This Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is smooth, creamy, and topped with the most delicious combination of green olives, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. It takes just 10 minutes to make, and it’s perfect for dipping, spreading on toast, or serving as an appetizer when you have friends over.
I’ve been using blended cottage cheese in so many recipes lately, from my creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce to my cottage cheese chocolate mousse, and I love how it turns into such a smooth, creamy base.
If you’ve tried my easy cottage cheese dip, this version is a little different! The sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly sweet, tangy flavor, while the green olives, garlic, and Parmesan make the topping extra flavorful.
I like to spread the whipped cottage cheese onto a shallow plate, spoon the topping over it, and serve it with toasted bread or crunchy vegetables. It’s simple, but it looks beautiful on the table!
Why You’ll Love This Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip
- So creamy! Once blended, cottage cheese becomes incredibly smooth, with no lumps or curds. You’d never guess it’s cottage cheese!
- Packed with flavor. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, green olives, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs is so good with the creamy base.
- Ready in just 10 minutes. No cooking required! Just blend the cottage cheese, mix the topping, and put everything together.
- A little extra protein. Cottage cheese adds protein to every serving, making this a great option when you want something creamy and satisfying.
- Perfect for sharing. I love serving this dip in a shallow bowl with all those colorful toppings. It looks beautiful on the table and is great when friends or family come over.
- Easy to make ahead. Prepare the whipped cottage cheese and topping separately, keep them in the fridge, and assemble right before serving.
- More than just a dip. Scoop it up with crackers or fresh vegetables, spread it on toasted bread, or use it in your favorite sandwiches and wraps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this creamy whipped cottage cheese dip. The base is incredibly easy, and the sun-dried tomato topping adds so much flavor!
For the Whipped Cottage Cheese
- Cottage Cheese: This is the whole base of the dip, so it’s worth choosing well. I go for full-fat (4%) because it blends into the creamiest, most almost-whipped texture, and it tastes richer without needing extra cream. Low-fat works too, but the dip turns out a little less luscious, so blend it a bit longer. Small curd blends faster, while large curd just needs another minute or so. Most brands pack around 12 to 14 grams of protein per half cup, so check your label.
- Heavy Cream: Just 2–4 tablespoons help make the cottage cheese even smoother and easier to blend. You can also use plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind that these swaps will change the macros.
- Salt: A little goes a long way! Since the topping already has salty olives and Parmesan, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
For the Sun-Dried Tomato Topping
- Lemon Zest (Optional): A little freshly grated lemon zest adds a lovely citrusy finish and balances the richness of the dip. You can leave it out if you prefer.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: hese give the topping its sweet, tangy, savory punch. I use the soft, oil-packed kind, drained well and chopped small, so every scoop gets a bit of tomato. Dry-packed ones work if you soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first, then pat them dry.
- Green Olives: They add a delicious salty, briny flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cottage cheese. I like to chop them fairly small so they’re evenly distributed throughout the topping.
- Garlic: Use 1–2 fresh garlic cloves, depending on how much garlic flavor you like. Since the garlic stays raw, I recommend finely grating or mincing it so you don’t end up biting into large pieces.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated, and grate it fine. In a cold dip, coarse shreds stay stiff and separate, while finely grated Parmesan melts into the oil and ties the tomatoes, olives, and herbs together. It’s a nutty, salty finish. Pecorino Romano works too, but use less salt.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil: Both are lovely here. Parsley keeps the dip fresh and bright, and basil pushes it toward an Italian, almost caprese flavor. I like to chop the herbs right before mixing so they stay green and fragrant.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You’ll need 2 tablespoons to bring all those delicious topping ingredients together. Since you’re not cooking it, I recommend using an olive oil you really enjoy the taste of.
How To Make Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip
This dip comes together in just a few minutes, and the best texture comes from blending the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth.
Mix the Topping First
Start with the topping so it has a few minutes to sit while you make the dip. In a small bowl, mix the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, Parmesan, herbs, olive oil, and lemon zest if using.
Letting the topping rest for 10 to 15 minutes helps the garlic mellow a little and gives the olive oil time to pick up the flavor of the tomatoes, herbs, and olives.
Blend the Cottage Cheese
Add the cottage cheese, salt, and heavy cream to a blender or food processor. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes, or until completely smooth and creamy.
If the dip feels too thick, add more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the texture you like. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangier dip or almond milk for a lighter version.
Assemble the Dip
Spread the whipped cottage cheese onto a serving plate or shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create soft swirls so the topping settles nicely over the dip.
Spoon the sun-dried tomato and olive topping evenly over the whipped cottage cheese.
Finish and Serve
Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if you like, then serve right away with toasted bread, crackers, pita chips, cucumber slices, carrots, celery, or your favorite fresh vegetables.
My Best Tips
Blend until completely smooth. Cottage cheese needs about 1 to 2 minutes in a blender or food processor to lose the curd-like texture and become creamy.
Let the topping sit before serving. Even 10 minutes makes a difference. The garlic mellows, and the olive oil picks up the flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbs.
Assemble right before serving. You can make the whipped cottage cheese and topping ahead, but spoon the topping over the dip just before serving so it stays fresh and pretty.
Easy Variations
Pesto Cottage Cheese Dip – Spoon a little pesto over the whipped cottage cheese before adding the topping.
Roasted Red Pepper Version – Swap the olives for chopped roasted red peppers, or use both for extra flavor.
Spicy Version – Add chili flakes, Calabrian chili paste, or a drizzle of hot honey on top.
Feta and Herb Version – Add crumbled feta and extra fresh basil or parsley for a saltier Mediterranean-style dip.
Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or crispy chickpeas over the top right before serving.
How to Store Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip
Refrigerator: Store the whipped cottage cheese and sun-dried tomato topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them separate helps the dip stay creamy and prevents the topping from making it watery.
Make Ahead: This is a great dip to prepare ahead of time! When you’re ready to serve, give the whipped cottage cheese a good stir to bring back its smooth texture, then spoon the topping over it. Once assembled, it’s best enjoyed the same day.
Can You Freeze It? I don’t recommend freezing this dip. Cottage cheese can become watery and grainy after thawing, and the fresh tomato and olive topping won’t have the same texture. For the best flavor and consistency, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make whipped cottage cheese dip ahead of time?
Yes. For the best texture, blend the cottage cheese and make the topping ahead, but store them separately. Assemble the dip right before serving so it stays creamy and pretty.
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese gives the creamiest texture. If using low-fat cottage cheese, blend it well and add a little extra heavy cream if needed.
Do I need a blender?
A blender gives the smoothest texture, but a food processor works too. An immersion blender can work in a pinch, but you may need to blend longer and scrape the sides often.
What Can I Serve with This Dip?
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this whipped cottage cheese dip! I love serving it with toasted sourdough bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
For a low-carb option, try it with my homemade flaxseed crackers or crispy keto tortilla chips. It’s also delicious with crispy Parmesan zucchini fries!
You can even use it as a creamy spread for sandwiches, wraps, or toast instead of cream cheese or mayo.
Can I change the topping?
Yes. The whipped cottage cheese is a great base for different toppings. Try pesto, roasted red peppers, feta, chili flakes, hot honey, toasted pine nuts, crispy chickpeas, or fresh herbs.
Why is my dip too thick?
Cottage cheese brands can vary. If the dip feels too thick, blend in more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the texture you like.
More Cottage Cheese Recipes to Try
If you love cooking with cottage cheese as much as I do, here are a few more easy recipes you might enjoy!
- High-Protein Tomato Soup with Cottage Cheese – This creamy tomato soup gets an extra boost of protein from blended cottage cheese, without needing heavy cream.
- Cottage Cheese Egg Salad – A lighter twist on classic egg salad that’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps.
- Viral Cottage Cheese Wrap – One of my favorite ways to use cottage cheese! This easy, high-protein wrap is perfect for filling with your favorite ingredients.
- 20+ Cottage Cheese Dip Recipes – If you’re looking for more savory dips, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite cottage cheese dip recipes for snacking and entertaining.
- 40+ Best Cottage Cheese Recipes – From easy breakfasts and protein-packed snacks to desserts and family dinners, there are so many delicious ways to use cottage cheese!
Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip
Description
Ingredients
For the Whipped Cottage Cheese
- 2 cups cottage cheese preferably full-fat
- 2-4 tbsp heavy cream as needed
- ¼ tsp salt or to taste
For the Sun-Dried Tomato Topping
- 4 tbsp oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and finely chopped
- 4 tbsp green olives sliced or chopped
- 1-2 garlic cloves finely minced or grated
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Finely grated lemon zest optional, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, green olives, garlic, Parmesan, parsley or basil, and olive oil. Add lemon zest if using. Mix well and set aside while you prepare the cottage cheese. For more developed flavors, let the topping rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Blend the cottage cheese. Add the cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and salt to a blender or food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes, or until completely smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the consistency. If the dip is too thick, add more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, blending until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Assemble the dip. Spread the whipped cottage cheese onto a shallow serving bowl or plate. Use the back of a spoon to create soft swirls.
- Add the topping. Spoon the sun-dried tomato and olive mixture evenly over the whipped cottage cheese.
- Serve. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil, if desired, and serve with toasted bread, crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Video
Notes
- Heavy Cream Substitutes: You can use plain Greek yogurt for a tangier dip or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind that these substitutions will change the nutrition facts, so I recommend recalculating the macros based on the ingredients you use and choosing the option that best fits your needs.
- Serving Size: about ½ cup, including topping
Nutrition information is shared to make meal planning easier. Values are estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. Learn more in my nutrition policy.