Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Popper Dip is a creamy, spicy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for game days or casual get-togethers, it combines smooth cottage cheese with melty cheddar and a kick of jalapeño heat. Serve it hot and bubbly for a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños
• Optional: sliced fresh jalapeños for topping
• Dippers: tortilla chips, celery sticks, bell pepper strips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃).
2. Step 2: Blend the cottage cheese and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños evenly.
4. Step 4: Spread the mixture into a small oven-safe dish or skillet, smoothing the top.
5. Step 5: If desired, top with additional shredded cheese and sliced fresh jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with your choice of tortilla chips, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or swap mozzarella for smoked gouda.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit the fresh slices on top.
• To make it lighter, use low-fat cottage cheese and cream cheese.
• Mix in cooked bacon bits for a savory, crispy addition.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture. This dip is best enjoyed fresh but holds up well for a quick snack later.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and assemble it in the baking dish ahead of time. Keep it refrigerated and bake just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have pickled jalapeños?

Fresh jalapeños or a mild chili pepper can be used, but be sure to adjust the quantity to your heat preference.

Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Popper Dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer combining smooth cottage cheese, melted mozzarella or cheddar, and a kick of pickled jalapeños. Baked to bubbly perfection and served warm with crunchy dippers, it’s perfect for parties or casual snacking.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dip Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños
• Optional: sliced fresh jalapeños for topping

Dippers

• Tortilla chips
• Celery sticks
• Bell pepper strips

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your dip evenly.
2. Blend Base Cheeses: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and cream cheese, blending until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
3. Mix in Jalapeños and Shredded Cheese: Transfer the blended cheeses to a bowl and fold in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with the chopped pickled jalapeños, distributing the flavors evenly.
4. Prepare for Baking: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a small oven-safe dish or skillet. If desired, top with additional shredded cheese and sliced fresh jalapeños for extra heat and visual appeal.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, with cheese melted to a golden perfection on top.
6. Serve Immediately: Remove the dip from the oven and serve it hot with an assortment of dippers like tortilla chips, celery sticks, and bell pepper strips for dipping.

Notes

• You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, and by choosing between pickled or fresh jalapeños.
• For a smoother dip, fully blend the cottage and cream cheeses before mixing in other ingredients.
• If you prefer a thicker dip, drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese before blending.
• This dip is best enjoyed hot; it can be reheated in the oven or microwave if needed.
• Substitute cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese for a lower fat option.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Dip, Jalapeño Popper Dip, Baked Cheese Dip, Spicy Appetizer, Party Dip