Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Queso
If you’ve ever found yourself hovering over a bowl of queso wondering how to make it healthier, this one’s for you. We tested this viral TikTok recipe several ways, and here’s why it earns a permanent spot in our meal prep routine:
This blended cottage cheese mixture creates an ultra-smooth base that microwaves into a perfectly cheesy dip. The flavor is bold from taco seasoning and melts beautifully when paired with freshly shredded cheddar or Colby Jack.
Try it drizzled on burrito bowls, sweet potato beef taco skillet, or scooped up with raw veggies, zucchini chips, or tortillas chips. It’s our go-to for game day, high-protein snacking, and late-night cravings.
One more reason to love it? You don’t need a food processor! Any blender or immersion blender will do.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
You only need three ingredients:
- Cottage cheese: Full-fat gives the creamiest texture, but fat-free works too. The base of your high-protein queso dip.
- Taco seasoning: A low-sodium blend works best. You can also make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Shredded cheese: Go for Colby jack or cheddar cheese.
Pro Tip: Shred it yourself using a box grater. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly and can give your queso a gritty texture. - Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced red onion, pico de gallo, pickled onions or jalapeños, green chiles, or cherry tomatoes.
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.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso
- Step 1: Blend the base. Add the cottage cheese and taco seasoning to a blender and blend until smooth. This is your creamy, protein-packed base.
- Step 2: Microwave and stir. Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe bowl, stir in the shredded cheese, and heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth. Avoid overcooking or it may curdle.
Step 3: Top and serve. Sprinkle your favorite toppings and serve immediately as a dip or topping.
Topping & Serving Ideas
This dip is incredibly versatile and makes a great addition to:
- Tortilla chips or grain-free chips
- Raw veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers
- Protein chips for a macro-balanced snack
- Sweet Potato Nachos or steak nachos
- Drizzled over chicken tinga tacos or used in breakfast quesadillas
Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and use it as a sauce for lunches throughout the week, like spooned over grilled chicken and rice or packed alongside roasted veggies and protein chips.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? You’re in luck! This high-protein dip keeps well and reheats like a dream.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover cottage cheese queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. You can also gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
- Avoid separation: Stir well before reheating, especially if some separation has occurred in the fridge. Reblending is optional but can help restore that creamy texture.
Recipe FAQs
Each serving has around 21 grams of protein, depending on your cheese choice.
A food processor or immersion blender works best, but you can try mashing well and stirring for a chunkier version.
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.
Use a plant-based cottage cheese like Good Culture Dairy-Free and dairy-free shredded cheese such as Daiya or Violife. The result may be less creamy but still flavorful.
Cottage cheese naturally releases moisture when stored, leading to a watery consistency. Stir well after reheating to reincorporate any separated liquid. If needed, blend again briefly to restore smoothness.
This cottage cheese queso dip is the snack we come back to again and again. It’s easy, satisfying, and protein-packed—the kind of recipe you bookmark and batch weekly. Leave a comment or rating if you try it!
Try it next with our shredded beef enchiladas for a quick weekday meal.
More Cottage Cheese Recipes
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Queso (TikTok’s Viral Dip in 5 Minutes)
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Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese full fat or fat-free
- 1 Tablespoon low-sodium taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup freshly shredded Mexican cheese or Colby jack cheese
- 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.2 cups cottage cheese, 1 Tablespoon low-sodium taco seasoning
- 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.3/4 cup freshly shredded Mexican cheese or Colby jack cheese
- 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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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