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 dip, 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 Cottage Cheese Taco Dip, 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—anything goes!
- Versatile: Whether you're dipping with tortilla chips, drizzling over nachos, or using it as a topping for tacos or baked potatoes, this healthy queso dip adds a delicious twist to any dish, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
- High Protein Snack: Using cottage cheese is a great way to sneak in extra protein, without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: The type of cottage cheese does matter. My favorite brand 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. I highly recommend using real shredded cheese and avoid using pre-shredded cheese as most contain cellulose, which can cause it to clump up when melted.
- Jalapeno: I love adding a little heat to this healthy dip. If you prefer a mild version, you can leave this out or swap for green chilies.
- Taco Seasoning: Check the labels to ensure there are no fillers or artificial ingredients in your seasoning. I personally love using Siete Taco Seasoning because it’s made with clean, simple ingredients that elevate the flavor without any unnecessary additives.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh, clean pico de gallo adds a burst of brightness and natural flavor to the queso, giving it that perfect balance of tang and freshness. It’s an essential ingredient for bringing everything together and ensuring your dip is as tasty as it is wholesome.
- Tortilla Chips: Grab your favorite tortilla chips for dipping. I love Siete's Dip Chip.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions And Variations
- Add-Ins: Try adding diced green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, pinto beans, black beans, ground beef or chopped bacon into the mixture.
- Toppings: Top your finished queso with diced tomatoes, avocado, fresh 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 cheese. Also, check my recommended substitutes for cheddar cheese. You can also add in additional spices like onion powder, or chili powder.
How To Make High Protein Cottage Cheese Queso
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1. Blend cottage cheese in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
Step 2. Add the blended cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeno, pico de Gallo, and taco seasoning to a pot and warm over low heat until the cheese is melted and the dip is warm. For best results, be sure to keep your saucepan over low heat. If the mixture gets too hot, the cheese may separate.
Step 3. Transfer the cottage cheese queso to a serving dish on top with more pico de Gallo or jalapeno.
Expert Tips And Notes
- Heat On Low: Keep the heat on low when melting the cheese. Overheating can cause the cheese to separate and become oily. If this does happen, you can use an immersion blender to bring the dip to your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the queso and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or extra garlic can make a big difference!
- Blend For Smoothness: For the best texture, make sure to blend the cottage cheese mixture until it's completely smooth before adding it to the saucepan.
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Serving Suggestions For Queso Cottage Cheese
- Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream or easy guacamole, pink pickled onions, or sprinkle some fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. You can also top with chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
- Snack Pairings: Serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for a classic, crunchy dip experience.
- Meal Pairings: This queso makes an excellent topping for nachos, barbacoa tacos, burritos, or even gluten-free enchiladas—just drizzle it over your favorite Mexican dishes for a delicious twist.
- Breakfast Ideas: Breakfast tacos or a high protein egg bake are a fantastic way to spice up your breakfast.
- Side Dishes: Serve on top of Traeger baked potatoes for a comforting meal, or use it to top a hearty taco salad for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.
Storage And Reheating
- Storage: 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.
- Reheating: To reheat, add the leftovers to a small pot or saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
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 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.
Other Related Dips And Sauces Recipes
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Viral Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe (High Protein)
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.8 oz Cottage Cheese
- 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.4 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, ¼ Jalepeno, 1 teaspoon Taco Seasoning
- Transfer the cottage cheese queso to a serving dish on top with pico de gallo or jalepeno.¼ cup Pico de Gallo
Notes
- Heat On Low: Keep the heat on low when melting the cheese. Overheating can cause the cheese to separate and become oily. If this does happen, you can use an immersion blender to bring the dip to your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the queso and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or extra garlic can make a big difference!
- Blend For Smoothness: For the best texture, make sure to blend the cottage cheese mixture until it's completely smooth before adding it to the saucepan.
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