Cottage Cheese Queso
Published Feb 04, 2026
An easy cottage cheese queso recipe made with blended cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, and taco seasoning.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Jump to Section
Make the viral high-protein cottage cheese queso dip!
I was pretty doubtful the first time I tried making queso with cottage cheese. It sounded like one of those swaps that’s fine in theory but disappointing once it hits the table. Turns out, this cottage cheese queso recipe actually works, and I’ve made a lot.
Blending the cottage cheese smooth is what makes the whole thing happen, and once it’s warmed with cheddar and taco seasoning, it turns into something that feels like real queso, not a workaround. I usually serve it warm with chips and throw some tomatoes and cilantro on top.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Cottage Cheese Queso Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: I recommend using high-quality, full-fat cottage cheese that you love, because it’s one of the main ingredients!
- Cheddar cheese: Same here, I recommend buying a high-quality block of cheese and shredding it yourself. Actually, I would say this is a must; pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents and will not melt as well.
- Taco seasoning: You can buy it pre-blended, or try my recipe for homemade taco seasoning. I bet you have most of the seasonings in your pantry already!
- For serving: I like to top the cottage cheese queso with chopped tomatoes and chopped cilantro.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso
Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Chopped tomatoes for serving
- Chopped cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the blended cottage cheese into a small saucepan. Add the shredded cheddar and taco seasoning.
- Warm over medium-low heat, whisking continuously, for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Turn off the heat as soon as everything is melted. If the queso isn't smooth enough, return it to the food processor and blend one more time for a smoother, creamier consistency.
Notes
- My Top Tip: Blend again after heating. It’ll make the queso extra smooth and creamy. Just be careful, it’s not too hot when you put it in the blender.
- Storage: Store the cottage cheese queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst so it warms evenly and so the edges don’t burn.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations
- Make it chile con queso: Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for even more Tex-Mex flavor.
- Add ground beef: Before you add the cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning, brown some ground beef in a large skillet. Drain excess fat if needed. Then, add the ingredients and melt the cheeses over the ground beef.
- Blend in some roasted garlic: When you blend the cottage cheese, toss in a few cloves of roasted garlic for extra flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Melt it low and slow. Keep the burner over medium-low heat. If it gets too hot, the queso will burn easily.
- Turn off the heat as soon as the cheeses melt. If you leave the queso on the heat for too long, it can turn rubbery. Even a few minutes can make a big difference.
- Blend again after heating. It’ll make the queso extra smooth and creamy.
FAQs
It could be a few things. Queso usually gets rubbery when you overheat it, so be sure you take it off the heat as soon as it melts. Or, if you used pre-shredded cheese, that could be why it got rubbery. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting well.
Comments
Ugh this was too good! I served with chips and some avocado slices and it was amazing! Thank you once again Yumna!
Avocado slices is a great idea! So glad you tried it and liked it, Emi!
We love this dip. It is delicious. Great on smash burgers too.
Putting it on burgers is a great idea, Sandra! So glad you love it!