Vanilla Cottage Cheese Dip

With a smooth, creamy texture, and a slightly sweet flavor, this protein-packed Cottage Cheese Dip with cinnamon and vanilla is a perfect topping for bread or crackers or dip for fruit.

Cottage Cheese Dip

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 and calcium, 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.

Ingredients You Need

This cottage cheese 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.

1. Add the ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
2. Use as a spread or dip, and transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and use within 3-5 days. So easy!

What can I serve this with?

My little one likes this 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 a fun snack idea!

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!

• Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend very smooth.

• Use as a dip for fruit or crackers, or spread onto toast, tortillas, graham crackers, or waffles. You can also just serve with a spoon.

• Stored in an airtight container, this will last 3-5 days in the fridge.
• 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.

Calories: 67kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 9mg, Sodium: 192mg, Potassium: 68mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 74IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 52mg, Iron: 1mg

This post was first published September 2018.