Description

Craving a creamy, flavorful dip that’s quick, healthy, and perfect for any gathering? Chilled Cottage Cheese Queso transforms low-fat cottage cheese into a zesty, protein-rich dip with the bold flavors of taco seasoning, pepper jack, cheddar, and vibrant mix-ins like olives, cilantro, and jalapeños.

Ingredients

Scale

Chilled Cottage Cheese Queso uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful, creamy dip. Here’s what you’ll need for the standard 1x recipe (about 3 cups):

16 oz. low-fat cottage cheese (Good Culture recommended): Provides a creamy, protein-rich base.
1.5 tablespoons taco seasoning (Siete or homemade): Adds bold, savory flavor.
¾ cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese (84g): Brings spicy, melty flavor.
¾ cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese (84g): Adds sharp, cheesy depth.
2.25 oz. sliced black olives (small can): Contributes briny, savory notes.
¼ cup cilantro (chopped): Adds fresh, herbaceous flavor.
¼ cup red bell pepper (finely chopped): Provides sweet crunch and color.
2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños (minced): Adds a tangy, spicy kick.

Optional Add-Ins:

Hot sauce: For extra heat.
Extra taco seasoning: For bolder flavor.
Lime juice: For a zesty, fresh touch.
Green chiles: For mild, smoky flavor.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Cottage Cheese: Creates a creamy, high-protein base without the need for melting or cooking.
Taco Seasoning: Delivers the classic queso flavor profile.
Pepper Jack and Cheddar: Add cheesy richness and a spicy kick.
Mix-Ins: Olives, cilantro, bell pepper, and jalapeños provide texture, color, and bold flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Cottage Cheese: Swap with full-fat cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or plant-based cream cheese for a vegan option.
Taco Seasoning: Use chili powder with a pinch of cumin and paprika if you don’t have taco seasoning.
Cheeses: Replace pepper jack with Monterey Jack or use all cheddar; use vegan cheese for a vegan version.
Black Olives: Omit or swap with diced tomatoes or roasted corn for a different texture.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based cottage cheese or cream cheese, vegan cheeses, and ensure taco seasoning is vegan.
Gluten-Free: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free; all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Spicy Queso: Increase pickled jalapeños to ¼ cup or add 1 teaspoon hot sauce.
Mild Queso: Omit jalapeños and use Monterey Jack instead of pepper jack.

Scaling Options

2x Recipe: Double all ingredients (e.g., 32 oz. cottage cheese, 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1.5 cups each cheese, etc.) for a larger crowd (6-8 cups, 12-16 servings).
3x Recipe: Triple all ingredients (e.g., 48 oz. cottage cheese, 4.5 tablespoons taco seasoning, 2.25 cups each cheese, etc.) for a big party (9-12 cups, 18-24 servings).

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 16 oz. low-fat cottage cheese, 1.5 tablespoons taco seasoning, ¾ cup shredded pepper jack cheese, ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2.25 oz. sliced black olives, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, ¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapeños, and optional add-ins (hot sauce, lime juice, green chiles).
Finely chop red bell pepper, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños; shred cheeses if not pre-shredded.

Tip: Use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter dip; full-fat adds extra creaminess. Shred cheese fresh for better flavor and texture.

Step 2: Mix Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine 16 oz. low-fat cottage cheese and 1.5 tablespoons taco seasoning.
Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning; no blending is needed to retain cottage cheese texture.

Tip: Mix thoroughly to ensure taco seasoning coats the cottage cheese evenly.

Step 3: Add Mix-Ins

Add ¾ cup shredded pepper jack cheese, ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2.25 oz. sliced black olives, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, ¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapeños to the bowl.
Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
If using optional add-ins (hot sauce, extra taco seasoning, lime juice, or green chiles), stir them in to taste.

Tip: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the texture of the cheeses and mix-ins.

Step 4: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the queso for 1 hour to chill and allow flavors to meld.

Tip: Chilling enhances flavor; stir before serving if any separation occurs.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the chilled queso to a serving bowl (about 3 cups total).
Serve with tortilla chips, sliced raw veggies (e.g., carrots, celery, bell peppers), or crackers.
Optionally garnish with extra cilantro, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Tip: Serve cold for the best texture; provide a variety of dippers for guests to enjoy.