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Cottage Cheese Queso

Cottage Cheese Queso

Cottage Cheese Queso is a creamy, flavorful, and wholesome dip that combines the tanginess of cottage cheese with melty cheddar and a balanced blend of spices. Perfect for quick preparation in under 15 minutes, this versatile and family-friendly dip offers a lighter twist on classic queso, ideal for parties, movie nights, or healthy snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese, well drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese to avoid a runny dip. Finely chop the jalapeño peppers and fresh cilantro (if using). Grate the cheddar cheese if it’s not pre-shredded.
  2. Blend the Base: In a food processor or blender, combine the drained cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
  3. Add Fresh Elements: Stir in the finely chopped jalapeños, lime juice, and fresh cilantro by hand to maintain some texture and freshness in the dip.
  4. Heat and Serve: Transfer the mixture to a small pot or microwave-safe bowl and warm gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally for even heating, then pour into a serving bowl and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Drain cottage cheese well using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to prevent watery queso.
  • Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder cheese flavor.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually by adding jalapeños slowly and tasting as you go.
  • Serve the dip warm but avoid overheating to maintain a creamy texture.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: cottage cheese queso, creamy dip, healthy queso, easy appetizer, party dip, jalapeño queso, low fat dip