Description
Whipped Cottage Cheese 3 Ways is a versatile and delicious recipe featuring a creamy whipped cottage cheese base that is transformed into three unique and flavorful variations. Each version highlights different complimentary ingredients—sun-dried tomatoes with Parmesan and basil, savory olive tapenade with za’atar, and a sweet-tart lemon blueberry option—perfect for serving with crackers or toasted bread as an elegant appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Whipped Cottage Cheese Base
- 16 oz. cottage cheese
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Marry Me Variation
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped, divided
- 1 tbsp. tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp. finely grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- Crackers or toasted bread, for serving
Olive Tapenade Variation
- 5 tbsp. store-bought tapenade, divided
- 1 tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. za’atar
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Lemon Blueberry Variation
- 1/4 cup blueberry preserves
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Graham crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the whipped cottage cheese base: In a food processor or blender, combine the 16 oz. cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if necessary to ensure the mixture is uniformly whipped.
- Make the Marry Me variation: In a small bowl, mix half of the coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the tomato oil, grated Parmesan, sliced basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Gently fold this mixture into one-third of the whipped cottage cheese base. Garnish with the remaining sun-dried tomatoes. Serve chilled with crackers or toasted bread.
- Make the Olive Tapenade variation: Blend together 5 tablespoons of store-bought tapenade with chopped fresh parsley (if using), za’atar, and olive oil until well combined. Fold this olive tapenade mixture into another one-third portion of the whipped cottage cheese base. Serve chilled with crackers or toasted bread.
- Make the Lemon Blueberry variation: In a small bowl, combine the blueberry preserves, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and lemon zest. Fold this sweet and tangy mixture gently into the last third of the whipped cottage cheese base. Serve chilled with graham crackers for a sweet twist.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the cottage cheese less when whipping.
- The tomato oil from the sun-dried tomatoes adds great flavor, but you can substitute with a tablespoon of good-quality olive oil if unavailable.
- Customize the spice levels by adjusting crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- These variations can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: whipped cottage cheese, cottage cheese recipes, appetizers, dips, healthy snacks, three ways, Mediterranean-inspired, sweet and savory dips
