Why Make This Recipe
Cottage Cheese Queso is a delicious twist on traditional queso dip. It is creamy, flavorful, and offers a healthier option thanks to the cottage cheese. This recipe is easy to make and brings a delightful taste to any party or snack time. It’s perfect for dipping chips, veggies, or spreading on tacos. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients you might already have.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (well drained)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese to ensure a thick, creamy consistency.
- Finely chop fresh cilantro and jalapeño (if using) to release their flavors.
- Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth but with a bit of texture. This ensures the queso is creamy and easy to dip but still has a pleasant bite.
- Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the queso.
- Fold in the chopped cilantro and jalapeño for a fresh and spicy element. Adjust seasoning as needed for your preferred taste profile.
- For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the queso to firm up slightly, making it perfect for dipping or spreading.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Queso
Serve Cottage Cheese Queso in a small bowl as an appetizer or snack. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or as a zesty topping for tacos and burritos. Garnish with extra cilantro or jalapeño slices for a vibrant look.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Queso
Store any leftover Cottage Cheese Queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If the dip thickens after chilling, you can stir in a little lime juice or water to restore its creamy texture before serving again.
Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Queso
- Make sure to drain the cottage cheese well for the best texture.
- Adjust the level of spice by using more or less jalapeño based on your preference.
- Letting the queso sit in the fridge enhances the flavors, so don’t skip this step.
Variation
If you want to give your Cottage Cheese Queso an extra kick, you can add some diced tomatoes or even a splash of hot sauce. You can also use other herbs like green onions for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer, but the flavor and creaminess may differ slightly.
2. Is this queso suitable for vegan diets?
No, this recipe contains cottage cheese, which is a dairy product. However, you can explore vegan alternatives by using a plant-based cream cheese.
3. How can I make it spicier?
To make the queso spicier, increase the amount of jalapeño or add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the mix.
Cottage Cheese Queso
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful twist on traditional queso dip, made healthier with cottage cheese. Perfect for dipping chips or spreading on tacos.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (well drained)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese for a thick, creamy consistency.
- Finely chop cilantro and jalapeño (if using) to release their flavors.
- Place cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth with some texture.
- Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Fold in chopped cilantro and jalapeño, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and firm up.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add diced tomatoes or hot sauce. Adjust the jalapeño based on your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg