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Enjoy a creamy, spicy, and surprisingly healthy twist on classic queso! This viral TikTok cottage cheese queso dip is the ultimate hack for a high-protein, low-carb snack that tastes just like the real thing, without the guilt.

High protein cottage cheese queso in a white bowl surrounded by homemade tortilla chips.

Why I Love This Recipe

This healthy queso recipe blends creamy cottage cheese with melty Cheddar Jack and bold taco seasoning to create a delicious dip that’s perfect for snacking or entertaining. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s ideal for those looking for a low-calorie, high-protein, gluten-free option.

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Ingredients

  • Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and packs a protein punch.
  • Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully for the classic queso texture.
  • Taco Seasoning: Brings bold, smoky flavor—use your favorite blend or homemade.
Cottage cheese, cheddar jack cheese, and taco seasoning used to make cottage cheese queso.

Variations

  • Optional add-ins: Diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green chiles, ground beef, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso

STEP 1: Add cottage cheese and taco seasoning to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.

Blender with cottage cheese and taco seasoning, blended and smooth.

STEP 2: Transfer mixture to a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in Cheddar Jack cheese.

Cottage cheese and taco seasoning blended and added to a bowl, topped with freshly shredded cheddar jack cheese, ready to heat.

STEP 3: Heat in 30-second intervals (about 1 minute total), stirring between each, until the cheese has melted.

STEP 4: Once melted, stir the queso vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Stir in optional ingredients like diced tomatoes or jalapeños if desired.

STEP 5: Serve warm with protein chips, veggie sticks, or corn tortilla chips.

Homemade tortilla chips surrounding a bowl of high protein cottage cheese queso.

Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Queso

  • Consistency Adjustments: If the queso is too thick, add a milk or water splash to reach your desired consistency.
  • Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors and spice levels.
  • Keep It Warm: To keep the queso warm and melty for guests, consider serving it in a fondue pot or a slow cooker set on low.

Is Cottage Cheese Queso Good for My Diet?

This high-protein cottage cheese queso is a versatile dip that can fit into several popular diets:

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly

With only about 4g net carbs per serving, this dip works well with low-carb or keto lifestyles. Use low-carb chips or raw veggies for dipping.

High-Protein Diets

Each serving provides 18g of protein, making it perfect for anyone focusing on protein intake to build muscle or stay full longer.

Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free taco seasoning and check all add-ins.

Not Vegan or Dairy-Free

Made with cottage cheese and shredded cheese, this dip is not vegan or dairy-free. For those avoiding dairy, try using plant-based alternatives.

Vegetarian

This queso is vegetarian and can be enhanced with plant-based proteins like black beans or veggie crumbles.

FAQs

Can I make this queso without a microwave?

Yes, you can melt the cheese mixture in a small pot over low heat on the stove. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the taco seasoning and any add-ins are gluten-free, this recipe can be enjoyed by those avoiding gluten.

How should I store leftover queso?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little milk if the queso thickens too much.

Tortilla chip being dipped into the cottage cheese queso.

This healthy viral cottage cheese queso dip is a guilt-free twist on the Tex-Mex favorite—and it’s packed with protein! Whether you’re prepping for game day, taco night, or just want a nutritious snack, this queso fits the bill.

Want more recipes like this? Check out another high-protein dip, Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip, or explore a low-carb snack like this easy cloud bread recipe for more ideas!

More Easy Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.

Close up overhead shot of cottage cheese queso surrounded by homemade tortilla chips.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4

Cottage Cheese Queso

By JENNIFER GAMBLE
Enjoy a lighter take on a classic dip with this Cottage Cheese Queso recipe. It blends the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the spicy kick of Cheddar Jack cheese, creating a healthier alternative to traditional queso that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Blender

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup cottage cheese, 4%
  • 1/3 cup cheddar jack cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning

Instructions 

  • Combine the cottage cheese and taco seasoning in a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth.
    cottage cheese and taco seasoning in a blender.
  • Transfer the blended mixture to a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the shredded or Cheddar Jack cheese.
    cheese topped over the queso.
  • Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals for about one minute, or until the cheese has melted completely.
  • Once melted, stir the queso vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, mix in optional ingredients like freshly diced tomatoes, chopped jalapeños, or green chiles.
  • Serve the queso warm. It pairs excellently with veggies, protein chips, or homemade corn tortilla chips.
    cottage cheese queso on a tray with chips.

Notes

Stir in cooked ground beef or black beans for a heartier dip.
Incorporate a spoonful of chipotle in adobo or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
To keep the queso warm and melty for guests, consider serving it in a fondue pot or a slow cooker set on low.

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 328mg, Potassium: 62mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 285IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 110mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

JENNIFER GAMBLE

Hello! Iโ€™m Jennifer, but you can call me Jen. Iโ€™m a wife and mom, cook, recipe developer, nutrition coach, and food photographer.

With a formal certification in nutrition and over a decade of hands-on experience in the online food industry, I bring a well-rounded perspective to all of the recipes here on Simply Macros.

As the creator and author, I ensure that every recipe not only looks visually appealing but is also grounded in sound nutritional principles.

I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I enjoyed creating them.

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. JENNIFER GAMBLE says:

    5 stars
    I’m all about chips and queso, and this high protein queso lets me eat my fill without feeling guilty.