Make this Cottage Cheese Queso for a smooth and protein-packed cottage cheese version, and a lighter take on the classic. Although this trendy dip is called "queso"(technically it is, because it's still cheese), it more so tastes like the base of a taco dip. With a blend of spices and a hint of heat, it is still perfect for dipping chips and so easy to make. Discover more easy breakfast, baking, and high-protein meal ideas in my collection of Sweet and Savory Cottage Cheese Recipes.
For more great ways of incorporating Cottage Cheese, try my super smooth Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes or my creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo. Try my Creamy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip or my Buffalo Chicken Dip (with canned chicken) for more flavor packed appetizers!
Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese (not pre-grated)
- Taco Seasoning
- Pickled Jalapenos slices (or fresh)
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Cottage Cheese Queso
- Start by grating the cheddar cheese. It is important to not use pre-grated cheese for this recipe. Most of them are coated to prevent clumping. This might prevent the cheese from melting properly.
In the jar of a blender, combine the cottage cheese and the taco seasoning.
Blend until smooth. Scrap down the sides to make sure it all blended. You can also use an immersion blender for this step.
Pour the blended cottage cheese in a microwave safe bowl.
Stir the grated cheese into the cottage cheese mixture.
Place the bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir the mixture and then place it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds. Repeat this step for a total of 2 minutes.
Once the cheese is melted and the Cottage Cheese Queso is smooth, place in a serving bowl. You can add some finely chopped pickled jalapenos for a delicious kick. Serve it with fresh salsa for a refreshing taco dip. Serve with nachos and enjoy!
TIP: If ever your cheese mixture "splits" while microwaving it, you can place it back into the blender and mix until smooth. This can happen because of the fat content coming out of the cheddar cheese, not wanting to play nice with the water content of the cottage cheese.
Storage
Place a plastic wrap over the serving bowl of any remaining Cottage Cheese Queso. Refrigerate for 2-3 days. This is a great dip to make in advanced. Simply wrap it and refrigerate it until it is time to serve.
Recipe
Cottage Cheese Queso
Ingredients
- 1½ cup Cottage Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
- ½ cup Cheddar Cheese grated
- 2 tablespoon Pickled Jalapenos finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In the jar of a blender, combine the cottage cheese and the taco seasoning.
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Make sure to scrape down the sides so that it is completely smooth. This step can also be done with an immersion blender.
- Placer the blended cottage cheese in a microwave safe bowl. Add the shredded cheddar to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Place the cheese mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds on high. Take the bowl out and stir the cheese mixture.
- Place it back into the microwave for another 30 seconds. Repeat this step for a total of up to 2 minutes. The cheese should be melted and smooth.
- If you want to add the jalapenos, stir them in before pouring the dip into a serving bowl.
- Serving this dip with your favorite salsa and nachos.
