3 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Taco Dip
Nutrition Snapshot
When I was growing up, my mom’s 7-layer taco dip was a holiday favorite. I’d pile it high on my plate with tortilla chips, and it was pure comfort food. Now, as someone focused on increasing my protein intake, I’ve been experimenting with cottage cheese as a base for dips. When I blended cottage cheese with taco seasoning, I was immediately transported back to that classic taco dip from my childhood, and I was hooked! It gave me all those nostalgic taco dip vibes but with a high protein twist!
This Cottage Cheese Taco Dip is creamy, flavorful, and packs about 12 grams of protein per half-cup serving. I usually enjoy it with mini bell peppers or tortilla chips, and sometimes I take it to the next level by adding toppings like chopped tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, cheese, or jalapenos. If you’re looking for a protein-packed snack that actually fills you up, this dip is it!
And if cottage cheese dips are your thing, don’t miss my Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip too!
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese – Full fat (4%) cottage cheese is best for this recipe. It will ensure the dip is thick and creamy. I find that the full fat cottage cheese has a cleaner flavor (it’s not as sour) when compared to fat-free cottage cheese.
- Taco seasoning – use your favorite taco seasoning here. Make sure you love it, it’s what brings all the flavor. If you want a spicy cottage cheese taco dip, use a spicy seasoning.
- Green chiles – when I originally tested this recipe, I didn’t love it until I added the fire roasted green chiles. They are a MUST. They add a slightly smoky flavor to the dip.
How to make taco dip with cottage cheese
Get ingredients out. Taco seasoning and cottage cheese in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add fire roasted green chiles and pulse to combine. Serve as is or add your favorite toppings like chopped tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapenos or cheese.
Sam’s Top Tips
- Blend First for Best Texture: Be sure to blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth before adding the chiles. This ensures a creamy consistency.
- Serve Slightly Warm: I find this dip tastes best right after blending when it’s slightly warm from the blender (not hot). If serving from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before enjoying to bring out the flavors.
- Use Your Favorite Taco Seasoning: Since the seasoning is the star of the dip, choose one you really love for the best flavor.
- Choose the Right Cottage Cheese: I recommend using Good Culture Cottage Cheese because it’s thick and creamy. If your cottage cheese seems runny, strain it using a fine mesh strainer to remove excess liquid before blending.
- Customize the Spice Level: For a milder dip, use mild taco seasoning and skip spicy toppings. To amp up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning Option: If you prefer to avoid store-bought seasoning, make your own. Here is my favorite homemade taco seasoning recipe.
Serving Ideas
I love snacking on this cottage cheese taco dip with tortillas or bell peppers, but sometimes I like to take this dip to the next level. Here are more ideas on how to use this dip:
- Layered Dip: Transform it into a layered dip by spreading the cottage cheese taco base in a dish and topping it with salsa, shredded cheese, olives, chopped tomatoes, and jalapenos.
- High-Protein Nacho Topping: Spoon it over tortilla chips, then sprinkle with cheese and bake for a quick, high-protein nacho platter.
- Burrito or Quesadilla Spread: Use as a creamy, protein-packed spread in burritos or quesadillas before adding your favorite fillings.
- Wraps and Sandwiches: Spread it on wraps or sandwiches to add a flavorful, protein-boosted layer.
- Taco Bowl Base: Use the dip as a creamy base for taco bowls, layering with ground beef, beans, veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Topping for Baked Potatoes: Dollop it on baked potatoes for a southwest-inspired, high-protein twist.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use it as a filling for halved bell peppers or mini sweet peppers for a crunchy, dippable snack.
What makes this high in protein
- Cottage cheese – One cup of cottage cheese typically contains 25 to 28 grams of protein (depending on the fat content).
3 Minute Taco Dip with Cottage Cheese
Recommended Equipment
- Food processor or High Speed Blender or Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cottage Cheese, 4% or 2%
- 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 oz. package
- 1 jar diced green chiles, 4 oz. jar
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth (use a blender, food processor or immersion blender). Add seasoning packet and blend well to combine until cottage cheese is smooth. Add diced green chiles and pulse a few times to incorporate.16 oz Cottage Cheese | 1 packet taco seasoning | 1 jar diced green chiles
- Pour into a bowl and enjoy with chips, tortilla chips or veggies.
Notes
- Blend First: For a smooth, creamy texture, blend cottage cheese before adding chiles.
- Serve Slightly Warm: Enjoy right after blending or let chilled dip sit out for 10-15 minutes before eating.
- Pick the Best Seasoning: Use your favorite taco seasoning for the most flavorful dip.
- Choose Quality Cottage Cheese: Thick, creamy cottage cheese works best—strain if too runny.
- Adjust the Spice: Use mild seasoning for a gentle kick or add cayenne for extra heat.
- Make It Your Own: Try homemade taco seasoning for a personalized touch.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
The provided nutrition information is generated by an automatic API and does not take variations across specific brands into account. This information is provided as a general guideline and should not be treated as official calculations. Learn more here.
Common questions
Can this taco dip be made without cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt instead. To achieve the same consistency and protein level, add 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container (I like to reuse the empty cottage cheese container) for up to 4 days. For the best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
What if you don’t have fire roasted green chiles?
You can substitute with Rotel (tomatoes with fire-roasted green chiles), but make sure to drain all the excess liquid using a fine mesh strainer.
How to make this a spicy taco dip?
Add diced jalapenos, 1-2 chipotle in adobo, a few dashes of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the dip for a spicy kick.
