If you’re looking for the perfect healthy recipe to shake up your game day, then you will love my 3-Ingredient High-Protein Queso. It comes together with a simple blend of cottage cheese, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese for a creamy, cheesy dip that proves that your favorite recipes can be made both healthy AND delicious!
Friends, if there is one dish that you absolutely need to make for the Super Bowl (or any time that you’re serving food to a game-day crowd), it’s queso. Creamy, cheesy queso dip – especially when served alongside perfectly crispy and salty tortilla chips – is a classic for a reason. But, if running to the store to buy a jar of pre-made queso is not on your agenda this year, then let me introduce you to the BEST queso recipe that is sure to satisfy. Oh, and did I mention… it also happens to be healthy?
I think it goes without saying that store-bought queso isn’t exactly the healthiest. It’s generally filled with seed oils, thickening agents, and processed American cheese that can leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. Now, don’t get me wrong, I fully believe that ALL foods have their time and place, and that a healthy “diet” and lifestyle leaves room for everything that you enjoy. However, I also believe that when we know better, we can do better, which means that when we can make a healthier swap that is just as tasty, is actually good for you, AND comes together easier than the traditional recipe? I’m all about it, and of course I’m here to share it with you.
This queso comes together with just three ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep, making it the easiest (and dare I say, one of the healthiest) dish that you’ll prepare for game day. You can easily throw it together right before kickoff and have a delicious, warm, cheesy dip ready to be enjoyed during the big game. Plus, the high-protein content of this queso dip ensures that your taste buds won’t only be satisfied, but that you’ll also stay fuller, longer. High-protein meals are what help your body feel full and satisfied (in addition to building stronger muscles), which means that with this recipe, you can still enjoy the foods that you know and love, while also hitting your macro and fitness goals. What could be better than that?
The 3 Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Queso
- Cottage Cheese: The secret to making this queso high-protein? It’s in the cottage cheese. Don’t knock it until you try it – the cottage cheese adds a smooth, creamy, cheesy flavor that is absolutely delicious in this recipe. Plus, cottage cheese is high in protein, which means that this queso will help you stay fuller, longer. I mean truly, what could be better than that?
- Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning is the perfect way to give this queso a rich and delicious flavor, without carefully measuring out all of the spices. My absolute favorite taco seasoning is from Siete foods – it’s simple easy, made with clean ingredients, and adds the best flavor to this queso dip!
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Of course, it wouldn’t be a queso recipe without the cheese! I recommend using a Mexican blend of shredded cheese (which generally includes a blend of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla) for the absolute best, cheesy flavor.
- Garnishes: These are optional, but HIGHLY recommended! I love garnishing this queso with chopped red onions and fresh cilantro for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make The Ultimate High-Protein Queso Dip
To make this queso, start by adding the cottage cheese and taco seasoning to a blender. Blend until they’re smooth, creamy, and fully combined. Once it’s blended, transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a large bowl and add in the shredded cheese.
Transfer the bowl to the microwave and microwave the queso in 2-3, 30 second increments, being sure to mix it in between so that it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t want to use the microwave, you can also opt to do this in the oven, by transferring the cottage cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish and bake it at 350 F for 10 minutes.
Once the queso is done, mix it well and transfer it to a large serving dish. Garnish with chopped red onion and cilantro, serve with your favorite tortilla chips, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Since this queso is so quick and easy to throw together, I recommend preparing it the day of! That way, it will maintain the best consistency. However, if you want to prepare it ahead of time, simply prepare the queso as instructed below, leaving off the garnishes. Cover it with foil and store it in the fridge. Then, once you’re ready to enjoy it, simply pop it into the oven at 350 F for 10-15 minutes, until it’s creamy, melty, and slightly bubbly. Add the garnishes on top, then serve and enjoy!
I love enjoying this queso with salty tortilla chips. However, it would also be delicious with slices of bread, on top of a burger, or even layered over your favorite tacos. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, there’s no wrong way!
This recipe makes enough for approximately 2 cups of queso. However, you can easily double or triple the recipe to meet your needs!
To store any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container or place foil over the baking dish with the queso. Store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Equipment
- Baking Dish a baking dish is the perfect way to plate the queso!
Ingredients
For the Queso:
- 1 ½ Cups Cottage Cheese
- 3 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 1 Cup Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
For Garnishing:
- ⅛ Red Onion, finely chopped
- Fresh Cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- To make this queso, start by adding the cottage cheese and taco seasoning to a blender. Blend until they're smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Once it's blended, transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a large bowl and add in the shredded cheese.
- Transfer the bowl to the microwave and microwave the queso in 2-3, 30 second increments, being sure to mix it in between so that it's smooth and creamy. If you don't want to use the microwave, you can also opt to do this in the oven, by transferring the cottage cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish and bake it at 350 F for 10 minutes.
- Once the queso is done, mix it well and transfer it to a large serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped red onion and cilantro, serve with your favorite tortilla chips, and enjoy!
Rate & review
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