Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein—this Cottage Cheese Queso Dip is a game-changer! Made with cottage cheese, salsa, cheddar, and spices, it’s a healthier, high-protein take on classic queso that’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or devouring by the spoonful!
You’ve probably heard of this viral TikTok recipe that has taken the internet by storm—this Cottage Cheese Queso Dip recipe is the latest high-protein snack everyone is raving about! Cottage cheese has been trending in everything from ice cream to Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls, and for good reason. It’s an easy way to add tons of protein to a dish without a lot of fat, calories, or cost. This queso is no exception—it's creamy, flavorful, and a healthy twist on traditional cheese dips. You won’t believe is made with cottage cheese!
Whether you're looking for a healthier appetizer, a protein-packed snack, or a flavorful topping for your favorite Mexican dishes, this queso has you covered. With its rich, velvety texture and bold flavors from salsa and spices.
Want to keep things low-carb? Skip the chips and serve it with crunchy bell peppers, cucumbers, celery, or pork rinds for a guilt-free dip that fits into low-carb and keto lifestyles. Or, drizzle it over tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled chicken for an easy, flavorful boost. However you enjoy it, this healthy queso alternative is sure to become a new favorite!
Serve this Cottage Cheese Queso with one of my healthy Mexican recipes such as Slow Cooker Pork Loin Carnitas or Ground Turkey Taco Meat for a feast your whole family will love.
Looking for other delicious cottage cheese recipes? Try this Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip, Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip or Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl.
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Ingredients
Here's what you need to make Cottage Cheese Queso Dip:
- Cottage Cheese – I prefer low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter result, but you can use fat-free for an even leaner option or full-fat cottage cheese for a richer, creamier queso. The choice is yours depending on your preference! Look for it in the dairy section near yogurt and sour cream.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds that classic cheesy flavor and helps thicken the dip. Opt for freshly shredded cheddar for the best melt, but you can use pre-shredded cheddar in a pinch. Find it in the cheese aisle of any grocery store.
- Salsa – Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot salsa, found in the international or condiment aisle near tortilla chips.
- Smoked Paprika – Find it in the spice aisle with other seasonings.
- Cumin – It’s typically found in the spice aisle near chili powder.
- Chili Powder – Grab it from the spice aisle where other Mexican-inspired seasonings are stocked.
- Salt – For this recipe, you can use kosher salt, table salt, or sea salt, depending on what you have on hand. Kosher salt has larger flakes and a milder taste, table salt is finer and more concentrated, and sea salt adds a subtle mineral flavor—choose based on your preference!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso Dip
Step 1: Add the cottage cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and salt to a food processor. Blend for 30 seconds, scraping down the sides halfway through, until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Serve immediately at room temperature, or transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through—usually about 1 to 2 minutes total. Be careful not to overheat, as cottage cheese can become grainy if heated too quickly. Enjoy with chips, veggies, or your favorite dippers!
Hint: For the smoothest, creamiest queso, use small curd cottage cheese and blend it until completely smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk or broth while blending to reach your desired texture!
Substitutions
Want to substitute an ingredient in Cottage Cheese Queso Dip? Here's how:
- Cottage Cheese - Use an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or silken tofu in place of the cottage cheese.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese - Swap an equal amount of Monterey-Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for the cheddar.
- Salsa - If you’re out of salsa, a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) or fresh chopped tomatoes with a squeeze of lime will do the trick.
- Smoked Paprika – If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, or add a pinch of chipotle powder for extra smokiness.
- Cumin If you’re missing cumin, a little taco seasoning can provide similar warmth, or try ground coriander for a slightly citrusy undertone.
- Chili Powder – If you’re out of chili powder, a dash of cayenne will bring heat, or more paprika can give a mild, smoky flavor without as much spice.
- Salt - Regular salt works fine, but for extra flavor, try garlic salt or onion salt for an added savory boost.
Variations
Try one of these variations of Cottage Cheese Queso Dip:
- Spicy – Turn up the heat by adding 1 finely chopped jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also use a spicy salsa or add a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Different Cheese – Swap out cheddar for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile. Monterey Jack gives a smoother melt, while Pepper Jack adds extra spice.
- Meaty – Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled ground beef, chorizo, or shredded chicken after blending to make this a hearty dip. Cooked and crumbled bacon is also a delicious mix-in!
- Dairy-Free – Replace cottage cheese with blended silken tofu or dairy-free Greek yogurt and use dairy-free shredded cheddar to keep it completely plant-based. A little nutritional yeast can add extra cheesy flavor!
- Herby & Fresh – Stir in chopped cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright, zesty twist. You can even mix in a bit of fresh diced tomatoes for texture.
Equipment
This equipment comes in handy when making Cottage Cheese Queso Dip:
- Food Processor or Blender – A food processor or high-speed blender is essential for creating a smooth, creamy texture by fully blending the cottage cheese and other ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula – A spatula helps scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor to ensure everything gets evenly mixed.
- Microwave or Stovetop Pan (Optional) – If you like your queso warm, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals or gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Storage
Here's how you store Cottage Cheese Queso Dip:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the dip thickens after chilling, simply stir in a splash of salsa, water or milk before reheating. To warm it up, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or heat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy when thawed.
Top tip
For extra flavor, let the queso sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to allow the spices to meld together. If you want it warm, microwave it just before serving for that classic melty queso feel!
FAQ
Yes! You can substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even mozzarella for a different flavor. Just make sure the cheese is shredded for easy blending.
Absolutely! For a spicier version, try adding jalapeños, diced green chilies, or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also use chili powder with more heat if you prefer a fiery kick!
Yes! If you're looking for a dairy-free version, you can swap the cottage cheese for vegan cream cheese or tofu. Just be sure to select a dairy-free cheese option for the shredded cheddar as well.
Related
Looking for other easy snacks recipes like this Cottage Cheese Queso Dip? Try these:
Pairing
Serve this Cottage Cheese Queso recipe with one of these drink recipes:
Recipe
Cottage Cheese Queso
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, salsa, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and salt to a food processor. Blend for 30 seconds, scraping down the sides halfway through, until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through—usually about 1 to 2 minutes total. Be careful not to overheat, as cottage cheese can become grainy if heated too quickly. Enjoy with chips, veggies, or your favorite dippers!
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Shannon
I could drink this!