Savory Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Lime Spread – High Protein Snack

Looking for a quick and satisfying snack that packs a protein punch? This Savory Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Lime Spread is exactly what you need.

It’s incredibly easy to whip up, offering a creamy texture with a zesty kick and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for a busy afternoon or a light appetizer, this spread is versatile and delicious.

This creamy cottage cheese spread with jalapeño and lime is a delicious high protein snack perfect for dipping or spreading. It’s an easy way to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful high protein cottage cheese snack. Each serving provides about 18 grams of protein. Discover the details.

Savory Cottage Cheese Jalapeno Lime Spread

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• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Savory Cottage Cheese Jalapeno Lime Spread is a quick, satisfying, and high-protein snack. It’s easy to make, offering a creamy texture with a zesty kick and a hint of heat. Perfect for dipping, spreading, or as a light appetizer, this versatile and delicious spread is ideal for busy parents, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to add more protein to their diet.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

16 ounces cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed, finely minced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1–2 limes)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Jalapenos: Start by carefully washing your jalapeños. Using gloves if you have sensitive skin, slice them in half lengthwise. With a small spoon, scrape out the seeds and the white membrane. Finely mince the jalapeños.

2. Chop the Cilantro: Wash and thoroughly dry your fresh cilantro. Finely chop the leaves and tender stems.

3. Combine Cottage Cheese and Flavors: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese. Pour in the fresh lime juice, and sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder.

4. Add the Fresh Ingredients: Stir in the minced jalapeños and chopped cilantro into the cottage cheese mixture.

5. Season to Taste: Add a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Start with a small amount, then mix everything together thoroughly with a spoon or spatula.

6. Taste and Adjust: Take a small taste of the spread. Adjust the seasonings until it suits your preference.

7. Chill for Best Flavor (Optional): For the best flavor development, cover the bowl and refrigerate the spread for at least 15-20 minutes.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give it one last stir and transfer it to a serving bowl. Serve with your favorite dippers!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: snack
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Protein: 18

Keywords: cottage cheese, jalapeno, lime, spread, dip, high protein, snack, easy, vegetarian, appetizer

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for anyone seeking a healthy, flavor-packed snack that doesn’t compromise on taste or time. It’s perfect for busy parents, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to add more protein to their diet without a lot of fuss. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, zesty lime, and a hint of spicy jalapeño creates a vibrant flavor profile that’s anything but bland. You can serve it as a dip with your favorite veggies or crackers, spread it on toast, or even use it as a flavorful base for wraps. It’s an ideal choice for a quick lunch, an after-school snack, or a light appetizer when entertaining.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this spread is straightforward, requiring only a few common items you might already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh, bold flavors it delivers with minimal effort.

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 ounces cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1-2 fresh jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed, finely minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

For the cottage cheese, you can use either full-fat or low-fat varieties depending on your preference for creaminess and calorie content. Full-fat will yield a richer, thicker spread, while low-fat will be slightly lighter. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley can be a mild substitute, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly. For the jalapeños, always remember to remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder heat; leaving some in will increase the spice level. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh lime juice offers a brighter, more authentic flavor that truly elevates this spread.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and convenience, making it perfect for those moments when you need a delicious snack without a long wait.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time (Optional but Recommended): 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

The actual hands-on time is very minimal, mostly involving chopping and mixing. The optional chill time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious spread.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this savory cottage cheese spread is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, creamy, and flavorful result every time.

1. Prepare the Jalapeños: Start by carefully washing your jalapeños. Using gloves if you have sensitive skin, slice them in half lengthwise. With a small spoon, scrape out the seeds and the white membrane. This is where most of the heat resides. If you like more spice, you can leave a few seeds in. Finely mince the jalapeños. Aim for very small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the spread.
2. Chop the Cilantro: Wash and thoroughly dry your fresh cilantro. Finely chop the leaves and tender stems. A good chop ensures the herb’s flavor is released and blends well with the other ingredients.
3. Combine Cottage Cheese and Flavors: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese. Pour in the fresh lime juice, and sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder.
4. Add the Fresh Ingredients: Stir in the minced jalapeños and chopped cilantro into the cottage cheese mixture.
5. Season to Taste: Add a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Start with a small amount, then mix everything together thoroughly with a spoon or spatula.
6. Taste and Adjust: Take a small taste of the spread. Does it need more salt? More pepper? A little extra lime juice for brightness? Perhaps another tiny bit of minced jalapeño for more kick? Adjust the seasonings until it suits your preference.
7. Chill for Best Flavor (Optional): For the best flavor development, cover the bowl and refrigerate the spread for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give it one last stir and transfer it to a serving bowl. Serve with your favorite dippers!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This cottage cheese spread is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt for different tastes and occasions.

• Kid-Friendly Options: If you have little ones who aren’t keen on spice, you can make a separate, milder batch. Simply omit the jalapeños from a portion of the cottage cheese mixture and add a tiny squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of dried chives for a gentle flavor. Alternatively, use a very small amount of finely diced bell pepper instead of jalapeño for a mild crunch and color.
• Add More Veggies: For extra texture and nutrients, consider stirring in finely diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, or even a tablespoon of finely chopped chives.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, feel free to add an extra jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
• Serving Suggestions:
• Classic Dip: Serve with sturdy crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, or a colorful array of fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips.
• Toast Topper: Spread generously on toasted whole-grain bread, bagels, or English muffins for a quick and satisfying breakfast or lunch.
• Sandwich or Wrap Filler: Use it as a creamy, flavorful base in sandwiches or wraps instead of mayonnaise or cream cheese. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or even just more veggies.
• Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out mini bell peppers and fill them with the spread for a vibrant, bite-sized appetizer.
• Baked Potato Topping: A dollop of this spread can elevate a simple baked potato into a more exciting meal.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes will help you achieve the best results with your savory cottage cheese spread.

• Not Removing Jalapeño Seeds/Membranes: If you’re sensitive to spice or serving to a mixed crowd, failing to remove the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños can make the spread unexpectedly hot. Always scrape them out thoroughly unless you specifically desire intense heat.
• Using Bottled Lime Juice Exclusively: While convenient, bottled lime juice often lacks the bright, fresh zest of freshly squeezed lime. If possible, opt for fresh limes for the best flavor. If using bottled, you might need a tiny bit more to achieve the desired tang.
• Under-Seasoning: Cottage cheese can be quite bland on its own, so don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust. A little extra salt can really make the flavors pop.
• Over-Chopping Cilantro: While you want finely chopped cilantro, avoid turning it into a paste. Over-chopping can bruise the herb and lead to a slightly bitter taste. A fine, consistent chop is ideal.
• Not Chilling the Spread: While you can eat it immediately, the flavors of this spread truly benefit from a short chill in the refrigerator. This allows the lime, jalapeño, and spices to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more harmonious taste.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This cottage cheese spread is excellent for making ahead and storing, making meal prep a breeze.

To store, transfer the finished spread to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While the texture generally holds up well, you might notice a very slight separation of liquid from the cottage cheese over time. This is completely normal; simply give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate everything.

Making it ahead is actually recommended, as the flavors deepen and meld beautifully after a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Prepare the spread completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick stir. Avoid freezing this spread, as cottage cheese tends to become grainy and watery when thawed, significantly altering the texture.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.