Easy Cottage Cheese Queso
A creamy, high-protein queso dip made with cottage cheese that tastes indulgent but fits your healthy lifestyle. Perfect for parties, game day, or weeknight snacking.
Equipment
- 1 Blender or food processor
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cottage cheese full-fat or low-fat
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar preferred
- 1/2 cup Salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika smoked paprika optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Jalapeño pepper optional, diced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro chopped, optional
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice fresh
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese to your blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This takes about one to two minutes.
- Transfer the blended cottage cheese to your saucepan. Place over medium-low heat to start warming it gently.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pan. Stir constantly as it melts into the cottage cheese base. Keep the heat moderate to prevent burning.
- Pour in your salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix thoroughly to distribute the tomato flavor throughout the queso.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir well to blend all the seasonings evenly.
- Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember that some salsa already contains salt, so start with less.
- If using jalapeños, dice them finely and stir them in now. Let everything cook together for three to five minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from heat when the queso reaches your desired consistency. It will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and give it a final stir. Garnish with chopped cilantro if you like.
- Transfer to your serving bowl and serve immediately while warm. Provide tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore consistency. For best results, blend cottage cheese thoroughly until completely smooth.