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- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes - 1/2 cup diced bell pepper - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion - 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely minced (optional for extra heat) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish This dish brings a healthy twist to traditional queso. Low-fat cottage cheese adds protein while keeping things creamy. Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor that pairs well with fresh tomatoes. For added crunch, I love to include diced bell peppers and red onions. They add texture and a fresh taste. If you want some heat, try adding jalapeño. Just remove the seeds for less spice. Seasoning is key. Garlic powder and ground cumin provide depth. Adjust salt and black pepper to make it just right for you. Finally, fresh cilantro brightens the dish and adds color, making it fun to serve. This protein-rich queso is simple and delightful. It works perfectly with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping. 1. Start by placing 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese into a blender. 2. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and a small pinch of salt and black pepper. 3. Blend the mixture for about 1-2 minutes. You want it smooth and creamy. 4. Carefully transfer the cottage cheese mixture into a large mixing bowl. 5. Now, stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon for even mixing. 1. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of diced fresh tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. 2. If you like some heat, add 1 minced jalapeño, seeds removed. 3. Taste your queso and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and black pepper if needed. 1. Pour your finished queso into a decorative serving bowl. 2. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. 3. Serve with crispy tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Protein Cottage Cheese Queso! To get that creamy texture, blend your cottage cheese well. Use a blender or food processor. Blend for about 1-2 minutes until smooth. If you want to avoid lumps, make sure to blend the cottage cheese before adding other ingredients. This helps create a silky base for your queso. If you want to switch up the cheese, use cream cheese or ricotta. Each cheese gives a different taste. For vegan options, try using tofu or a plant-based yogurt. These swaps can still give your dip a creamy feel. Want to spice things up? Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Different types of peppers can change the taste too. Try using poblano or banana peppers for a milder flavor while still keeping it exciting. {{image_4}} You can make this queso even heartier by adding protein. Chicken or turkey works great. Simply shred cooked chicken or turkey and mix it in. Black beans or chickpeas are also excellent choices. They add fiber and protein. Just rinse them well and fold them into the queso. These additions make your queso more filling and nutritious. Try adding new flavors to your queso. For a southwest twist, include corn and diced green chiles. This gives it a nice kick. You can also add spices like smoked paprika or chili powder. If you want a Mediterranean twist, try chopped olives and feta cheese. Both options bring a unique taste to your dish. The way you serve your queso can change the meal. Serve it in tacos or burrito bowls for a fun twist. Just spoon the queso over your choice of fillings. If you prefer a lighter option, use it as a sandwich spread. It adds a creamy layer to your favorite bread. Pair it with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy the versatility of this dish! To keep your Protein Cottage Cheese Queso fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of making. It will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it’s best to toss it out. Yes, you can freeze queso! It’s a great way to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space on top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the queso in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat, stirring often. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat it just until warm, not boiling, to keep the texture nice. Before serving leftover queso, check its texture. If it seems thick, stir in a little milk or water. This will help it return to a creamy state. Always taste before serving to ensure it still tastes fresh. If it smells off or has changed color, it’s best to discard it for safety. Enjoy your meal! Protein Cottage Cheese Queso is a creamy and flavorful dip. It blends cottage cheese and cheddar for a tasty treat. This dish is rich in protein, making it a smart choice for snacks or meals. Using low-fat cottage cheese keeps it light and healthy. It’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures, thanks to fresh veggies and spices. To add heat to your queso, include diced jalapeños. You can also try red pepper flakes for extra spice. If you like it hot, use spicy cheese instead of sharp cheddar. Mixing in hot sauce is another great way to kick up the heat. Adjust to your taste for the perfect balance. Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container. It tastes great for up to three days. To serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy it fresh with chips or veggies! This blog post showed you how to make a tasty, healthy Protein Cottage Cheese Queso. We explored the key ingredients, like low-fat cottage cheese and fresh veggies. Each step helped you blend flavors and textures perfectly. You learned how to store leftovers and personalized your queso with fun variations. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Enjoy your queso and share it with friends!

Protein Cottage Cheese Queso

Discover the ultimate game-day snack with this Protein Cottage Cheese Queso! Combining creamy cottage cheese with sharp cheddar and fresh veggies, this quick and easy recipe delivers a flavorful dip that's perfect for gatherings. In just 10 minutes, you can have a delicious treat ready to serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. Don't miss out—click through for the full recipe and elevate your snack game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes (or canned, drained)

1/2 cup diced bell pepper (choose any color for vibrancy)

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely minced (optional for extra heat)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Tortilla chips or an assortment of fresh vegetable sticks for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the low-fat cottage cheese into a blender or food processor. Add the garlic powder, ground cumin, and a small pinch of salt and black pepper. Blend these ingredients together for about 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.

    Once blended, carefully transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a large mixing bowl.

      Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring that it is evenly combined with the cottage cheese mixture.

        Next, gently fold in the diced tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and minced jalapeño (if using), so that all the vegetables are well distributed throughout the quesadilla mixture.

          Taste your queso and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper to suit your preference.

            Pour the finished queso into a decorative serving bowl and sprinkle the freshly chopped cilantro generously on top for a pop of color and flavor.

              Enjoy your warm Protein Cottage Cheese Queso alongside crispy tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks, perfect for dipping!

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4