Discover the ultimate game-changer for your snack game-our Creamy Cottage Cheese Queso Dip! This viral TikTok-inspired sensation combines the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional queso with the protein-packed punch of cottage cheese. This healthier alternative to classic queso is ready in less than 10 minutes and perfect for game day gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you're craving a delicious, guilt-free dip.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This delicious dip has minimal prep and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.
- Healthier Alternative: Compared to traditional queso, this protein-rich dip is lower in calories and fat while delivering the same great taste.
- Versatile: This dip is amazing when served hot, warm, or cold. It's great with chips, veggies or as a topping for tacos and nachos. In addition, it can be made spicier or milder, depending on individual preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Cottage Cheese Queso uses affordable ingredients, so it won't break the bank.
Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need
Cottage Cheese Queso uses only four ingredients.
- Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: I generally use the original Rotel tomatoes, but you could use different varieties based on personal preference.
- Cottage Cheese: In this recipe, cottage cheese is substituted for half of the Velveeta cheese in the traditional Rotel Queso Dip. This equates to more protein and fewer calories. I opted to use fat-free small curd cottage cheese.
- Taco Seasoning: I added store-bought taco seasoning to round out the dip's flavor.
- Velveeta Cheese: While some avoid recipes using Velveeta cheese, I find its taste and melting ability ideal in this queso.
Making the Cottage Cheese Queso - Step-by-Step
- I started by draining a 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes in a wire mesh strainer and reserved the liquid.
- Next, I added the cottage cheese and reserved Rotel tomato liquid to my food processor fitted with a steel blade. I pulsed the cottage cheese ten times to combine it with the reserved liquid and break down the cheese curds.
- After scraping down the sides, I processed the cottage cheese mixture for 30 seconds until it was ultra smooth and creamy.
- Once the cottage cheese was smooth and creamy, I transferred it to a microwave-safe bowl. I added the drained Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and cubed Velveeta cheese.
- I stirred all of the ingredients together.
- Then, I microwaved the dip for three minutes on high power, stirring every minute. After three minutes, the cheese was not totally melted, so I microwaved the dip for an additional 30 seconds.
I transferred the Cottage Cheese Queso to a serving dish. I garnished it with some Pico de Gallo, fresh jalapeño slices, and freshly minced parsley, and served it with Tostido Scoops.
This innovative, healthier take on the classic Mexican cheese dip was delicious and nutritious. Whether you're hosting a party, watching the big game, or craving a protein-rich snack, this quick and easy queso recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and join the TikTok Cottage Cheese Queso revolution! Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions
I used fat-free cottage cheese because that's what I had on hand. However, this recipe would also work well with regular and low-fat cottage cheese.
Stored in an airtight container, this queso can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
This recipe is quick and easy to make and can be made in advance. It can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
You can easily substitute shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese for the Velveeta.
I've tried blending the cottage cheese with the reserved Rotel liquid in my blender. However, the mixture is too thick for the blender to handle without adding additional liquid, such as milk. Therefore it's best to use the food processor if you have one.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- If you substitute Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese for the Velveeta, it's best to avoid pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that can interfere with smooth melting.
- I used 2% Velveeta cheese in this recipe, but I have also used Original Velveeta cheese. Both work well.
- Unlike traditional queso, this Cottage Cheese Queso stays dippable (like store-bought jarred queso) when refrigerated. Therefore, it can be used cold, hot, or warm.
- I ended up with a little more than two tablespoons of the drained liquid from the Rotel tomatoes. If your Cottage Cheese Queso is too thick after adding the drained liquid, just add a bit of milk or cream to achieve the desired thickness.
Other Delicious Cheese Dips
You should check out these delicious recipes if you like cheese dips like I do.
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Cottage Cheese Queso - Viral TikTok Inspired
Equipment
- Food Processor with Steel Blade
Ingredients
- 10 ounce can of Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (See Tip 1)
- 16 ounces fat-free cottage cheese (See Tip 2)
- 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed (See Tip 3)
Instructions
- Drain the Rotel tomatoes in a wire mesh strainer over a measuring cup. Retain the liquid.
- Add the cottage cheese and retained Rotel liquid to the food processor with a steel blade. Pulse 10 times. Scrape down the sides of the food processor. Process for 30 seconds or until ultra smooth and creamy. (See Tip 4)
- Transfer the creamy cottage cheese mixture to a microwave-safe bowl. Add the drained Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir to combine.
- Microwave on high for 3 to 3 ½ minutes, stirring every minute, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve with chips or crudités of your choice.
- Yield: 16 servings.
Video
Tips/Notes
- Depending on your preference, you may use a spicier or milder can of Rotel tomatoes.
- May substitute low-fat or regular cottage cheese for fat-free cottage cheese.
- You may substitute shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese for Velveeta cheese. However, avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can interfere with the melting.
- If the mixture is too thick, add milk to achieve the desired consistency.
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