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To make the Protein Cottage Cheese Queso, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color) - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion - 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and minced (optional for heat) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for serving These ingredients work together to create a creamy and tasty dish. The low-fat cottage cheese adds protein, while the cheddar cheese brings a rich flavor. You can pick any color of bell pepper for a fun look. Fresh tomatoes add juiciness, and jalapeños give heat if you like spice. Garlic powder and cumin are key for depth. Use salt and pepper to adjust flavors to your liking. Fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of freshness. Pair this queso with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for a delicious dip. Enjoy making this easy and healthy snack! 1. Start by blending the cottage cheese mixture. In a blender, mix 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until you get a smooth and creamy texture. This takes about 1-2 minutes. 2. Next, transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a mixing bowl. 3. Now, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it well until the cheese is fully combined with the cottage cheese mixture. 4. It's time to add diced vegetables. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. If you like heat, add 1 diced jalapeño (seeds removed). Mix until all the veggies are evenly spread throughout the queso. 1. To make sure it tastes just right, season with salt and pepper. Taste it, and add more if you need. 2. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro. This adds a burst of color and flavor to your dish. Now you’re all set to serve your Protein Cottage Cheese Queso with tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks! Choosing the right cottage cheese is key. I recommend using low-fat cottage cheese. It blends smoothly and keeps the dish light. Look for one with small curds. This gives a better texture. To get a creamy texture, blend the cottage cheese well. Use a blender or food processor. Blend for one to two minutes until it's smooth. This step makes all the difference. Once blended, mix in the cheddar cheese gently. This keeps the queso creamy and tasty. To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices or herbs. A pinch of smoked paprika can add depth. Fresh herbs like cilantro bring brightness. You can try adding a squeeze of lime juice for zing. Balancing heat and freshness is vital. If you love spice, add more jalapeño. For a milder version, skip the jalapeño. The diced tomatoes and bell peppers provide freshness. This helps create a delicious flavor profile that everyone will enjoy. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this recipe. If you want a different taste, try mozzarella or pepper jack. Both add a unique twist. For those who need a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese. Look for brands that melt well. They can give you a similar creamy feel. You can easily swap out veggies in this recipe. Try using corn or black beans for a different texture. You can also add spinach for a healthy boost. If you're watching carbs, skip the bell pepper and add more tomatoes. These swaps can make your queso fit your diet needs while still tasting great. After you enjoy your Protein Cottage Cheese Queso, store any leftovers. Use an airtight container. This keeps the queso fresh longer. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly. Place your container in the fridge. It will last for about three to five days. Before serving, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks strange, throw it out. You can also freeze your queso for later. First, cool it to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it tightly and label with the date. This queso can freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can add a splash of milk or broth if it seems thick. Enjoy your tasty queso any time! How can I make this queso spicier? You can add more jalapeño to the mix. If you like heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use hotter peppers if you want a real kick! Start slow and taste as you go. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this queso ahead of time. Just prepare it and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, warm it up in the microwave or on the stove. Stir it well before serving. What can I serve with Protein Cottage Cheese Queso? You can serve this queso with tortilla chips for dipping. Fresh veggies like carrots or bell peppers are great too! If you want, you can use it as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes. Protein content per serving Each serving of this queso has about 14 grams of protein. This is due to the low-fat cottage cheese and cheddar cheese. Nutritional benefits of cottage cheese Cottage cheese is low in fat and high in protein. It also has calcium, which is good for bones. Plus, it is packed with vitamins like B12 and riboflavin. We explored how to make a tasty Protein Cottage Cheese Queso. You learned about the key ingredients, like low-fat cottage cheese and fresh veggies. I shared steps for blending and seasoning to get the right taste. Remember, you can switch ingredients for more variety or to suit your diet. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Experiment with flavors and enjoy this healthy dip with chips or veggies. With these tips, you now have all you need for a delicious and nutritious treat!

Protein Cottage Cheese Queso

Indulge in a healthier twist on a classic favorite with this Protein Cottage Cheese Queso recipe! Made with creamy cottage cheese, zesty cheddar, and fresh veggies, this delicious dip is perfect for any gathering. It's quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it a guilt-free snack that everyone will love. Click through to discover how to whip up this tasty treat in just 10 minutes and impress your friends with your cooking skills!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

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

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for serving

Instructions
 

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, garlic powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.

    Transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a mixing bowl.

      Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.

        Gently fold in the diced tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño (if using) until evenly distributed.

          Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

            Transfer the queso to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

              Serve warm with tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks for dipping.

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