Inside: Cottage cheese is at the heart of today’s protein craze, so why not make a dip out of it? Guests will love this cheesy, queso dip with chips, toasted baguette slices or just about anything “dippable”. And they’ll never guess the secret ingredient unless you tell them.
Have you noticed that protein is EVERYWHERE? It’s on granola bars, oatmeal packets. Even freaking Starbucks has gotten in on the action with protein lattes and protein cold foam drinks!
And you know what fits right into the protein craze these days? Cottage cheese.
People are eating it straight up, making it into protein balls for snacks, and I don’t even know what else. I’ve never been a fan of cottage cheese. I mean, what even is that texture?!
I never really understood its purpose…until this dip, that is.
Because who doesn’t love a cheesy, gooey dip on the food table at a shower/party/event? With bread, chips, pretzels. Put just about anything “dippable” next to it, and this dip will be gone in a heartbeat.
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Cottage Cheese Queso Dip
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This easy queso dip gets its creamy texture from protein-packed star cottage cheese.
When blended with sharp cheddar, a scoop of salsa, and a few pantry spices, it turns into a smooth, melty dip that’s ready in minutes.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a slightly lighter take on traditional queso. We could all use a lighter queso, am I right?
And unless you’re sharing ingredients for allergies’ sake, no one will ever guess that cottage cheese is the star!
Before we get into the recipe, here are some questions that might come up…
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Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of regular?
Yes, you can. Just know that it might not be quite as creamy. The full-fat version gives the best texture.
Is this dip spicy?
That really depends on the type of salsa you use (mild, medium or hot) and how much chili seasoning you add. Start with the recommended amounts and increase to suit your tastes.
If serving at a party or shower, I would dial down the heat to make it palatable for the majority of guests. You could put chopped jalapeños on the side for additional heat to taste.
What should I serve with it?
Tortilla chips are a classic, but this dip is also great with bread or pretzels. You could go a healthier route and serve it with sliced peppers or carrots, too.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
You sure can. Blend and store the dip in the fridge, then just heat it up before serving.
Is it easy to double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your blender is big enough. If not, blend in two batches and combine them when you heat the dip.
Now let’s get into the ingredients and directions, shall we?
Easy Cottage Cheese Queso Dip
Equipment
- Blender OR Food Processor
- Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon or Spatula for Stirring
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Cottage Cheese
- 4 oz. Shredded Cheddar Cheese (roughly 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup Chunky Salsa
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, salsa, chili seasoning, and cumin in a blender. Blend everything together until it looks completely smooth. You shouldn’t see any curds from the cottage cheese once it’s ready.
- Pour the mixture into your microwaveable bowl. Heat it on high for one minute. After that, give it a good stir and microwave for another 30 seconds or so. Continue in 30 second microwave/stir intervals just until it’s hot and the cheese has melted.
- Taste the dip before adding salt or pepper. Depending on the salsa you used, it may already be seasoned enough. Adjust to your liking.
- Serve the dip warm. It goes great with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, pretzels or fresh veggies!
Notes
- If you want a spicier dip, you can stir in some hot sauce or chopped jalapeños (or serve on the side for events).
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or a spoonful of sour cream.
- Swap the cheddar for something like Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack if you want a different flavor.
- Stir in black beans or corn after it’s heated if you’re looking to bulk it up a bit.
- Don’t like using the microwave? You can heat the dip slowly on the stove over low heat instead, adding 5-10 minutes to the overall cook time.
Owner of Growing Serendipity, June could talk to you all day about homeschooling, parenting, and minimalism, which she does at This Simple Balance. When she’s not homeschooling, decluttering, or blogging, she loves to enjoy perfect silence while sipping a hot cup of coffee and thinking uninterrupted thoughts—which, of course, with five kids, doesn’t happen very often.