This dip is creamy, smoky, spicy, and totally addicting.
It’s made with just a few ingredients—cottage cheese, chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, and some spices.
You toss everything in a blender, and boom—it’s ready in minutes. It’s perfect with chips, tacos, or even spread on a sandwich.
I make it all the time when I have friends over, and it’s always a hit. Super simple, but so bold in flavor.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste (about ¼ teaspoon)
- Optional: drizzle of chili oil or olive oil for topping
- Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Why I Love This Recipe
I came up with this dip one weekend when I had half a tub of cottage cheese left and nothing but chips in the pantry. I tossed in some chipotles, lime, and spices—and wow, it hit all the right notes.
- It’s creamy without any cream.
- Smoky, spicy, and bold in flavor.
- Takes just 5 minutes to make.
- Packed with protein thanks to the cottage cheese.
- Totally versatile—you can dip, spread, or drizzle it on everything.
Makes: About 1½ cups (Serves 4–6)
Total Time: 5 minutes
Macros (per ¼ cup serving)
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese blends into a smooth, creamy base when pureed. The lactic acid in the cheese balances the heat and smokiness of chipotle peppers. Lime juice brightens everything up, and spices like cumin and paprika deepen the flavor. You get creamy + spicy + tangy in one fast, delicious dip.
Common Mistakes
- Using low-fat cottage cheese: It won’t be as creamy and rich. Go for full-fat.
- Adding too many chipotles: They’re spicy! Start with two, taste, and add more if needed.
- Not blending long enough: It should be silky smooth. Scrape the sides and blend until totally creamy.
- Skipping the salt: Just a pinch makes all the flavors pop.
What to Serve With
- Tortilla chips
- Warm pita or naan
- Veggie sticks (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers)
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Tacos or quesadillas
- Spread on a sandwich or wrap
FAQ
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
A: You can, but the texture will be different. It’ll be tangier and less thick.
Q: Is this dip super spicy?
A: Medium spicy. Start with 1 pepper if you’re sensitive to heat.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: About 4–5 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Not really—dairy changes texture after freezing.
Tools You’ll Need
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and citrus juicer
- Small bowl (for serving)
Substitutions and Variations
- Use Greek yogurt or ricotta instead of cottage cheese
- Swap chipotle peppers for roasted red peppers (milder version)
- Add a handful of cilantro or green onions before blending
- Mix in black beans or corn for a chunkier dip
- Top with crumbled feta or cotija for a twist
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make this dip up to 2 days ahead. Store it covered in the fridge. Stir before serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Blender
Scoop 1 cup of full-fat cottage cheese into the blender. Add 2 chipotle peppers, 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce, juice of 1 lime, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Blend Until Creamy
Blend everything until the mixture is super smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed and blend again for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste. If you want more heat, add another chipotle or a splash more adobo. Add a tiny pinch of salt if needed. Blend again for just a few seconds to mix.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the dip into a serving bowl. Drizzle a little chili oil on top and sprinkle with smoked paprika or chopped cilantro if you like.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving. Great as a spread the next day too!
Wrap Up
This Spicy Chipotle Cottage Cheese Dip is bold, creamy, and comes together in minutes. Whether you’re throwing a party or just need a quick snack, this dip always delivers big flavor. If you try it, let me know how it turned out and drop your questions in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think!