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Healthy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Queso Dip

healthy high-protein cottage cheese queso dip - featured image

A creamy, tangy, and light queso dip made with cottage cheese that is packed with protein and perfect for a guilt-free snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups (340g) small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 cup (110g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (55g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Place 1½ cups of small-curd cottage cheese into your blender or food processor. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced jalapeño and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack, sautéed jalapeño and garlic, 1 teaspoon chipotle powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
  4. Transfer the cheese mixture back to the skillet on low heat. Stir constantly for about 5-7 minutes until the cheeses fully melt and the dip becomes warm and creamy.
  5. Remove the dip from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and fold in sliced green onions (reserve a few for garnish). Taste and adjust salt or spice if needed.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, fresh veggie sticks, or warmed pita bread.

Notes

Blend the cottage cheese until ultra-smooth for the best texture. Cook jalapeño and garlic on medium heat to avoid burning. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water if the dip thickens after cooling.

Nutrition

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