Easy Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe
This Easy Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe proves that you can have your dip and eat it too, without the heavy cream or guilt. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get a warm, creamy, protein-packed queso that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re dipping chips, spooning it over nachos, or loading it into a burrito bowl, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why Cottage Cheese in Queso?
Before you scroll away, hear me out. Cottage cheese blends into a silky, creamy base that mimics the texture of melted cheese sauce—plus, it’s high in protein and low in carbs. When you mix it with bold taco seasoning and melty shredded cheese, it transforms into something delectable. And yes, even skeptics will be asking for seconds.
Craving more appetizer recipes? Try my Best Ever 5 Minute Salsa Recipe or my gooey Homemade Jalapeno Mozzarella Sticks.
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This cottage cheese queso is one of those “how did I live without this?” recipes. It’s fast, fuss-free, and actually good for you. Next time you’re craving something cheesy, give this a whirl—and don’t forget the chips!
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe
- High-Protein, Low-Guilt: Thanks to cottage cheese, this dip is loaded with protein and lower in fat than traditional queso. Perfect for anyone trying to eat a little cleaner without sacrificing flavor.
- Super Creamy Without the Cream: Blending cottage cheese creates an irresistibly smooth and creamy texture—no heavy cream or processed cheese blocks required.
- Quick & Easy: From blender to bowl in under 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate last-minute party snack or weeknight indulgence.
- Kid-Friendly & Grown-Up Approved: It’s cheesy enough for the little ones and flavorful enough to impress adults. Bonus: they won’t even know it’s made with cottage cheese.
Ingredients
Cottage Cheese (full-fat or fat-free)- This is the base of our queso and the secret to its creamy, rich texture without needing heavy cream or processed cheese.
Taco Seasoning- Adds bold Tex-Mex flavor with a perfect blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic.
Shredded Mexican Cheese or Colby Jack Cheese– Melty, cheesy goodness! This binds everything together and gives the queso that classic gooey texture.
Black Beans- Add heartiness, texture, and a little extra protein and fiber. Plus, they soak up the queso flavors perfectly.
Toppings (choose your adventure): This is where you can personalize your queso and make it pop with color, texture, and extra flavor.
- Cilantro: Fresh, herby brightness.
- Onion: Adds crunch and sharpness—red onion for bite, white for a milder taste.
- Pico de gallo: Juicy freshness with a little heat.
- Jalapeño: Kick up the spice level—use fresh or pickled!
- Extra shredded cheese: Because more cheese is never a bad idea.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy pop of flavor.
- Green chiles: For smoky, mild heat that blends right in.
Instructions
- In a blender, add the cottage cheese and taco seasoning and blend until smooth.
- Add the smoothed mixture to a microwave-safe bowl and stir in the shredded cheese. Microwave in 30-second increments, stopping to stir between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. This can take 60-80 seconds. Be careful not to overcook.
- Fold in the black beans and top the queso with cilantro, red onion, or your favorite Mexican toppings. Serve with fresh vegetables or tortilla chips.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can be reheated in the microwave, oven, or on the stove until warmed through.
How to Serve It
This queso is wildly versatile. Here are a few favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Dip with tortilla chips or veggie sticks
- Spoon over nachos or tacos
- Drizzle on a burrito bowl
- Add to scrambled eggs or a breakfast wrap
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the blend.
- Make it smoother: For ultra-creamy queso, strain your cottage cheese first to remove excess liquid.
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and plant-based cheese alternatives—yes, they exist!
How to Store Your Cottage Cheese Queso
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
- When reheating, pop it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one until smooth and heated through.
- You can also warm it on the stovetop over low heat. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
Easy Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
Description
This Easy Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe proves that you can have your dip and eat it too, without the heavy cream or guilt. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get a warm, creamy, protein-packed queso that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re dipping chips, spooning it over nachos, or loading it into a burrito bowl, this recipe is a game-changer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese full-fat or fat-free
- 1 tbsp low-sodium taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup freshly shredded Mexican cheese or Colby jack cheese
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
- For topping: cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, jalapeño, extra shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, or green chiles
Instructions
- In a blender, add the cottage cheese and taco seasoning and blend until smooth.
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Add the smoothed mixture to a microwave-safe bowl and stir in the shredded cheese. Microwave in 30-second increments, stopping to stir between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. This can take 60-80 seconds. Be careful not to overcook.
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Fold in the black beans and top the queso with cilantro, red onion, or your favorite Mexican toppings. Serve with fresh vegetables or tortilla chips.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can be reheated in the microwave, oven, or on the stove until warmed through.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
When reheating, pop it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one until smooth and heated through.
You can also warm it on the stovetop over low heat. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
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