If you love creamy cheese dips but want a healthier twist, this cottage cheese queso dip might just be your new favorite. This recipe blends cottage cheese with the classic queso dip seasonings, making it more flavorful with a healthy boost of protein to make it guilt-free.

The best part? You only need 5 simple ingredients and just a few minutes to whip up this delicious dip. If you like to know the full recipe, keep reading below.

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As someone who tries to keep healthy, high-protein snacks on hand, this cottage cheese queso is a staple in our house. I love pairing it with carrot and celery sticks for a guilt-free treat, but it’s just as good with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos. Here’s why it’s become a favorite:

  • High in Protein: Cottage cheese gives this dip a nutritional boost, making it a smarter choice than traditional queso loaded with heavy cream and processed cheese.
  • Perfect Texture: Unlike other cheese dips, this one stays creamy and smooth—even after sitting out for a while. No need for constant reheating!
  • Simple Ingredients: Just 5 pantry staples—cottage cheese, taco seasoning, cumin, cayenne, and cheddar—combine to create a warm, cheesy delight.
  • Quick and Easy: In just minutes, you can whip up a dip that feels indulgent but is packed with nourishment. It’s a lifesaver for busy days or impromptu gatherings.
  • Family-Friendly: Everyone in our family loves it—kids and adults alike! It’s a great way to sneak some extra protein into their meals without sacrificing flavor.

If you love more tasty snack dips, check out my other recipes like Sweet Creamy Pumpkin Dip, Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip, and 15-Minute Sweet And Spicy Jalapeno Dip.

Ingredients You Will Need For Cottage Cheese Queso

Here are the 5 star players you’ll need to whip up a creamy, protein-packed queso.

Bowls of ingredients on a white surface, including shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, cumin, taco seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Each bowl is labeled with green text.
  • Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat cottage cheese to achieve a richer flavor and texture of your cottage cheese dip. To create a more queso-like consistency, make sure it’s labeled as “creamy” or “smooth.”
  • Taco seasoning: Look for a brand that uses natural ingredients. Stay away from artificial additives or preservatives.
  • Cumin: You’ll want ground cumin to use right away. Check the aroma and expiration date to ensure that it’s fresh.
  • Cayenne pepper: For convenience, you’ll likely need the ground form. Check the heat level. Some might specify it as “mild” or “extra hot,” while others show the Scoville rating—the higher, the hotter.
  • Cheddar cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheddar delivers the best results.

📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Replace cottage cheese with ricotta cheese for a smoother texture or Greek yogurt for a tangier alternative. 
  • If you want to imbibe a more traditional queso flavor, blend cheddar with Monterey Jack and mozzarella.
  • Increase the heat with green chilies, jalapeños, or even hot salsa.
  • For extra texture, add finely diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or onions.
  • Add cream cheese or substitute part of the cottage cheese to make your dip thicker.
  • To make this cheesy dip vegan, use silken tofu instead of cottage cheese. Mix it with spices and nutritional yeast to replicate the tanginess of cheese.
  • Sometimes, I like to add avocado to give that slight greenish hue and creamy, mild flavor.
Can I use Fat-Free Or Low-Fat Cottage Cheese For Queso?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese as long as you compensate it with more seasoning or liquid to keep the queso creamy. 

What Type Of Cheese Is Best To Mix With Cottage Cheese For Queso?

You can combine cottage cheese with cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt well to create a creamy base for your queso. For a spicier version, use Pepper Jack cheese.

How To Make Cottage Cheese Queso

Once you have all the ingredients on your hands, let’s start whipping up a mouthwatering dip that’ll steal the show!

Combine cottage cheese, cumin, cayenne pepper, and taco seasoning in a high-speed blender or food processor. If you use a blender, start on low speed and gradually increase to medium until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy texture. I like to add a tablespoon of water to help blend the ingredients into a smoother queso.

If you use a food processor, pulse for about 20 seconds, then stop to scrape down any splatterings on the sides of the bowl (you don’t want to waste any drop of this tasty dip!). Pulse again for another 20 seconds until the mixture is smooth.

A clear blender cup containing layers of orange powder, cream, and yogurt on a white surface, ready for mixing.
An open blender cup filled with creamy orange liquid, with the lid and blade assembly placed beside it on a white surface.

Transfer the blended cottage cheese into a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle in your shredded cheddar cheese. Once you’re ready, let’s put the bowl into the microwave and heat it in 30-second intervals. After each session, don’t forget to stir with a whisk to ensure the cheese melts evenly. 

Continue until the cheese is fully melted. It usually takes around 60-90 seconds to achieve that gooey, melted cheese goodness that we all crave in a perfect queso.

A white bowl containing shredded cheddar cheese and a creamy beige mixture, placed on a light surface.

Once your queso is ready, serve it warm with your favorite tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. I like to serve it as part of my burrito bowls to make a hearty and satisfying meal. For aesthetics and extra flavor, you can top the queso with pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, pickled jalapenos, or a little more shredded cheese. 

This healthy queso dip is sure to be a hit at your next picnic, party, or casual snack time!

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Gina’s Tips For Recipe Success

  • If possible, grate your cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties because they often contain anti-caking agents that can hamper their melting effect. 
  • Make sure to cool your cottage cheese before blending to prevent curdling when heated. 
  • If your queso is too thin, don’t fret. Just add more melted cheese to thicken it out.
  • Add a spoonful of water if the base is too thick. 
  • Don’t overblend the base, or you’ll end up with a thin mixture. Just blend only until smooth.
A black bowl filled with creamy nacho cheese dip, garnished with sliced jalapeños. A tortilla chip is dipped into the cheese. Several tortilla chips are scattered around the bowl on a wooden surface. A red napkin is in the background.

Storage/Make-Ahead/Freezing Instructions

It’s not recommended to store leftovers in a freezer because the texture turns grainy after thawing, so your best bet is the refrigerator. After your leftover queso has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or use any bowl covered with foil or plastic wrap. Once done, store the queso in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Before serving, reheat the leftovers gently. Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to redistribute the cheese. If you want it quicker, heat it in the microwave in 20-second intervals (don’t forget to stir in between!). Add a splash of milk if the queso is too thick after reheating.

⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.

Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!

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A black bowl filled with creamy nacho cheese dip, topped with sliced jalapeños. A tortilla chip is dipped into the cheese, and more chips are scattered around. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with an orange napkin nearby.

Protein Packed Creamy Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Craving a creamy cheese dip but want a healthier option? This protein-packed cottage cheese queso is the perfect guilt-free solution! By swapping traditional cheese for cottage cheese, you get a dip that’s just as creamy and flavorful but loaded with protein.

Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup cottage cheese, full-fat or low-fat
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more if you like it spicy
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

Blend the Base:

  • In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, cumin, cayenne pepper and taco seasoning. Blend until smooth.
    1 cup cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Melt the Cheese

  • Transfer the blended mixture to a microwave-safe bowl. Add the shredded cheese and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is fully melted (about 60–90 seconds).
    ½ cup cheddar cheese

Serve

  • Serve warm with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping. Optional toppings could be pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, pickled jalapenos, or more shredded cheese.

Notes

Gina’s Tips For Recipe Success
  • If possible, grate your cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties because they often contain anti-caking agents that can hamper their melting effect. 
  • Make sure to cool your cottage cheese before blending to prevent curdling when heated. 
  • If your queso is too thin, don’t fret. Just add more melted cheese to thicken it out.
  • Add a spoonful of water if the base is too thick. 
  • Don’t overblend the base, or you’ll end up with a thin mixture. Just blend only until smooth.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 225kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 618mg, Potassium: 154mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 664IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 297mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Appetizers
Author: Gina Dickson
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