Easy Cottage Cheese Queso (High Protein)
This easy cottage cheese queso is a creamy, cheesy high-protein dip made with just four ingredients. It's ready in under 10 minutes and has approximately 20 grams of protein per serving. Check the detailed step-by-step instructions, photos, and recipe tips above for the best results.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup 220 g low-fat cottage cheese, drained
- ½ cup 60 g shredded Mexican-style cheese
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum
Instructions
- Add the drained cottage cheese, taco seasoning and xanthan gum to a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth.
- Stir in the shredded Mexican-style cheese until evenly combined.
- For the microwave method, transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir thoroughly, then microwave for another 30 seconds. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts and the queso is creamy and heated through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips, or add the optional golden cheese topping described in the recipe notes.
Notes
Xanthan gum: I tested several amounts and found that ⅛ teaspoon was enough to prevent visible weeping during cooking. Using more can make the queso gummy, especially after reheating.
Without xanthan gum: You can omit it, but heat the queso gently and stop once warmed through. My queso began separating when I heated the mixture further without xanthan gum.
Microwave: The 60-second microwave method was tested using an 1100 W microwave. Adjust the time according to your microwave's wattage.
Golden cheese topping: Transfer the heated queso to an oven-safe ramekin, sprinkle with approximately 1 tablespoon of extra shredded Mexican-style cheese and place under the oven grill/broiler for 5 minutes, until golden.
Cheese: A shredded pizza cheese blend also works well if you don't have Mexican.
Seasoning: I used Mingle Mexican Fiesta Taco Seasoning. Other brands vary in saltiness and heat, so adjust to taste.
Nutrition: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the brands of cottage cheese, shredded cheese and taco seasoning used. Optional toppings and tortilla chips are not included.