This creamy Cottage Cheese Queso is the ultimate high-protein, guilt-free game day dip! Packed with flavour, easy to make, and secretly healthy—it’s a must-try!
I don’t know who needs to hear this (maybe it’s just me), but COTTAGE CHEESE ISN’T THE TERRIBLE, GROSS FOOD YOUR CHILDHOOD SELF TRICKED YOU INTO THINKING IT WAS. It can be chunky or smooth, used in so many different ways, and, like cauliflower being mashed into potatoes, cottage cheese can be whatever it wants to be these days (the kids on TikTok say so!)
Who knew? Not me, that’s for sure!
There are so many other great things about cottage cheese that my childhood self never even cared to appreciate—probably because I was too busy proclaiming I hated it before even trying it. Turns out, it’s actually packed with protein, low in carbs, and loaded with calcium. Plus, it’s a great source of vitamin B12, which helps keep your energy levels up. And when you’re forcing your eyes to stay open past 9 pm on weekends, that B12 might just be the miracle you need!
In all seriousness, this cottage cheese queso dip tastes just like the real thing, and I can assure you, even the so-called cottage cheese haters among you will be converted. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavour—no one will ever guess it’s made with cottage cheese. It’ll be a hit at your next party, a great snack on your next movie night, or the perfect dip to satisfy those late-night cravings.
So go ahead and forgive your childhood self—because they had no idea cottage cheese could be THIS GOOD.
INGREDIENTS FOR COTTAGE CHEESE QUESO
Who knew queso could be both creamy and protein-packed? This cottage cheese queso dip delivers all the melty, cheesy goodness you crave—without any of the guilt! Thanks to cottage cheese, it’s lighter yet still rich, making it a perfect game-day dip, snack, or topping for tacos, veggies, or chips. Let’s dive into what makes this queso so good in a little bit more detail down below:
- Cottage Cheese: The secret to this high-protein queso! Cottage cheese adds a creamy, tangy base while keeping it lighter than traditional cheese sauces. Look for full-fat, low-carb cottage cheese for the best texture and flavour. Blending it makes it smooth and melty!
- Cheddar Cheese: Classic, sharp cheddar gives this queso its bold, cheesy kick. It melts beautifully and adds richness. Use extra sharp for a stronger flavour or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Bring a smoky depth of flavour and a hint of sweetness. If you can’t find fire-roasted, swap with diced fresh tomatoes (cooked down) or roasted red bell peppers for a similar effect.
- Green Chilies: Add a mild heat and tangy flavour without overwhelming spice. If you love extra heat, use diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers instead.
- Milk: Helps smooth out the queso and adjust the consistency. However, you can use heavy cream instead, if you prefer. Heavy cream makes it extra rich and keto-friendly, while milk keeps it lighter. You can also use unsweetened almond milk for a lower-carb option.
- Garlic: Brings a more robust and aromatic garlic flavour. Garlic powder works too if you want less of a garlic punch. Use 1/4 of a teaspoon instead of the 1 small clove.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and crunchy texture. Fresh red onion provides a more vibrant, zesty flavour compared to onion powder. But if onion powder is all you have, use 1 teaspoon instead of the 1/4 cup diced red onion.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a touch of smoky warmth, enhancing the fire-roasted flavour.
- Chili Powder: Adds a mild, smoky heat that enhances the overall flavour. For extra spice, swap with cayenne or chipotle powder!
- Cumin: This warm, earthy spice adds a subtle depth of flavor and a mild smokiness to the queso. It complements the other spices and brings a touch of warmth to balance the creamy texture. If you love a bit more complexity, feel free to adjust to taste!
- Salt and Pepper: Balances all the flavours. Start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
- Cilantro (optional): Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness that balances the richness of the queso. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it or use fresh chopped parsley instead.
- Oil: Use oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil) to sauté the veggies until soft and fragrant. This adds a rich flavour and helps softening them before adding them to the queso.
HOW TO MAKE QUESO WITH COTTAGE CHEESE (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy cottage cheese queso dip in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use full-fat cottage cheese. Opt for full-fat cottage cheese with the lowest carb count for the best texture and flavour. It makes a huge difference in creaminess compared to low-fat versions. EXTRA TIP: If you want to avoid any graininess, make sure to blend it thoroughly.
- Sauté the veggies first. Before adding the onion and garlic to the queso, sauté them in oil until soft and fragrant. This deepens the flavour and gives a nice, aromatic base for the queso. Don’t rush this step—let them cook until they’re golden and soft!
- Blend the cottage cheese well. To avoid any graininess, blend the cottage cheese in a high-speed blender or food processor until it’s completely smooth. This will give your queso that creamy texture you’re craving.
- Adjust the consistency. If the queso is too thick, you can always thin it out with a little more milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon at a time. If it gets too thin, let it cook down for a few minutes to thicken up.
- Balance the heat. If you’re not a fan of heat, be careful with the green chilies and optional chili powder—they add mild heat but not too much. For a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños.
- Don’t overheat. When heating the queso, do it on low heat. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become oily. Stir often to keep it smooth and prevent burning.
- Taste as you go. Queso is all about balancing flavours. Taste your queso as you add the ingredients, adjusting the salt, pepper, and spices to suit your preference.
- Garnish for freshness. Top your finished queso with fresh cilantro for an added pop of colour and freshness. It balances the richness of the queso and adds a nice touch of herbaceous flavour. Don’t like cilantro? Parsley will get the job done just fine!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, it’s totally fine to melt cottage cheese, but you’ll need to handle it carefully to avoid a grainy texture. Cottage cheese tends to separate when heated at high temperatures, so it’s best to blend it first to create a smooth base before melting. This will help prevent any curdling or clumping. When you heat it, do so on low heat and stir constantly to ensure it melts evenly without becoming too watery or separated. Adding it to the queso recipe will give you that creamy texture, but just be sure to blend it well for the best result!
Yes, cottage cheese queso is absolutely delicious! It’s a unique, healthier twist on traditional queso, offering a creamy, tangy flavour without being overly heavy. The cottage cheese gives it a smooth, rich texture while still packing in some extra protein. It’s perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a cheesy dip without the guilt. Plus, with the right blend of spices and cheeses, it’s just as flavourful as any classic queso. So, if you’re into creamy, flavourful dips, cottage cheese queso is definitely worth trying!
There are so many delicious options to serve with cottage cheese queso! For a lighter, healthier snack, pair it with fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, cucumber, or bell peppers. They’re perfect for dipping and add a nice crunch. If you’re craving something more indulgent, you can serve it with crispy tortilla chips, air fryer pita chips, or keto-friendly crackers for a satisfying crunch.
For a more substantial dish, try serving it with grilled chicken, sweet potato wedges or regular fries, or even nachos for a fun twist. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can drizzle it over tacos, burrito bowls, or roasted vegetables. Whether you keep it light or go all out, cottage cheese queso is versatile and pairs perfectly with so many options!
Yes, you can reheat cottage cheese queso, but it’s important to do it slowly and carefully to maintain its smooth texture. To reheat, use low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re using the stovetop, stir frequently and add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy and prevent it from thickening too much. If reheating in the microwave, heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating.
To store cottage cheese queso, let it cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, just follow the reheating instructions above. This queso may thicken a bit in the fridge, so you can always thin it out with a little milk or cream when reheating.
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COTTAGE CHEESE QUESO
Ingredients
- 2 cups Full-Fat Cottage Cheese
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or any cheese you prefer) shredded
- ½ cup Diced Fire-Roasted Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup Diced Green Chilies (canned, or fresh if you’re feeling bold)
- ¼ cup Red Onion diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- ½ tsp Cumin
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Chili Powder
- ¼ tsp Salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper or to taste
- 1-2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro chopped, optional, for garnish
- ¼ cup Low-Fat Milk (or any milk you prefer) (or more for desired consistency)
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. This step is key for that creamy, dip-worthy texture!
- In a medium skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to bring out those bold flavours.
- Reduce the heat to low, and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a velvety smooth base.
- Stir in the blended cottage cheese and add milk a little at a time until the queso reaches your desired thickness. You can add more milk if you want it extra creamy.
- Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or spices if you like it extra kickin'!
- OPTIONAL STEP: If you still find your cottage cheese queso a little bit grainy/chunky, feel free to add it back to the food processor and blend it again!
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavour and serve warm with tortilla chips, veggies, or even over tacos!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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