Cottage Cheese Queso
This Cottage Cheese Queso is a quick, creamy, and healthy dip combining the tangy smoothness of low-fat cottage cheese with shredded cheddar, spices, and fresh ingredients. Ready in under 10 minutes, it offers a nutritious, protein-packed alternative to traditional queso with a customizable flavor profile perfect for snacks or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 1½ cups (serves 6-8 as a dip) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Fresh Additions
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
Instructions
- Blend the Cottage Cheese: Start by blending the low-fat cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until it is completely smooth and creamy, free of lumps. This creates the perfect base for your queso dip.
- Combine with Cheddar and Spices: Transfer the smooth cottage cheese to a mixing bowl. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Fold in the freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze in the lime juice. These fresh elements brighten the dip and balance the rich flavors, enhancing the overall taste.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the Cottage Cheese Queso for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to thicken slightly for easier dipping.
Notes
- Use a sharper cheddar cheese for deeper flavor and richness.
- Adjust blending time of cottage cheese to achieve your preferred texture—shorter for chunkier, longer for creamier queso.
- Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat or keep them for stronger spice.
- Add lime juice last to maintain its fresh brightness.
- Prepare a day ahead to enhance flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cottage cheese queso, healthy queso, creamy dip, low fat cheese dip, quick appetizer, protein-packed snack, vegetarian dip
Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cottage-cheese-queso/