Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Popper Dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer perfect for game days or casual gatherings. It combines the tanginess of cottage cheese with the heat of jalapeños for a deliciously addictive dip everyone will love.

A bowl filled with a creamy white baked dip showing a golden brown top layer with melted and slightly charred cheese. The dip is garnished with thin green jalapeño slices and finely chopped green herbs evenly spread on the surface. The bowl is white and placed in the center of a larger white plate, around which yellow tortilla chips are arranged like petals. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, with extra jalapeño slices and celery sticks on white dishes nearby, and a maroon cloth partially visible at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375℉.
Step 2: Blend cottage cheese and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in shredded cheese and chopped jalapeños.
Step 3: Spread mixture into a small oven-safe dish or skillet. Top with additional cheese and sliced fresh jalapeños if using.
Step 4: Bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately with your choice of dippers.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level.
For a smoother dip, blend all cheeses together before adding jalapeños.
Try adding cooked bacon bits for an extra savory twist.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

How to Serve

The image shows a round white bowl filled with a creamy baked dip that has a golden-brown, slightly toasted top layer mixed with melted white cheese and specks of green herbs. Slices of bright green jalapeños with visible seeds are scattered on the surface, adding color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white plate surrounded by light yellow tortilla chips standing upright, creating a textured border. The setup is on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of sliced jalapeños and another white plate holding celery sticks nearby. A folded rust-colored cloth is visible at the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add the fresh toppings right before baking for best results.

What can I use as dippers besides tortilla chips?

Vegetables like celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices make fresh and crunchy dippers that balance the creamy dip well.

Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Popper Dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Combining the tanginess of cottage cheese with the cheesy richness of mozzarella or cheddar, and the kick of pickled jalapeños, this dip is baked to bubbly perfection. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips for a delightful snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños

Optional Toppings and Dippers

Sliced fresh jalapeños for topping (optional)
Tortilla chips, celery sticks, bell pepper strips for serving

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375℉ (190℃) to prepare for baking the dip evenly and thoroughly.
Blend Base Cheeses: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and cream cheese. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy to create a rich base for the dip.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Transfer the blended cheese mixture into a bowl. Stir in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with the chopped pickled jalapeños, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and heat.
Prepare for Baking: Spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture evenly into a small oven-safe dish or skillet. Top with additional shredded cheese and sliced fresh jalapeños if you want extra cheesiness and spice on top.
Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and shows a slight golden color on the cheese topping.
Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve the dip immediately while warm and melty with your choice of tortilla chips, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips for dipping.

Notes

You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños or by choosing milder or spicier cheese.
For a smoother texture, ensure cottage cheese is well blended before mixing with other ingredients.
This dip can be made ahead and baked right before serving.
If you prefer, use cheddar cheese only or mix mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Try adding a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika on top before baking for a smoky touch.

Keywords: jalapeño popper dip, cottage cheese dip, spicy cheese dip, party appetizer, baked cheese dip