The first time I made this Buffalo Cottage Cheese Dip I was blown away by how creamy it felt despite being lighter than a classic mayo-heavy dip.
It’s tangy, a little spicy, and comes together in minutes with ingredients most people already have on hand.
If you’re hunting for a healthy game-day dip or a speedy snack, this one deserves a permanent spot in your fridge rotation.
I like to serve it chilled with crunchy celery and tortilla chips for contrast.
If you enjoy cottage-cheese blends, you might also like a silky avocado-cottage-cheese smoothie for a breakfast twist: avocado cottage cheese smoothie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Ready in under 10 minutes with no cooking required.
- Protein-packed: Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt give a satisfying, filling texture.
- Versatile: Mild enough for kids, spicy enough for adults — adjust the buffalo to taste.
- Low-effort entertaining: Make ahead and chill so you’re free to socialize.
This dip strikes a balance between creamy richness and bright, acidic heat. The cottage cheese lends body and curds that give subtle texture, while Greek yogurt smooths the mouthfeel and adds a clean tang. The buffalo sauce cuts through the dairy with vinegar and cayenne notes, creating a layered flavor profile that feels like a smart, lighter take on buffalo chicken dip.
"Five stars — I brought this to a potluck and it disappeared first. Spicy, creamy, and guilt-free." — Reader S.
Key Ingredients
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is the structural backbone of this dip. Full-fat cottage cheese gives the creamiest mouthfeel, while low-fat versions will lighten calories but can be slightly thinner. If you want fewer lumps, pulse cottage cheese in a blender for a smoother texture without losing protein.
Buffalo sauce
Buffalo sauce is the flavor engine. Choose a sauce you love on wings because that exact profile (vinegar, butter or oil, cayenne) will come through in the dip. For a tang-forward result, pick a sauce with noticeable vinegar; for smoky depth, look for sauces with paprika or smoked cayenne.
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt contributes thickness and tartness that balances the hot sauce. Full-fat Greek yogurt yields silkier richness; 2% or nonfat are fine if you prefer lighter fare. Plain, unsweetened yogurt is essential — flavored varieties will throw off the balance.
Green onions
Green onions add a fresh, herbal crunch that cuts the richness. Use both the white and green parts for onion-scented sharpness and bright color. Add them last to keep their crispness and color.
Full ingredient list:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather and chill your ingredients
Collect the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and green onions.
Cold ingredients help the dip come together smoothly and hold structure.
Pro Tip: Use a medium bowl so you have room to whisk without splashing. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture moves as one creamy mass around the bowl.
Step 2: Combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt
Spoon the cottage cheese into the bowl and add the Greek yogurt on top.
Use a spatula or whisk to blend them until mostly uniform in texture.
Pro Tip: If you want an ultra-smooth dip, briefly pulse the cottage cheese and yogurt in a food processor. Visual cue: there should be small curd flecks, not large lumps.
Step 3: Fold in the buffalo sauce
Pour the buffalo sauce into the dairy mixture.
Stir gently until the whole bowl turns a consistent orange color and the heat is evenly distributed.
Pro Tip: Taste as you go — buffalo sauces vary widely. Add half the sauce first, taste, then add more to reach your preferred spice level.
Step 4: Add the green onions
Fold in the chopped green onions with a few gentle turns.
This keeps those bright, crunchy bites intact rather than pulverizing them into the dip.
Pro Tip: Reserve a few rings of green onion for garnish so the finished dip looks fresh and appetizing.
Step 5: Chill, plate, and serve
Cover the dip and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve cold with celery sticks, carrot batons, or your favorite chips.
Pro Tip: If you’re serving at a party, set the dip in a shallow bowl on a bed of ice to keep it chilled. For dessert pairing inspiration after the game, a sweet dip like chocolate-dipped strawberry cheesecake can close the meal on a fun note.
Expert Tips for Success
- Texture control: If you prefer a smooth, hummus-like dip, blend the cottage cheese and yogurt in a blender or food processor for 10–20 seconds. Stop before it becomes soupy.
- Adjusting heat: Start with half the buffalo sauce and add more. Different brands range from mild to blistering, so tasting as you go prevents over-spicing.
- Salt balance: Buffalo sauce often contains salt. Taste the dip before adding extra salt. If the cottage cheese is low-sodium, you may need a pinch, but add incrementally.
- Make-ahead timing: The dip improves after 1–2 hours as the flavors marry. Prepare it the morning of a party and chill; fresh-cut green onions at the end keep it bright.
- Serving temperature: Serve cold to highlight the dairy tang and to keep the texture firm. If left out at room temperature for long, dairy-based dips can get runny and lose freshness.
- Equipment notes: Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl clean for even mixing. If using a food processor, pulse in short bursts and scrape down the sides to avoid over-processing.
- Thickening fixes: If the dip becomes too thin after blending, fold in a tablespoon of powdered milk or some strained Greek yogurt to regain body without altering flavor.
- Visual cues: The dip is ready when the color is even and you see small, tender curd pieces distributed through the mixture. Bright green onion flecks should appear throughout the surface.
Storage & Freezing
Fridge storage: Transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Keep the surface clean and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the dip to minimize air contact and color change.
Freezer considerations: Freezing is possible but changes texture. The dairy can separate and become grainy upon thawing. Freeze only if necessary and expect a slightly altered mouthfeel.
To freeze, spoon into a freezer-safe container, leaving 1/2-inch headspace, and freeze for up to 1 month.
How to thaw and recondition: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, stir vigorously; if the texture is grainy, beat in 1–2 tablespoons of fresh Greek yogurt to smooth it out. Freshly chopped green onions added after thawing will brighten flavor and mask minor textural shifts.
Reheating note: This dip is intended to be served cold. If you want a warm, baked buffalo-cottage twist, transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F until bubbly. That becomes a different recipe but works well for cozy gatherings.
Variations & Substitutions
Ranch swap: Replace buffalo sauce with ranch dressing and add chopped dill for a creamy herbier version. This keeps the cottage cheese base but flips the flavor profile.
Buffalo-plus-protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or canned tuna for a hearty, meal-ready dip. Warm it briefly and serve over toast for a quick lunch.
Dairy-free option: Use a thick dairy-free yogurt and a soft tofu in place of cottage cheese to mimic the texture. Choose a vegan buffalo sauce to keep flavors aligned.
Flavor add-ins: Stir in a tablespoon of blue cheese crumbles for a classic buffalo-blue experience, or fold in roasted corn and black beans for a Southwestern twist. For a fruity contrast, serve alongside a bright mango salad — similar flavor pairings can be found in the cottage cheese mango smoothie world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is cottage cheese a healthy base for dip?
A: Yes. Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium and often lower in fat than many cream cheese-based dips. Pairing it with Greek yogurt increases protein and adds probiotics. Choosing full-fat or 2% versions affects calories and mouthfeel, so pick what fits your goals.
Q: Can I make this dip spicy without buffalo sauce?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the buffalo sauce with sriracha for pure heat, or mix hot sauce with melted butter for a closer buffalo flavor. Adjust vinegar and butter content to mimic the tang and mouth-coating richness of commercial buffalo sauce.
Q: Will the dip separate if I blend it smooth?
A: If you over-process dairy, it can release water and seem grainy. Pulse in short intervals and stop when you reach your desired consistency. If separation occurs, fold in fresh Greek yogurt or a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry to stabilize.
Q: How long will this dip last at a party?
A: Dairy dips should not be left out for more than two hours at room temperature. If the venue is warm, reduce that to one hour. Keep extras chilled and replenish the serving bowl from the fridge as needed.
Q: Can I use diced red onion instead of green onions?
A: You can, but red onion is sharper and will overpower the dip. If you prefer red onion, rinse the diced pieces under cold water to soften the bite, and add them sparingly to maintain balance.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Cottage Cheese Dip is a smart, fast way to get big buffalo flavor with less guilt and more protein.
If you make it, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin this to Pinterest to save it for your next party.
For a similar riff with chicken and cottage cheese, see Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip (high protein) – Wholly Tasteful, and for another blogger’s take on the cottage cheese buffalo chicken idea check out Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip – Foody Schmoody Blog.
Buffalo Cottage Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese Full-fat is recommended for creaminess.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce Choose your favorite sauce for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt Full-fat for richness, lower-fat options are acceptable.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions Use both green and white parts for best flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and chill your ingredients: cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and green onions.
- Combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Use a spatula or whisk to blend them until mostly uniform in texture.
- Fold in the buffalo sauce, stirring gently until evenly distributed.
- Add the green onions and fold them in gently.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve cold with celery sticks, carrot batons, or tortilla chips.
