Cottage Cheese Queso: The Protein-Packed Dip You Won't Believe

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a cottage cheese queso dip that’s secretly healthy? Honestly, I never thought I'd say those words together either. This is Quick Queso recipe that is easy and loaded with flavour.

Brief Overview

Queso, that gorgeous mexican cheese dip, is a total staple, right? this version gives it a protein-packed makeover. it's ridiculously easy and takes about 25 minutes total.

Makes enough for about 6-8 people to share... or, you know, for one very hungry person.

Main Benefits

It's a surprisingly healthy queso dip option, thanks to the cottage cheese cheese dip . plus, it's packed with protein. imagine serving this high protein queso at your next game day appetizer spread – you'll be a legend.

It's a great alternative for recipes with queso.

Cottage Cheese Queso: The Protein-Packed Dip You Won't Believe Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 16 oz (450g) full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 4 oz (115g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 4 oz (115g) chopped canned tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (any kind, but whole milk makes it richer)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pickled jalapeño juice
• 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

• Combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, and milk in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add the shredded cheese, tomatoes and green chilies, jalapeño juice, minced jalapeños, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
• If using a saucepan, cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the dip is smooth and heated through.
• If using a microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is melted and the dip is smooth and heated through.
• Taste the dip and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with tortilla chips, vegetables, or your favorite dippers. A squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving elevates the flavors. Enjoy your cottage cheese queso dip!

Nutrition Facts

Calories:150-180

Fat:5-8g

Fiber:5-8g

Recipe Info

Category:Appetizer

Cuisine:Mexican

Time to Queso!

So, what makes this easy queso recipe so special? i wanted all the comfort of a classic mexican cheese dip, but without feeling like i needed a nap afterwards.

The cottage cheese makes it lighter, but still creamy and cheesy.

I was initially skeptical when I first heard about putting cottage cheese in queso. But cottage cheese dip recipe completely blew my mind.

What You'll Need

Here’s what you need for this spicy cheese dip : cottage cheese, cream cheese, monterey jack, canned tomatoes with green chilies (like rotel), milk, pickled jalapeño juice and fresh jalapeños.

The spices are simple: onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and pepper. don't forget fresh cilantro and lime for serving.

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and talk ingredients for this ridiculously easy cottage cheese queso dip . seriously, you won't believe how simple it is! i literally threw this together the other day when my mates were coming over for the football, and it was gone in minutes.

Gutted i didn't make more, to be honest.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's start with the good stuff.

Main Players

• 16 oz (450g) of cottage cheese. Full-fat or low-fat, your call. Honestly, full-fat gives it a bit more richness.
• 4 oz (115g) of cream cheese. Get the softened stuff; no one wants lumpy queso.
• 4 oz (115g) of shredded Monterey Jack, or a good Mexican cheese blend. The pre-shredded stuff is fine, no judgement here.
• 4 oz (115g) chopped canned tomatoes and green chilies, like Rotel. Don't drain it!
• 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk. Whole milk is richer, but skimmed works too.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pickled jalapeño juice. That's the stuff from the jar of jalapeños. Adds a lovely tang.
• 1-2 jalapeños, minced. Seed them if you're a bit of a wuss when it comes to spice.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper. Optional, but recommended if you want some real heat.
• Salt and pepper. To taste, obviously.
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving. Don't skip these; they make all the difference!

For the cottage cheese, quality matters. you want it to smell fresh, with no off-putting odours, and the curds should be well-formed.

Avoid anything that looks slimy or watery. that’s your cue to run!

Seasoning Notes: Getting Your Quick Queso Fix

Essential spice combo here is onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. these three are like the holy trinity of mexican flavours.

The jalapeño juice is the secret weapon though, trust me on that one. for a bit more depth, a tiny bit of smoked paprika can work wonders.

Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. season to taste, as my nan would say. if you're not feeling the jalapeños, a dash of your favourite hot sauce will do the trick.

Easy Queso Recipe : Kit You'll Need

• Blender or food processor. You need to blitz that cottage cheese.
• Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Depends how lazy you're feeling.
• Whisk or spoon. For stirring, duh.

Honestly, that's it. no fancy gadgets needed. if you haven't got a blender, a good old-fashioned masher and some elbow grease will get you close.

It might be a bit chunkier, but who cares? this healthy queso dip is all about taste, not perfection.

Cottage Cheese Queso: The Protein-Packed Dip You Won't Believe

Honestly, i was skeptical at first. cottage cheese queso dip ? could that really be good? but oh my gosh, was i wrong! this recipe is a game changer.

It’s perfect as a game day appetizer or honestly, any day. this healthy queso dip will have you saying "more please".

It's the cottage cheese dip recipe you didn't know you needed.

Prep Like a Pro for Quick Queso

First things first, gather your ingredients. mise en place, darling! soften that cream cheese, shred the monterey jack, and chop those jalapeños.

This easy queso recipe comes together fast if you're organized. i always measure out my spices beforehand too. it saves me from accidentally dumping in way too much cayenne – trust me, i've been there!

Step-by-Step to Queso Perfection

1. Blend the Base: Combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, and milk in a blender. Blend until super smooth. Seriously, no lumps allowed!
2. Combine Ingredients: Pour the mixture into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add everything else: cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, spices. Stir well.
3. Stovetop Cooking: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Don't rush it! You want a smooth, melty dip.
4. Microwave Method: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
5. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings. Don't be shy!
6. Garnish: Top with cilantro and serve with a lime wedge. Freshness is key.

Pro Tips for Queso Mastery

To make the best Mexican cheese dip , don't overcook it! Overheating ruins the texture.

Spice is great, but go slow with the jalapeños. Taste as you go. You can add more, but you can’t take it away!

If you're making this for a party, this high protein queso can be made a day ahead. just reheat it gently before serving.

The flavors actually meld together even better overnight. this is one of the reasons why it is one of my favorite recipes with queso .

Recipe Notes for Your Cottage Cheese Queso Dip

So, you're about to dive into the world of cottage cheese queso dip . it is one of the best quick queso ! honestly, this isn't your average dip.

It's packed with protein and flavour. here are some little pointers to make sure your cottage cheese dip recipe turns out perfectly every time.

I once forgot the garlic powder, disaster! don't be like me.

Serving Like a Pro

Thinking about presentation? i love serving this cottage cheese queso dip in a cute little cast-iron skillet. you know, the kind that keeps it warm? top it with extra cilantro and a lime wedge.

For sides, think beyond tortilla chips. veggies like bell peppers and carrots are great too. a crisp mexican beer or a cheeky margarita? absolutely! these recipes with queso are always a crowd pleaser.

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? this healthy queso dip keeps well. in the fridge, it's good for about 3-4 days. make sure it's in an airtight container.

Reheating is easy. a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the stovetop will do the trick.

Freezing? i wouldn't recommend it. the texture might change. but honestly, who has leftovers? this easy queso recipe disappears fast!

Remixing the Magic

Want to shake things up? for a spicy cheese dip , add an extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Need a dairy-free version? use plant-based cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives. i've even thrown in some cooked chorizo for a meaty kick.

For seasonal swaps, consider adding roasted corn in the summer or butternut squash puree in the autumn.

Nutrition Bites

This high protein queso is a winner. each serving is about 150-180 calories. it is perfect for game day appetizer it also packs a whopping 15-20g of protein.

That's a major win! plus, all that cottage cheese means it's a good source of calcium. just remember, these numbers are estimates.

Using different ingredients will change them slightly.

Honestly, this Mexican cheese dip is so versatile and easy. Don't be afraid to experiment. Have fun with it. I have tried a lot of Recipes With Queso and I can say that this one is easy and super healthy! The most important thing? Enjoy every single bite!