Cottage cheese queso is superior to all other queso on the internet because it’s super high-protein and made with 4 total ingredients all in the microwave!
Hello, cheese lovers! Today, we’re going to introduce you to a delightful twist on a classic favorite. We’re talking about our “Cottage Cheese Queso.” Yes, you heard it right! We’re using cottage cheese to create a creamy, delicious queso dip that’s made right in your microwave.
Don’t get us wrong, while you can absolutely cook this low and slow on the stovetop like our homemade queso, the microwave is just easier.
Why Cottage Cheese Queso?
Cottage cheese is a versatile ingredient that often gets overlooked. It’s packed with protein, calcium, and essential nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to many other types of cheese.
But don’t worry, we’re not sacrificing flavor here. When blended, cottage cheese takes on a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfect for our queso.
Ingredients You Need for Queso Cottage Cheese
To make this delightful cottage cheese queso, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Full-fat cottage cheese: we always recommend full-fat cottage cheese because of its flavor and consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: freshly shredded cheese has no additives and will melt better than store-bought shredded. Feel free to use either orange or white.
- Taco seasoning: homemade or store-bought taco seasoning works.
- Pico de gallo: we tested this recipe with salsa and canned tomatoes and fresh pico de gallo gave it the best texture.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso in the Microwave
- First, whip your cottage cheese on high speed in a blender until smooth.
- Transfer the whipped cottage cheese into a bowl that’s microwave safe and add the shredded cheddar and taco seasoning.
- Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and microwave in 30-second increments until smooth and creamy.
Variations
- Make it single-serve: If you’re craving some cottage cheese queso but don’t want to make a big batch, we’ve got you covered. Just blend the whole container of cottage cheese, then scoop out ½ cup of it. Add ¼ teaspoon of taco seasoning and 1 oz. of shredded cheese, and you’ve got a single serving of delicious cottage cheese queso!
- Use a different shredded cheese: instead of shredded cheddar, try Monterrey jack or pepper jack
- Add some heat: mix in some canned green chiles or jalapeños to make it spicy.
How long does cottage cheese queso last in the fridge?
This queso dip is definitely best eaten fresh out of the microwave. If you do have leftovers, transfer it into an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
To reheat: slowly reheat the queso on high in the microwave in 30-second increments, mixing often.
Serving Suggestions
We loved eating this cottage cheese dip with tortilla chips, but pita chips or crackers would be yummy too. Try using this as a topping on chicken quesadillas, huevos rancheros, or beef taquitos.
Cottage Cheese Queso
Ingredients
- 16 oz. full-fat cottage cheese*
- 4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese ~1 cup
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- ½ cup pico de gallo
Instructions
- Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend on high until smooth.
- Transfer the cottage cheese to a microwave-safe bowl and add the shredded cheddar cheese and taco seasoning. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, microwave in 30 second incriments until smooth and creamy.
- Top with pico de gallo and serve with tortilla chips.
Tips & Notes
- Full-fat cottage cheese: we recommend full-fat cottage cheese because it as less water content, which might make your queso liquidy.
- Cheese substitutions: Monterey jack or pepper jack could be used in place of the cheddar cheese.
- Some readers have bent the cheddar cheese right into the cottage cheese and had great success!
- Single-Serve Recipe: blend the whole container of cottage cheese. Scoop ½ cup of cottage cheese, ¼ teaspoon taco seasoning, and 1 oz. of shredded cheese.
- It is better to microwave in smaller chunks of time rather than longer to prevent the cheese from seizing up.
- Making sure to stir in between microwaving.
- We tested this recipe by microwaving the dip right in the cottage cheese container and it worked just swell.
This looks delicious and so easy. Thanks!
It’s SO good!
This was absolutely delicious!! I made a single serving using 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1/4 cup shredded pepper jack, 1/2 tsp Ortega taco seasoning and added about a tablespoon of canned green chilies. I threw it all in the blender together, then microwaved it. The texture is a little different than regular queso, but the taste more than makes up for it. Yum!!
So glad you loved this queso, Lindsey!
Delicious! Please note your cook time says “2 days!” haha It won’t even be around ONE day! 🙂
Hah! Thanks for catching, Peggy 🙂 We’ve update the cook time. And so glad you loved this queso!
I just tried the single serving version and it came out SUPER liquidy. Followed proportions & ingredients 100% but I ended up adding more than 2x the cheeses to get it even somewhat close to a dip consistency. Any idea what went wrong?
Great recipe! My boyfriend loved it and is already asking me to make more of it soon. Just curious if I using the recipe to make 6 servings, how much is a single serving in tablespoons or cups? Thank you!
This is AMAZING!
Right?! We love it too 😀