High Protein Healthier Queso for the Win!
I love reinventing popular dishes with a protein boost—making them just as delicious, but even more nutritious. This viral TikTok recipe offers all the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional queso but with a nutritious twist. By using cottage cheese as the base, the dip becomes naturally high in protein while reducing fat content. It’s a quick and easy dip to prepare, making it perfect for unexpected guests or a game day snack.
This high protein cottage cheese queso is highly customizable—adjust the spice level with jalapenos, add your favorite mix-ins like chorizo, or choose your preferred type of cheese to make it your own.
In addition to being a delicious dip with your favorite tortilla chips, try it on top of loaded sweet potato nachos, folded in a high-protein breakfast burrito with sausage, baked inside shredded beef enchiladas.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
- Cottage Cheese: Opt for full-fat cottage cheese for an extra creamy texture.
- Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning, preferably a low-sodium option. Alternatively, make your own by combining spices like onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Shredded Cheese: Both cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese work well. For the best meltability, shred the cheese yourself from a block. Using pepper jack will give the queso a lighter color, similar to what you’d find at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
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.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Blend the cottage cheese and taco seasoning in a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Step 2: Transfer the blended cottage cheese mixture to a microwave-safe bowl and stir in the shredded cheese. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between increments, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overcook the dip or it will become clumpy.
Recipe Tips
- Buying a block and shredding it yourself ensures better melting and a smoother texture.
- Microwave in increments, stopping every 30 seconds to stir prevents the dip from overcooking or getting clumpy.
- Finely chopped cilantro, red onion, pickled jalapeños, or smoked paprika add extra flavor and visual appeal. Add a few dashes of hot sauce for added heat.
Serving Tips for this Easy Cottage Cheese Queso
One of my favorite ways to serve this high protein snack is with fresh cilantro, green chilies, and pico de gallo on top.
This healthy queso dip pairs well with a variety of dippers:
- Chips: For a classic combination, use homemade baked tortilla chips. Try protein chips for an extra protein boost or pita chips.
- Veggies: Raw veggies like mini bell peppers, celery, carrots, and cucumbers make for a crunchy, healthy option. Or try air fryer zucchini chips.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through, stirring between intervals to maintain a smooth consistency.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute the cottage cheese and shredded cheese with dairy-free alternatives to make this dip suitable for a dairy-free diet. Adding nutritional yeast will help give it that cheesy, umami taste too.
Absolutely! Prepare the dip as directed and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until warmed through.
If a microwave isn’t available, you can heat the blended mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the dip is smooth.
Cottage cheese has a mild flavor, so if the seasoning isn’t balanced, the queso can taste underwhelming. So adjust your seasoning! Add more taco seasoning, a pinch of salt, or even a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten up the taste.
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.
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!
Viral Tiktok Cottage Cheese Queso
Save this Recipe!
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.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
