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This cottage cheese queso is creamy, high-protein, and ready in 5 minutes. Made in a blender with taco seasoning and melted cheese, it’s a lighter twist on classic queso.
A Note from Isabel
If you told me a few years ago that cottage cheese would turn into what it has today (full-on social media fandom and a protein-lover’s dream), I probably would’ve laughed. But here we are, and honestly? I’m all for it. 😂
Cottage cheese has always been a favorite snack of mine to eat with tortilla chips and potato chips. It’s simple, salty, filling. Just the best. So it’s only natural to take the next step and turn cottage cheese into…queso.
This queso is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with classic Tex-Mex flavor, but it comes together in about five minutes with ingredients I almost always have on hand. It’s one of those recipes that feels a little unexpected at first, but once you try it, it just makes sense. It’s smooth and ideal for dunking tortilla chips, drizzling over tacos, or spooning directly from the bowl while standing in the kitchen. No judgment.
What I love most is that it gives you that warm, melty queso vibe without needing Velveeta or standing over the stove. A quick blend, a short microwave warm-up, and you’re done. It’s simple, fast, and surprisingly satisfying.
What Is Cottage Cheese Queso?
Cottage cheese queso is exactly what it sounds like: a quick queso-style dip made by blending cottage cheese until smooth, then warming it up with seasoning and shredded cheese.
Blending the cottage cheese completely changes the texture. It turns ultra-creamy and smooth, almost like a cheese sauce base. From there, taco seasoning and shredded cheese bring in all the familiar queso flavors you expect. The result is a warm, scoopable dip that feels indulgent but takes basically no effort.
It’s perfect for last-minute snacking, game day spreads, or when you just want something cheesy right now.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Why It Works / Notes |
|---|---|
| Cottage cheese | The base of the queso. Once blended, it turns ultra-smooth and creamy. Full-fat (4%) gives the best flavor. |
| Milk | Helps thin blended cottage cheese to a scoopable, pourable consistency. Whole or 2% works best. |
| Taco seasoning | Adds instant Tex-Mex flavor without pulling out a bunch of spices. Store-bought is totally fine, or you can use my homemade taco seasoning. |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | Gives the queso that classic melty, cheesy finish. Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor. |
| Optional mix-ins | Tomatoes, green chiles, pico de gallo, cilantro, or chorizo add texture and extra flavor. |
How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso
This is truly as easy as it gets.
- Blend the cottage cheese, milk, and taco seasoning until completely smooth.
- Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and warm it gently.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve right away.
That’s it. Five minutes, one blender, and minimal cleanup.
Recipe Tips
- Blend until totally smooth. Give it an extra 20–30 seconds if needed. The smoother the base, the better the final texture.
- Heat slowly. Microwave in short bursts and stir often. Overheating can cause the sauce to curdle, and no one wants that.
- Shred your own cheese if you can. Block cheese melts better than pre-shredded and gives you a smoother queso.
- Customize the flavor. Use pepper jack for a little heat, add green chiles for extra Tex-Mex vibes, or top with chorizo if you want something heartier.
Frequently Asked Questions
To achieve the smoothest texture in your cottage cheese queso, I recommend using small-curd cottage cheese and blending it for several minutes. Baking or hand-mashing your cottage cheese queso will yield a thick, chunky consistency.
You can make your cottage cheese queso spicy by using a spicy taco seasoning or by adding ingredients such as diced green chiles or diced jalapeños.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Queso
This queso is perfect with homemade tortilla chips or air fryer tortilla chips, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Try it:
- Drizzled over tacos or burrito bowls
- Spooned onto sheet pan nachos or fries
- Served alongside veggies or pita chips for dipping
- As a quick cheese sauce for quesadillas, burritos, or enchiladas
It’s one of those recipes that fits into whatever you’re already making.
More Healthy-ish Recipes
Cottage Cheese Queso
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese (4% small curd is best)
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 4 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, crumbled chorizo
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese, milk, and taco seasoning to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
- Transfer cottage cheese queso mixture into a small microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir in shredded cheese and whole milk until fully combined and microwave for an additional 15-30 seconds until warm.
- Garnish with desired toppings and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Ashley McLaughlin.
