High-Protein Cottage Cheese Buffalo

My coworker brought this Buffalo chicken dip to a potluck last summer, and I watched people gravitate toward it like moths to a flame, completely ignoring the chips and dips next to it. What struck me most wasn't just how fast it disappeared, but that someone actually asked for the recipe—not to be polite, but because they genuinely wanted to make it at home. Turns out, it was her secret weapon for feeding hungry guests without the guilt, since it packed nearly 20 grams of protein per serving while tasting like pure indulgence. I decided that afternoon I had to master it, especially the trick of making cottage cheese disappear into something silky and luxurious.

The first time I made this for my sister's book club, I was genuinely nervous about the cottage cheese component. Would they taste it? Would it break the illusion? I needn't have worried—three women asked me to make it again for their own gatherings, and one confessed she'd been eating the leftovers straight from the baking dish with a spoon the next morning, standing in front of her fridge at midnight.

Ingredients

• Cooked, shredded chicken breast (2 cups): Use rotisserie chicken from the store if you're short on time—the flavor is just as good and you'll save 20 minutes of cooking and shredding.
• Low-fat cottage cheese (1½ cups): The base of this whole operation; blending it smooth is non-negotiable, so don't skip the food processor step.
• Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): This adds tanginess and helps the cottage cheese blend into silkiness; don't swap it for sour cream or you'll lose the protein boost.
• Shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (½ cup): Choose a good quality cheddar that you'd actually eat on its own, because the flavor matters here.
• Crumbled blue cheese (¼ cup, optional): This is where the dip transforms from good to unforgettable—the sharp, funky notes play beautifully against the Buffalo heat.
• Buffalo hot sauce (½ cup): Frank's RedHot is the classic, but taste your sauce first and adjust the amount if yours runs hotter or milder than expected.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika: These four seasonings deepen the savory layers without overpowering the Buffalo flavor.
• Green onions and extra blue cheese (for garnish): These aren't just decorative—they add a fresh, sharp contrast that cuts through the richness.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare:

Set your oven to 375°F and grab an 8-inch baking dish—glass or ceramic works beautifully because you'll want to watch it bubble.

Blend the cottage cheese:

Pour the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt into a food processor and blend for a solid minute until it's completely smooth and creamy; don't rush this or you'll have tiny grainy bits in your finished dip. Stop halfway to scrape down the sides so nothing hides.

Combine everything:

In a large bowl, fold together the blended mixture with your shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, cheddar, blue cheese, and all the seasonings until no streaks remain and everything is evenly distributed. Taste here—this is your moment to add more hot sauce if you want it spicier.

Transfer to baking dish:

Spread the mixture into your prepared dish in an even layer, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon so it bakes uniformly.

Bake until bubbling:

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, watching for the edges to start bubbling and the top to warm through; the dip won't brown much, but you'll see the edges come alive.

Garnish and serve:

Pull it from the oven, scatter green onions and extra blue cheese over the top while it's still hot, then serve immediately with celery sticks, carrot rounds, or whole grain crackers.

Save

My neighbor tasted this at a casual gathering and asked if I'd made it fresh or brought it from somewhere else, which felt like the highest compliment. There's something about serving food that nourishes your body while tasting completely indulgent that shifts how people experience eating—suddenly protein feels less like a chore and more like a choice.

The Cottage Cheese Secret

Cottage cheese gets a bad reputation because most people have experienced it grainy and bland, sitting lonely on a plate at a sad diet lunch. But when you blend it with Greek yogurt until silky, it becomes a magic ingredient that adds creaminess and protein without any of the heavy cream or mayo that would otherwise be required. The texture transforms so completely that even people who claim they hate cottage cheese won't realize they're eating it. I've tested this with several skeptics, and every single one asked if I'd used cream cheese instead.

Buffalo Sauce Variations That Work

Frank's RedHot is the traditional choice, but I've had success with other sauces depending on the vibe I'm going for. Louisiana-style hot sauces work beautifully, bringing a slightly different heat profile that's less sharp than Frank's. Thai chili sauce or sriracha mixed with a little lime creates an unexpected twist that feels more sophisticated if you're serving this to adventurous eaters. The key is finding a sauce you genuinely enjoy on its own, then tasting it into the dip so you know exactly how it's going to shine.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dip actually improves when assembled the night before because the flavors have time to meld and deepen. Store it covered in the fridge in your baking dish, then simply pop it straight into a 375°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes when you're ready to serve. Leftovers keep for up to three days in an airtight container, and honestly, they're wonderful eaten cold straight from the fridge or reheated gently in a small oven-safe bowl.

• Make it the morning of your party so flavors fully develop by evening.
• If you're bringing this to someone else's house, assemble it at home and ask to use their oven so you can bake it fresh when you arrive.
• Double the batch if you're expecting a crowd—this dip vanishes faster than you'd predict.

Save

There's something deeply satisfying about serving food that tastes indulgent but actually fuels your body—it's the kind of dish that makes people feel cared for. Once you master this one, you'll find yourself making it for every gathering, and you'll notice how the conversation naturally gravitates toward the dip table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the dip in advance?

Yes, assemble the mixture and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ What can I use instead of shredded chicken?

Rotisserie chicken works well for quick preparation and adds tender, flavorful protein.

→ How spicy is this dip and can it be adjusted?

The heat comes from Buffalo hot sauce; you can add cayenne pepper for extra spice or reduce sauce to soften heat.

→ Are there dairy alternatives for this dip?

Dairy is central here due to cottage cheese and cheeses, but Greek yogurt substitutes may be possible with plant-based versions, though texture will vary.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve warm with celery sticks, carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers, or whole grain crackers for a balanced bite.

→ Is this dip suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, ingredients are gluten-free, but always check hot sauce and cheese labels for possible gluten contamination.