Day: August 26, 2025

### Queso Recipe with Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese frequently goes unnoticed as a flexible component in savory recipes, yet it serves as an excellent foundation for a healthier queso alternative. This queso recipe utilizing cottage cheese is not only simple to prepare but also brimming with protein and taste. Ideal for dipping, drizzling, or spreading, this queso can enhance your snacking experience while maintaining nutritional value.

#### Ingredients

– 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably low-fat or full-fat)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
– 1/4 cup diced green chilies (fresh or canned)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
– Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

#### Instructions

1. **Ingredient Preparation**: If using fresh tomatoes and chilies, cut them into small pieces. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion.

2. **Vegetable Sautéing** (optional): Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent. This step enhances flavor but can be omitted for quicker preparation.

3. **Base Blending**: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, sautéed onion and garlic (if used), diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness by adding a bit of water or milk if needed.

4. **Cheese Addition**: Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and thoroughly incorporated. For a spicier queso, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce to your taste.

5. **Serving**: Once the cheese is melted and the queso is warmed through, take it off the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if you wish. Serve warm with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a topping for tacos, nachos, or baked potatoes.

#### Customization Tips

– **Cheese Options**: Experiment with various cheese types like pepper jack for additional spice or mozzarella for a subtler flavor.
– **Protein Additions**: For a more filling dip, mix in cooked ground beef, turkey, or black beans.
– **Vegetable Extras**: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach to boost nutrition and texture.
– **Spice Adjustment**: Modify the spices to suit your taste. Add cayenne pepper for more heat or skip the chili powder for a milder version.

#### Nutritional Advantages

Utilizing cottage cheese as a foundation for queso not only lowers the overall fat compared to conventional cheese-based recipes but also boosts protein content. Cottage cheese is abundant in casein protein, which digests slowly and can help you feel satisfied for a longer period. Moreover, the addition of tomatoes and chilies contributes vitamins and antioxidants, making this queso a healthier snacking option.

#### Conclusion

This cottage cheese-based queso recipe provides a tasty and nutritious substitute for traditional queso. With its creamy consistency and strong flavor, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite at your next event or as a delightful snack at home. Relish the advantages of a protein-rich dip without compromising on flavor!