This Spinach Cottage Cheese Dip is the perfect dip with protein and veggies. Serve with veggies, crackers or chips for a balanced game day snack.
If you know me you know I love a good snack. I also love a good spinach dip. The problem is despite how good it tastes traditional spinach dip can be so heavy I always feel gross after eating it. That's why I decided to ke my own version.
Blended cottage cheese makes the creamiest, smoothest base for this dip. Mix in veggies, seasoning and topped with melt cheese? The BEST spinach cottage cheese dip that's actually pretty healthy.
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Higher in protein. By swapping the traditional cream cheese base with lower fat cottage cheese you get the perfect high protein dip.
- Packed with veggies. There is a whole block of frozen spinach in here which is actually a LOT if you think about it raw. Spinach is full of nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C and so many more.
- Perfect snack pairing. I love making this for parties and game days! This spinach cottage cheese dip pairs well with veggies, crackers, chips and other salty dippers.
Ingredients
Cottage cheese. Choose a lower fat cottage cheese (I like using 0 or 2%) for the perfect protein packed base. Cottage cheese is having a moment on social media right now (and for good reason). It's the perfect lower cost, nutritious swap for cream cheese or mayonnaise to add to dips and dressings to add a little extra nutrition while keeping the same creaminess we all know and love.
Frozen spinach. You can't have spinach dip without spinach! For this cottage cheese dip I use frozen spinach. This is mainly for convenience but also to save money. I buy the frozen, chopped spinach blocks and use one block for each dip serving I make. You can definitely use fresh spinach as well, you will just need about 3 cups of spinach, chopped VERY finely.
Olive oil. A little olive oil to help blend the cottage cheese to make it nice and smooth! Any neutral tasting oil will work here (avocado oil works great as well)!
Spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and dried red pepper flakes are all you need to get the most flavourful cottage cheese spinach dip!
Red bell pepper. Optional! I like to add in some chopped red bell pepper, for more colour and more nutrients!
Cheese. The best part about spinach dip is the ooey-gooey cheese in my opinion. It's optional but highly recommended to top your spinach dip with some shredded cheese before baking (parmesan or cheddar both work)!
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Defrost your spinach. If I know I am going to be making this recipe I leave my frozen spinach on the counter or int he fridge overnight. You can also place your frozen spinach package in a bowl of warm water or microwave for about 2-3 minutes. Once your spinach is defrosted, using a cheese cloth, paper towel or a small strainer to squeeze out any excess water.
Add your cottage cheese, olive oil and spices to a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
Pour your blended cottage cheese mixture into a greased oven safe 8-oz ramekin, add your spinach and chopped red bell pepper and mix until evenly distributed.
Smooth mixture and top with shredded cheese.
Air fry for 5 minutes or until to cheese begins to brown. Dish will be HOT when you remove it.
Serve with pita, chips, crackers or veggies for a balanced snack!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
To make dairy-free: This recipe is not dairy-free as I have not found a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Equipment
- Food processor
- Air fryer
- Baking dish
Storage
This dip is best eaten immediately however it will store for up to two days in an airtight container. Just reheat in the microwave or air fryer!
Top Tip
For easier blending, use an immersion blender and add it right into the cottage cheese container! Then, transfer into a baking tray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and broiling for about 2 minutes prior to removing. This helps ensure the cheese is nice and bubbly.
I would recommend using frozen spinach, as the cottage cheese adds creaminess!
Whole grain pita, veggies, crackers or chips... the opportunities are endless!
Yes you may! Just double all of the ingredients and use a larger oven safe dish. The cook time will not change.
I do recommend blending the cottage cheese for a more traditional spinach dip texture. However if you don’t mind the texture of the cheese curds you are free to skip the blending and just mix everything in a bowl!
More Healthy Dip Recipes
If you love this cottage cheese dip as much as I do you need to try some of my other favourite high protein dips:
- Herb and Garlic Cottage Cheese Dip
- Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Dip
- Greek Yogurt Dill Veggie Dip
- Easy Protein Fruit Cheesecake Dip
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this spinach cottage cheese dip, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Spinach Cottage Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 150 grams frozen chopped spinach
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup red bell pepper chopped, optional
- 2 tablespoon cheese of choice shredded
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for spice
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Defrost your spinach. If I know I am going to be making this recipe I leave my frozen spinach on the counter or int he fridge overnight. You can also place your frozen spinach package in a bowl of warm water or microwave for about 2-3 minutes. Once your spinach is defrosted, using a cheese cloth, paper towel or a small strainer to squeeze out any excess water.
- Add your cottage cheese, olive oil and spices to a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour your blended cottage cheese mixture into a greased oven safe 8-oz ramekin, add your spinach and chopped red bell pepper and mix until evenly distributed. Top with shredded cheese.
- Air fry for 5 minutes or until to cheese begins to brown. Dish will be HOT when you remove it.
- Serve with pita, chips, crackers or veggies for a balanced snack!
Terri says
Good but I would add fresh minced garlic for more flavour and more red pepper flakes.
Nicole Addison says
Hi Terri- amazing suggestions to customize it to your taste preferences!
Holly McKenzie says
I only have fresh spinach...would that work?
Nicole Addison says
Hi Holly- yes! Fresh spinach works great just chop it up nice and small before adding!
Stacey says
Love this simple dip. We make it weekly for Sunday football! I have used Garlic Plus seasoning instead of the garlic and onion powders and it turned out awesome too!
Autumn says
LOVE this recipe! The cottage cheese gives it an extra boost of protein and great flavour, will definitely be making again!
McKenzie says
Made this for a friend group get together and it was a hit! Nice that it’s a slightly healthier dip, and brought some veggies to dip in as well! A great crowd pleaser while also giving some nutritious party snack options!