This Cottage Cheese Queso recipe comes together with three simple ingredients: blended cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning, for just the right amount of spice to make it taste like the real deal. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein.
As a healthy recipe developer, turning comfort food into high-protein recipes that people actually crave & love is my thing, and this cottage cheese queso dip is one of my favorite healthier swaps that I've perfected!
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Recipe Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking Method: Microwave
- Main Ingredients: Cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, taco seasoning
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, high-protein
- Serves: 4
- Calories: 199 per serving
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Unreal. Made this for an app for a party I attended & got asked by almost everyone for the recipe!
- faith
Unlike traditional queso loaded with processed cheese and heavy cream, this healthy queso recipe uses just three simple ingredients you probably already have. The secret? Blending the cottage cheese until it's completely smooth for a luxurious cottage cheese nacho sauce!
Love cottage cheese? Try my Creamy Cottage Cheese Dip, High Protein Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip, Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse, or my Avocado Cottage Cheese Toast!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: Each serving packs nearly 20g of protein thanks to cottage cheese and real cheddar cheese.
- Ready in 5 Minutes: Blend, microwave, serve, no complicated steps.
- Budget-Friendly: Three pantry staples cost less than $8.
- Customizable Heat: Control the spice level from mild to very hot with your taco seasoning choice.
- Genuinely Delicious: People can't believe this recipe is a "healthier" version.
Key Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: This recipe uses 2% cottage cheese, which blends into a very creamy texture while keeping the queso lighter and protein-packed. It creates a smooth, velvety base without feeling heavy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers that classic queso flavor everyone expects. Pre-shredded works wonderfully, while freshly grated cheddar gives you an extra-smooth finish. Either works!
- Taco Seasoning: A warm blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, and paprika gives this queso its signature savory kick. Choose a refined-sugar-free mix (Siete is my favorite brand) or make your own homemade taco seasoning.
Substitutions & Variations
- Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese can be swapped for Greek yogurt. You could also use ricotta cheese or cream cheese, although it won't be as high in protein. Each option still blends smoothly and works well, depending on your preference.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives classic queso flavor, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works well.
- Spicy Queso: Blend in diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to increase the heat level.
- Loaded Queso: Stir in cooked and seasoned ground beef, ground turkey, or black beans for an even more protein-packed queso dip.
How To Make Cottage Cheese Queso
- Step 1: Add cottage cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and taco seasoning to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and spread evenly.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the blended queso, and microwave for 1 minute, stir, then heat another 30-60 seconds until hot and melted.
- Step 3: Stir in the melted cheddar cheese until smooth, add your favorite toppings like chopped bell pepper, green onion, or jalapeño, and serve warm with chips, veggies, or as a sauce.
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Expert Tips
- Blend Until Silky Smooth: Under-blending is the fastest way to end up with grainy queso. Cottage cheese needs a full 45-60 seconds in a high-speed blender to fully break down. When it's ready, there should be zero visible curds.
- Use 2% Cottage Cheese: 2% cottage cheese hits the sweet spot for texture, flavor, and protein content. Non-fat versions tend to turn watery and separate, while the extra fat helps the dip stay creamy and cohesive.
- Don't Skip the Extra Cheese on Top: Adding a sprinkle of cheddar before heating creates a melted cheese layer that folds right into the base. This step is what gives the queso that stretchy, gooey finish everyone wants.
- Oven Option: If you'd rather skip the microwave, transfer the blended queso to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Pairing Ideas
For holidays, game days, or a cozy night in, serve this high-protein queso with crackers and veggies alongside more of my dip and sauce recipes like Honey Whipped Feta, Beet Hummus, and Garlic Parmesan Sauce!
Love cooking with cottage cheese? Check out my gluten-free cottage cheese pancakes or chocolate mousse chia.
Cottage Cheese Queso Frequently Asked Questions
Cottage cheese comes in a small curd and a large curd version (small curd blends more smoothly). Fat percentages range from fat-free to 4% milkfat (full-fat). For cottage cheese queso, choose 2% small curd for the creamiest, smoothest results.
Blend cottage cheese with shredded cheddar and taco seasoning until completely smooth, then microwave or heat on the stovetop until the cheese melts and the dip is hot. The blending step is crucial; it transforms grainy cottage cheese into a silky sauce base.
Cottage cheese doesn't technically "melt" because it's already a soft cheese. Instead, you blend it smoothly first, then heat it gently with cheeses that do melt like cheddar. This creates the creamy, melted texture you want without separation.
No, cottage cheese won't melt the way hard cheeses do because it's a fresh, high-moisture cheese. However, when blended and heated with cheeses that do melt, it creates an incredibly smooth, creamy base that mimics traditional melted cheese sauces.
Full-fat (2% milkfat) small curd cottage cheese produces the best cottage cheese queso recipe. Brands like Good Culture, Daisy, or Breakstone's work beautifully. Avoid fat-free versions; they create a watery, separated dip.
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📖 Recipe
Cottage Cheese Queso (Viral Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Cottage Cheese 2%
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and taco seasoning to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the blended queso, and microwave for 1 minute, stir, then heat another 30-60 seconds until hot and melted.
- Stir in the melted cheddar cheese until smooth, add your favorite toppings like chopped bell pepper, green onion, or jalapeño, and serve warm with chips, veggies, or as a sauce.
Notes
- Blend Until Silky Smooth: Under-blending is the fastest way to end up with grainy queso. Cottage cheese needs a full 45-60 seconds in a high-speed blender to fully break down. When it's ready, there should be zero visible curds.
- Use 2% Cottage Cheese: 2% cottage cheese hits the sweet spot for texture, flavor, and protein content. Non-fat versions tend to turn watery and separate, while the extra fat helps the dip stay creamy and cohesive.
- Don't Skip the Extra Cheese on Top: Adding a sprinkle of cheddar before heating creates a melted cheese layer that folds right into the base. This step is what gives the queso that stretchy, gooey finish everyone wants.
- Oven Option: If you'd rather skip the microwave, transfer the blended queso to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition
Save This Recipe!
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Faith says
Unreal. Made this for an app for a party I attended & got asked by almost everyone for the recipe!