still not convinced that cottage cheese belongs in queso, here are some reasons it should be your go-to game day recipe:
- Light yet Indulgent: With cottage cheese as the base instead of straight melted cheese, you get all the indulgence of queso with a lighter, fluffier texture with extra protein. Less grease but just as much flavor!
- Customizable: Don't like spicy? Leave out the jalapeno and adjust to your tastes! Use your favorite melty cheese blend too. Queso Blanco, queso asadero, pepper jack cheese, Colby, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or American Cheese,—anything goes!
- Versatile: Whether you're dipping with tortilla chips, drizzling over nachos, or using it as a topping for tacos or baked potatoes, Cottage Cheese Queso adds a delicious twist to any dish, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
What is cottage cheese queso?
Cottage cheese queso is a tangy, creamy, delicious dip made primarily using cottage cheese as the base. Traditional queso dips rely on processed melted cheese like Velveeta. However, cottage cheese queso swaps that out for a blend of full-fat cottage cheese, taco seasoning, and real grass-fed sharp cheddar cheese.
The cottage cheese provides a creamy texture, while the addition of real cheese makes it extra melty, creamy, and flavorful. The result is a lighter yet still decadently rich and cheesy dip perfect for tortilla chips, raw veggies, and more.
Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: The type of cottage cheese does matter. My favorite brand of cottage cheese is Good Culture. I love their lactose-free variety, which contains 4% milk fat, and it’s a nice middle-of-the-road choice. It’s just right, not too heavy and not too light. You will want to avoid full-fat cottage cheese as it won’t have the right texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Look for a nice sharp grass-fed cheddar cheese. You will want to avoid using pre-shredded cheese as most contain cellulose, which can cause it to clump up when melted.
- Jalapeno
- Taco Seasoning: Read the labels to make sure there are no fillers or junk in your seasoning. My favorite brand is Siete Taco Seasoning.
- Pico de Gallo: Read the labels and make sure there are no additives in your salsa!
- Tortilla Chips: Grab your favorite tortilla chips for dipping. I love Siete's Dip Chip.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Blend cottage cheese in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
2. Add the blended cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeno, and taco seasoning to a pot and warm over low heat until the cheese is melted and the dip is warm.
3. Transfer the cottage cheese queso to a serving dish on top with pico de gallo or jalapeno.
Hint: Make sure you keep the saucepan over low heat. If the mixture gets too hot the cheese may separate. If your cheese sauce does start to break, you can use an immersion blender to bring the dip to your desired consistency.
Substitutions and variations
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- Add-Ins: Try adding diced green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, pinto beans, black beans, or chopped bacon into the mixture.
- Toppings: Top your finished queso with diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, cotija cheese, or crispy tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
- Different Flavor Profiles: Experiment with different cheeses. Instead of cheddar, you could use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack. Also, check my recommended substitutes for cheddar cheese.
How to serve cottage cheese queso
Here are some creative ways to serve cottage cheese queso dip.
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Fresh veggies (carrots, celery, jicama, broccoli, cauliflower)
- Soft Pretzel Bites
- Baked Potatoes
- Tater Tots
- Breakfast Tacos
- Eggs
- Nachos
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Enchiladas
- Taco Salads
Storage and reheating
If you have leftovers of this cottage cheese queso dip you can store it in an airtight container and it will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat add the leftover queso to a small pot or saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Top tip
Your ingredients make all the difference. Splurge on high-quality cottage cheese, salsa, and cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
FAQ
Good melting cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, Colby, pepper jack, asadero, and Oaxaca work wonderfully.
Absolutely! You can make this dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Technically yes, but I wouldn't recommend it as the texture may change upon thawing, becoming grainy or watery. It's best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for short-term storage.
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese or non-fat cottage cheese in this queso cottage cheese recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from using full-fat cottage cheese. Experiment to find the option that you prefer.
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Cottage Cheese Queso
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cottage Cheese full-fat or low-fat
- 4 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- ¼ Jalepeno diced
- 1 teaspoon Taco Seasoning
- ¼ cup Pico de Gallo
Instructions
- Blend cottage cheese in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
- Add the blended cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeno, and taco seasoning to a pot and warm over low heat until the cheese is melted and the dip is warm.
- Transfer the cottage cheese queso to a serving dish on top with pico de gallo or jalepeno.
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