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This 3-ingredient cottage cheese queso takes 5 minutes to make! It’s a creamy, cheesy high-protein snack or appetizer that satisfies on all levels.
I love finding ways to add more protein to popular dishes that not only make them more delicious, but more nutritious. If you haven’t had these 2-ingredient cottage cheese bagels or cottage cheese flatbread, you must try those next!
The cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and so much protein. In fact, there are 23 grams of protein per serving!
Why You’ll Love this Cottage Cheese Queso
- 23 grams of protein per serving.
- You only need 3 ingredients.
- Done in 5 minutes.
- Perfect cheesy dip, especially with homemade baked tortilla chips.
You only need cottage cheese, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese. The original viral recipe on TikTok calls for nutritional yeast, which is a great low-calorie option.
I love to make it with sliced carrots and celery during the day for a lunch or high-protein snack. I make homemade baked tortilla chips when I serve it as an appetizer!
Ingredients You Need
Here are the 3 simple ingredients for this cottage cheese queso dip. Skip to the recipe card for the full instructions.
- Cottage cheese: choose full-fat cottage cheese for an extra creamy texture, but low-fat cottage cheese is a good option.
- Taco seasoning: use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning. I prefer a low-sodium option. You can make your own by combining a few Mexican spices like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cheese: I’ve made this with both cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese. Use a block and shred it yourself for best meltability. If you use pepperjack the queso will be lighter in color (like your favorite Mexican restaurant).
How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso
Follow the simple steps to make this viral cottage cheese queso recipe. Jump to the recipe card for the printable version.
- Add to the blender: Measure out the cottage cheese and taco seasoning in a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend: Pulse or blend until smooth and all of the chunks are gone from the cottage cheese. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Microwave: Transfer the blended cottage cheese mixture to a microwave-safe bowl and stir in the shredded cheese. Microwave in 30-second increments until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Quick Tips
- Shred your own cheese: buy a block and shred it with a box grater. It melts much better!
- Microwave in increments: stop every 30 seconds to stir until the cheese melts and the cottage cheese queso is smooth. You don’t want it to overcook and curdle.
- Cut the recipe in half: if you want to enjoy a smaller serving for a lunch or snack!
- Blend the shredded cheese: if you want a less stringy and cheesy queso, blend the cheese with the other ingredients.
- Customize the toppings: I love it with finely chopped cilantro and red onion. Next time I’m going to try pickled jalapeno and smoked paprika (like my favorite Mexican restaurant queso). You could also try green chiles, pico de gallo, fresh jalapeno, or dice diced tomatoes.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Queso
I love to eat this high protein queso dip just like my jalapeno ranch or guacamole: as a dip or as a topping.
- Topping: cover your breakfast nachos, steak nachos, or sweet potato nachos with cottage cheese queso. You could use it in place of shredded cheese on healthy chicken enchiladas or ground turkey enchiladas. I also love to drizzle it on top of sheet pan burrito bowls and chorizo tacos for extra protein.
- Dip: set it out with your favorite crudite vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, celery, or cucumber. Dip: set it out with your favorite crudite vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, celery, or cucumber. I love to take a few minutes and make homemade tortilla chips or you can use your favorite tortilla chips to serve to guests. You could also serve it with crispy carrots fries!You could also serve it with crispy carrots fries!
Can I Make it in the Oven or Air Fryer?
You don’t have to use the microwave to make this cottage cheese queso recipe! The oven and air fryer are both great options.
Oven: Place the cottage cheese mixture, with the cheese, in an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until the edges start to bubble.
Air fryer: transfer the dip, inside the dish, into the air fryer basket and cook at 350 and cook for 3-5 minutes. I’d start checking at 3 minutes and stir to make sure it doesn’t overcook and curdle.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cottage cheese queso in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until it’s heated through.
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Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese full fat or fat-free
- 3/4 cup freshly shredded Mexican cheese or Colby jack cheese
- 1 Tablespoon low-sodium taco seasoning
- For topping: cilantro, red onion, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeño, extra shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, or green chiles.
Instructions
- Add the cottage cheese and taco seasoning to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Add to a microwave safe bowl and stir in the shredded cheese. Microwave in 30-second increments, stopping to stir between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. This takes about 60 seconds. Be careful not to over cook.
- Top the queso with cilantro, red onion, or your favorite Mexican toppings. Serve with fresh vegetables or tortilla chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stove until wamred through.
Notes
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
