For some reason, cottage cheese always seems to be one of those foods I forget about—until I buy a container and then I’m so excited to have it in the house! Both of my girls eat it paired with fruit at daycare and school, so I decided to turn it into a dip to offer it up in a new way. This Cottage Cheese Dip is simply blended smooth with a few flavorings so the result is super versatile. And the flavor is so good. Cottage cheese is a great source of protein for kids and calcium for kids, as well as the fats that little kids need for proper brain development and growth. So definitely reach for full-fat options when you can. (Plus, it just tastes creamier.) A half cup of cottage cheese has 13 grams of protein, so even if your kiddo doesn’t eat quite that much in one sitting, a few tablespoons are an awesome way to include protein in their diet. We love this dip paired with fresh fruit and graham crackers, though it would go well with pretzels, waffles, or pancakes, too. Along with our Yogurt Dip, it’s a fav! (You may also like Cottage Cheese Smoothie, Cottage Cheese Pancakes, and Yogurt Dip.)
Ingredients You Need
This cottage cheese dip recipe is super simple. Here’s a look at what you need:
Cottage cheese: I prefer to use full-fat for extra creaminess and since little kids need plenty of healthy fats in their diets. Maple syrup (or honey): This adds a hint of sweetness. You can swap this out for applesauce if you prefer, though. Cinnamon Vanilla extract: I prefer the flavor of pure vanilla extract here, but any will work.
TIP: If you want to serve this to a baby under the age of 1, you can simply omit the sweetener or use unsweetened applesauce instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the process involved in this simple cottage cheese dip.
Serving Suggestions
My little one likes this Cottage Cheese Dip by the spoonful, and it’s a nice option if your kids don’t love the texture of regular cottage cheese since it’s smooth like ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt when blended up. Here are some other ideas for using this cottage cheese dip.
Spread it onto toast or in a sandwich with jam. Spread it on pancakes or waffles in place of (or in addition to!) maple syrup. Use it as a dip for fresh fruit or sweet veggie straws (like the sweet potato variety). Spread it on a whole grain tortilla, add a banana, roll up, and slice into rounds. Add to a graham cracker with sprinkles for an easy snack to make at home!
How to Store
Place into an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Stir before serving, as sometimes a little liquid from the cottage cheese can separate out. You can also portion this out into snack containers or lunch boxes if you want to meal-prep it for upcoming meals.
Best Tips for Success
I think the best-tasting cottage cheese—and cottage cheese dip—has some fat in it, so reach for one with 2% or 4% milk fat if you can. This will help bellies feel fuller longer, and it has a more creamy mouthfeel, which tends to go over well. You can also sweeten this to taste according to your preferences. Pair with cut-up fresh fruit for dipping, or crackers, graham crackers, or cut-up waffles or pancakes. Use applesauce in place of the maple syrup or honey if you prefer.
I’d love to hear your feedback if you try the recipe, so please comment and rate it below!
Yogurt Dip for Fruit
Favorite Fruit Sticks
Peach Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Easy Fruit Cups
This post was first published September 2018.
