Name: Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 6 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese (2% fat); 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup milk (almond milk used, add more if necessary); 2 teaspoons taco seasoning; Tomato, finely chopped; Jalapeno, finely chopped; Cilantro, finely chopped; Red onion, finely chopped; Tortilla chips

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Introduction

This cottage cheese queso is a creamy, flavorful dip that’s easy to make and perfect for snacking. Combining the tanginess of cottage cheese with classic cheddar and taco seasoning, it’s a lighter twist on traditional queso that’s sure to please.

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a yellow corn tortilla chip dipped in a creamy orange cheese sauce with small bits of green herbs and diced red tomatoes on it. The chip is in front of a white bowl filled with the smooth cheese dip topped with chopped red onions, diced tomatoes, and green cilantro leaves. Around the bowl and in the background, there are more yellow corn tortilla chips scattered on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese (2% fat recommended)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk (almond milk or your choice), plus more if needed
2 teaspoons taco seasoning
Tomato, jalapeno, cilantro, red onion (finely chopped, for topping)
Tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, milk, and taco seasoning. Process until smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides and add more milk if the mixture is too thick.
Step 2: Transfer the smooth cheese mixture to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave twice for 15-20 seconds each, stirring once between the heating intervals and once after the second heating to ensure even warmth.
Step 3: Top the warm queso with the finely chopped tomato, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier dip, add extra jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture before blending.
Use whole milk or half-and-half instead of almond milk for a richer texture.
Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack for a smoky, spicy flavor.
If you don’t have a microwave, warm the queso gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave in short increments or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly to keep the texture smooth.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy light orange cheese dip topped with finely chopped red onion, green jalapeño, red tomato, and fresh green cilantro leaves, with two yellow corn tortilla chips dipped into the creamy layer on one side. The bowl is surrounded by many yellow corn tortilla chips scattered on a white marbled surface, with a bigger white bowl full of more tortilla chips in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this queso without a blender or food processor?

Yes, you can finely mash the cottage cheese with a fork and whisk in the shredded cheddar, milk, and seasoning until combined. The texture will be chunkier but still delicious.

Is this queso suitable for a lactose-free diet?

This recipe contains dairy cheeses, so it is not lactose-free. However, you can try lactose-free or dairy-free cheese substitutes and plant-based yogurts to adapt the recipe.