Whip up this creamy cottage cheese queso in just 5 minutes with three simple ingredients. High in protein, low in calories, and irresistibly smooth, this dip is perfect for chips, veggies, or drizzling over tacos.
I’ll admit it the first time I saw cottage cheese queso trending online, I didn’t buy the hype. But after blending it up once, I was converted. The texture is silky, the flavor is rich, and the best part? It’s secretly packed with protein. This recipe has quickly become a weeknight favorite in my kitchen because it feels indulgent while staying wholesome. It also pairs beautifully with other healthy high-protein snacks that I love sharing. Whether you’re setting out a game day spread or building a cozy snack board, this queso delivers comfort and nutrition in one creamy bowl.
Explore the Steps
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making cottage cheese queso couldn’t be simpler — you only need a few basics you probably already have at home.
Core Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese – use full-fat for extra creaminess, or low-fat for a lighter dip. (If you love cottage cheese transformations, check out thisCookie dough cottage cheese mousse recipe.)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend works too.
- 1–2 tablespoons salsa or canned diced tomatoes with green chilies – this gives that classic queso kick.
Smart Substitutions
- Vegan option: Swap cottage cheese for a dairy-free alternative (almond- or soy-based “ricotta”) and use vegan shredded cheese.
- Extra protein: Stir in a scoop of unflavored whey or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For more inspiration, browse these 25 high-protein snacks for muscle gain.
- Spice lovers: Replace salsa with roasted jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo.
Seasonal Twists
- Summer: Add fresh corn kernels or diced zucchini for a garden-fresh take.
- Fall: Stir in roasted pumpkin or butternut squash for a creamy, slightly sweet variation. Pair it with pan-fried chicken for a balanced, protein-packed meal.
- Game day: Load it up with cooked ground turkey or black beans to turn queso into a hearty dip-meal. For dessert after, try a cookie dough cottage cheese mousse or one of these high-protein dessert snacks.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this cottage cheese queso. Just a few kitchen basics will do the trick:
- Blender or food processor – for whipping the cottage cheese into a silky base.
- Microwave-safe bowl – if you’re going with the quick 5-minute method.
- Whisk or spoon – to stir in the melted cheese until smooth.
Optional: A small saucepan works perfectly if you’d rather make your queso on the stovetop.
PrintCottage Cheese Queso – Creamy 3-Ingredient Recipe
This creamy cottage cheese queso comes together in 5 minutes with just three ingredients. High in protein and low in calories, it’s smooth, melty, and perfect with chips, veggies, or as a topping for tacos.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Blended + Microwave (or Stovetop)
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
2 tablespoons salsa or diced green chilies
Optional:
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or red onion for garnish
Instructions
Blend the Base – Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Add the Cheese – Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
Melt and Whisk – Microwave for 1–2 minutes, pausing halfway to whisk. Heat until the mixture is smooth and melted.
Season the Queso – Stir in salsa or diced green chilies. Adjust seasoning with taco spice, salt, or pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve – Top with cilantro, tomato, or red onion if desired. Serve warm with chips, veggies, or as a taco topping.
Notes
For stovetop: warm blended cottage cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stir in shredded cheese until melted, then add salsa.
Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or smoked paprika for spicy variations.
Best served fresh, but can be stored in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe (about ½ cup)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso
Blend cottage cheese until smooth, stir in shredded cheese, and microwave for 1–2 minutes. Whisk until creamy, then season with salsa or chilies. That’s it — a high-protein queso in minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the base – Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend 30–60 seconds until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
- Melt the cheese – Transfer the cottage cheese purée into a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in shredded cheddar. Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes, pausing halfway to whisk.
- Season and serve – Add salsa, diced chilies, or spices. Whisk again until silky. Adjust thickness with a splash of milk if needed.
Stovetop Method (Optional Variation)
Prefer a skillet to the microwave? Warm the blended cottage cheese gently in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in shredded cheese until melted, then fold in salsa. Keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Even the easiest queso can go sideways sometimes. Here’s how to make sure your cottage cheese queso turns out smooth and melty every time.
Why Queso Sometimes Turns Grainy
- Overheating cottage cheese can cause it to curdle. Keep microwave bursts short (30–45 seconds) and whisk often.
- Skipping the blend leaves small curds behind. Always blend until silky before adding shredded cheese.
Best Cheeses for a Smooth Melt
- Cheddar is classic but can get oily if overheated.
- Monterey Jack melts creamier and blends well with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella gives a stretchy, gooey texture if you want that signature cheese pull.
Adjusting Seasoning for Extra Flavor
- For spice lovers, stir in roasted jalapeños or chipotle powder.
- For a smoky twist, add smoked paprika or fire-roasted salsa.
- For a Tex-Mex vibe, mix in taco seasoning or cumin.
Pro Tip
Blend your cottage cheese with a splash of milk or Greek yogurt before heating for an ultra-smooth base. (And if you love experimenting with protein-packed dips, don’t miss our protein fluff recipe — another TikTok favorite.)
Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s easy to give your cottage cheese queso a personality of its own.
Chipotle Smoky Queso
Blend a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo into the cottage cheese before heating. The result is a smoky, slightly spicy queso that’s perfect with tortilla chips.
Jalapeño Lime Queso
Add diced fresh jalapeños and a squeeze of lime juice after melting the cheese. Bright, zesty, and just the right amount of heat.
Loaded Nacho Queso
Top your finished queso with cooked ground turkey, black beans, and chopped tomatoes. It turns a dip into a full-on nacho topping — protein-packed and filling.
Lighter Veggie Boost
Stir in finely chopped spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even cauliflower purée. You’ll sneak in extra veggies without losing the creamy texture.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The beauty of cottage cheese queso is that it keeps well, so you can prep it ahead for busy weeks or game days.
Fridge Storage
- Store cooled queso in an airtight container.
- Keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.
Freezer Tips
- Technically, you can freeze cottage cheese queso, but the texture may separate after thawing.
- If you do freeze, store in small portions in freezer-safe bags. Reblend after reheating to smooth it out.
- For best flavor and texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Hack
Blend the cottage cheese and store it plain in the fridge (up to 3 days). When you’re ready, just stir in shredded cheese and salsa, then heat. You’ll have fresh, melty queso in minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Cottage cheese queso is endlessly versatile — it’s just as good at a party as it is on a quiet night in. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:
Classic Dippers
- Tortilla chips for the perfect crunchy companion.
- Fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and bell peppers for a lighter option.
Meal Upgrades
- Tacos or burrito bowls – drizzle queso over protein and rice for extra flavor.
- Nachos – layer chips, queso, beans, and toppings for a high-protein feast.
- Pan-fried chicken – use queso as a creamy topping for pan-fried chicken to turn dinner into something special.
Party Boards & Snacks
- Add queso to a snack board alongside guacamole, salsa, and other dips.
- Pair it with protein-packed bites like cottage cheese cookie dough for a full-on “viral recipes” spread.
FAQs
Can you make cottage cheese queso without a microwave?
Yes! Simply heat the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheese in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and melted. Keep the heat gentle to avoid curdling.
How do you keep cottage cheese queso smooth and not grainy?
The key is blending until the cottage cheese is silky before adding cheese. When heating, use short bursts in the microwave or low heat on the stovetop, whisking often. A splash of milk can also restore creaminess if it thickens.
Is cottage cheese queso healthy for weight loss?
Absolutely. Cottage cheese is high in protein and relatively low in calories, which helps keep you full. Pair it with veggies or whole-grain crackers for a balanced, satisfying snack. According to Healthline, protein-rich foods like cottage cheese support weight management and muscle recovery.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly different. Greek yogurt makes a tangier, creamier dip but doesn’t melt the same way as cottage cheese. If you’re after a queso-like melt, stick with cottage cheese or try half-and-half.
How long does cottage cheese queso last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk and whisk to bring back its smooth texture.
About the Author
👩🍳 Sophie Bennett
Sophie Bennett is a food blogger and recipe creator from Austin, Texas. She specializes in healthy comfort food that’s simple, nourishing, and family-friendly. Her recipes bring balance to busy lives, blending nutrition and flavor in every bite.
Find more healthy high-protein recipes and snack ideas on my Pinterest boards or check out Daniel’s fitness-fueled creations on Pinterest.
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