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    Home » Appetizers

    Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip

    Published: Jan 23, 2025 · Modified: Jun 20, 2025 by Ashley · As an Amazon affiliate, this post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

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    This ranch dip is made using cottage cheese and blended with ranch seasoning made from scratch. The result is a creamy and nutritious dip that can be served with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for a delicious appetizer or snack that doesn't compromise on flavor!

    Hand dipping pita chip into a small round bowl of dip surrounded by fresh veggies on a white tray.

    Has anyone else noticed that cottage cheese is suddenly cool and trendy? In the past, there seems to have been strong love or hate opinions on it. While those still exist, we are seeing new ways to use cottage cheese that makes it more approachable to more people.

    I've been team cottage cheese for years. I love using it for this jello salad, as a topping for pancakes, and to eat with fruit like pineapple or grapes.

    Growing up, one of my friend's mom would make a chip dip by just blending cottage cheese until smooth. She was way ahead of this latest cottage cheese trend! This recipe takes that concept and adds ranch flavor to mimic the ever popular ranch dip.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Serving Tips
    • Storage Tips
    • FAQ
    • Other Appetizers You'll Love
    • Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Quick & easy - While many dip recipes require multiple products like sour cream, mayo or greek yogurt, this one only requires cottage cheese. It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients and the use of a food processor.
    • Packed with flavor - Creating your own ranch seasoning for this dip gives it the BEST flavor and uses ingredients you likely have in your pantry. No seasoning packets used here! I'm all for store-bought shortcuts, but this homemade ranch seasoning is so easy to make and you'll notice the difference.
    • Versatile - The possibilities for serving this dip are endless, and I bet it will convert any cottage cheese naysayer! It's perfect for game day, potlucks, barbecues or an everyday healthy snack.

    Ingredient Notes

    Here are some tips & tricks for the ingredients needed for this recipe. Find exact measurements in the recipe card below!

    • Cottage cheese - Use your preferred brand. I go for the full 4% fat as it will give the dip a creamier texture. 2% or low-fat can also be used if you prefer.
    • Herbs & spices - Instead of reaching for a ranch seasoning packet, it's so easy to make your own! Garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley and salt will give the dip it's herby flavor.
    • Lemon juice - The acidity of the lemon juice complements the creaminess of the cottage cheese and adds that slight tang that you find in ranch dressings that are made with sour cream or buttermilk. The lemon juice also loosens the dip just enough for it to not be too thick.
    Overhead shot of round white tray of fresh vegetables with a small white bowl of dip in the middle.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    This dip is so easy to make! Here's how you do it:

    Step 1 - Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until desired smoothness, about 30-45 seconds.

    I think the main reason some people dislike cottage cheese is due to the texture. You can make this dip as creamy or "lumpy" as you prefer, depending on how long you blend it. Although I go for the large curd for other cottage cheese consumption, I aim for a smooth texture for this dip.

    Step 2 - This may be the hardest part. Chill the dip for about 30 minutes before serving. Sure you can eat it right away, but allowing the dip to chill allows all the flavors to meld together. This makes it a great party appetizer that can be made ahead of time!

    Step 3 - Enjoy!

    Garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley and dill on top of cottage cheese in a food processor.
    Dip blended in food processor.

    Serving Tips

    Serve this dip as you would any ranch or dill dip. Some ideas include:

    • Potato or pita chips
    • Crackers
    • Pretzels
    • Fresh veggies such as carrots, peppers, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower or grape tomatoes

    Some unique and fun ideas:

    • As a spread for toast or bagels and top with sliced veggies, avocado or salmon lox
    • Mix it in to your scrambled eggs before cooking for a flavorful, high-protein breakfast
    • Add a couple spoonfuls to freshly cooked pasta to create a simple, creamy sauce
    • Add a dollop to a baked potato for a great substitute to sour cream

    Storage Tips

    Homemade dips made with dairy will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    While cottage cheese can technically be frozen, the texture of thawed cottage cheese may be altered. Although this is a smooth dip, defrosted dip may become watery.

    Because of this I'd recommend enjoying this dip fresh, within 5 days. The recipe will scale nicely to make a larger batch for parties, or you could half it if you want to make a smaller amount.

    Ranch dip in white bowl surrounded by fresh cucumbers, peppers, carrots, tomatoes and broccoli.

    FAQ

    Can I use a blender to make cottage cheese dip?

    Yes, either a blender or food processor will work to make this dip. A blender may require a little more liquid to get nice and smooth. If this is the case, add a tablespoon or so of milk until it easily blends together.

    Is cottage cheese healthy?

    Cottage cheese is a low-calorie, high protein food that also has many other nutritional benefits such as calcium, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus. The difference in fat and calorie content between low-fat and full-fat is actually quite small, and low-fat often contains other additives.

    Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

    I use dried herbs in this recipe for their simplicity (and cost). Dried dill and parsley are staples in my spice cabinet. Fresh herbs are wonderful, but not always as readily available. You can use fresh dill and parsley in this recipe, but be sure to increase the amount to 3 times what the recipe calls for.

    What is the difference between ranch dressing and ranch dip?

    The main difference is the consistency. Dressing is meant to have a more pourable, runny texture while a dip should be thicker to hold up what will be dipped in it. Milk or buttermilk is often used to make the dressing runnier.

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    Be sure to follow The Darling Apron on Facebook & Instagram along with what I’m pinning on Pinterest!

    Have you made one of these recipes? I’d love your feedback on the comment box and star rating below the recipe! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Hand dipping pita chip into a small round bowl of dip surrounded by fresh veggies on a white tray.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.75 from 4 votes

    Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip

    This ranch dip is made using cottage cheese and blended with ranch seasoning made from scratch. The result is a creamy and nutritious dip that can be served with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for a delicious appetizer or snack that doesn't compromise on flavor!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Chill Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time35 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer, Dip
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cottage cheese dip, healthy cottage cheese dip, ranch cottage cheese dip
    Servings: 2 cups
    Author: Ashley Leonard

    Ingredients

    • 16 oz. cottage cheese 2 cups
    • 1 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1 tsp. onion powder
    • 1 tsp. dried parsley
    • 1 tsp. dried dill
    • ¼ tsp. kosher salt
    • 1 tbsp. lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until desired smoothness.
      16 oz. cottage cheese, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 tsp. dried parsley, 1 tsp. dried dill, ¼ tsp. kosher salt, 1 tbsp. lemon juice
    • Transfer to a storage bowl or serving bowl. For best results, allow the dip to sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
    • Serve with chips, crackers or veggies. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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    Comments

      4.75 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Angela says

      July 08, 2023 at 9:24 pm

      5 stars
      This dip was delicious. Only thing I would change for next time would be a little less garlic powder. 1 tsp had quite the garlic aftertaste. I don’t mind it much, but felt like I had major garlic breath. I used some fresh dill because I had it. Absolutely simple recipe that was seriously so good!!!

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        July 10, 2023 at 3:34 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it! I'm a major garlic fan, so I'll take the blame there!

        Reply
    2. Ann Koenig says

      July 31, 2023 at 11:48 am

      Mine is completely runny, what did I do wrong?

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        August 02, 2023 at 2:34 pm

        Did you use a full-fat cottage cheese? A non-fat cottage cheese could make the dip runnier then desired. Other than that, you aren't adding any other liquid besides the lemon juice that would make it too runny. Hope this helps.

        Reply
    3. sue peterson says

      February 22, 2025 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and so delicious, hard to wait the 30 minutes but so worth it.

      Reply

    Welcome to The Darling Apron! I'm a wife, mom, & chai tea latte lover who uses food as her love language. I believe some of life's best moments happen when gathered around the kitchen table. Whether making time-honored family recipes or developing new favorites, I love creating memories through delicious food. I hope this space inspires you to do the same!

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