I first made these 2 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Crackers on a busy weekday when I needed something crunchy and high-protein that didn’t involve turning on the oven. I’d been experimenting with cottage cheese as a snack and realized it could be transformed into more than just a bowl with toppings.
This recipe is my answer to that “I want something salty and satisfying, but still light and healthy” moment. With just cottage cheese and dry Italian dressing mix, you get a quick, flavorful cracker-style snack that feels a bit special without any fuss. If you’re new to cooking or easily overwhelmed by long recipes, this one’s perfect—minimal steps, affordable ingredients, and very hard to mess up.
2 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Crackers: A Must-Try
Click here to get printable version
Time-Tested Ingredients, with a Twist
- 2 cups cottage cheese (small curd works best)
- 1 teaspoon dry Italian dressing mix
How to Make It
- Add the cottage cheese to a medium bowl. Give it a quick stir first so the curds are evenly distributed and not too clumped together.
- Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the cottage cheese. Don’t dump it all in one spot; this helps it blend more easily.
- Stir thoroughly until the seasoning is fully mixed in and no dry pockets remain. The mixture should look creamy with herbs and specks evenly spread throughout.
- Taste a small spoonful. If you’d like a stronger flavor, add a small pinch more of the dressing mix and stir again. Go slowly—Italian mix can get salty fast.
- Serve right away with your favorite crackers or crisp veggies, or chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors blend a bit more before serving.
Choosing the Right Cottage Cheese
The cottage cheese you choose will make a big difference in texture and flavor. For this recipe, I recommend small-curd cottage cheese because it blends more smoothly with the dry Italian dressing mix and gives a creamier, more uniform scoop. Large curd can work, but you’ll notice bigger chunks and a less spreadable feel. You can also choose between full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free: full-fat will taste richer and feel more satisfying, while low-fat is a nice middle ground for everyday snacking. Fat-free works if you’re watching calories closely, but it can be a bit watery, so you might want to drain off excess liquid before mixing in the seasoning.
Adjusting Seasoning to Taste
Dry Italian dressing mix is flavorful and salty, so a light hand goes a long way. Start with the 1 teaspoon called for, then taste before you add more. Never dump in extra seasoning without tasting first, or you may end up with an overly salty dip that’s hard to fix. If you accidentally add too much, you can stir in more cottage cheese to balance it out. You can also customize the flavor: add a pinch of garlic powder for more depth, some black pepper for a mild kick, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Keep your adjustments small and taste as you go—this is an easy way to build confidence with seasoning while still working with a simple, forgiving recipe.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this cottage cheese cracker dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dip ahead, and in many cases it actually tastes better after a short rest. If you prepare it a few hours in advance, the herbs and spices from the Italian dressing mix have more time to hydrate and blend into the cottage cheese. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Stir it well before serving, because some liquid may separate on top. For the best texture and flavor, aim to use it within 2–3 days.
What should I serve with these 2 ingredients cottage cheese crackers?
There are a lot of budget-friendly options that pair well. Try whole-grain crackers, rice cakes, or crispbread for extra crunch and fiber. Fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, celery sticks, or cherry tomatoes work great if you want a lighter snack. You can also spread it on toast or use it as a high-protein layer in a sandwich or wrap. Keep the dippers fairly neutral so the Italian seasoning stands out instead of competing with strong flavors.
How can I thicken the dip if my cottage cheese is too runny?
If your cottage cheese is on the watery side, there are a few simple fixes. First, you can place it in a fine-mesh strainer or a colander lined with paper towel and let it drain for 10–15 minutes before adding the seasoning; this removes excess liquid. Another option is to blend a portion of the cottage cheese in a food processor to make it creamier, then mix it back in. Avoid adding flour or starch, which can make the texture pasty and less fresh-tasting.
Is there a way to make this recipe more filling without adding much cost?
Definitely. To keep it frugal but more substantial, think about add-ins that are cheap and nutritious. Stirring in a few tablespoons of cooked, cooled quinoa or finely chopped hard-boiled egg can boost protein and staying power. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper, or carrots for volume and crunch. Keep pieces small so the dip is still scoopable. Pairing the dip with whole-grain crackers or dense rye crispbread will also make the snack feel more like a mini meal without significantly raising the cost.
2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Crackers Dip
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese use full-fat or low-fat as preferred
- 1 teaspoon dry Italian dressing mix or adjust to taste
Instructions
- Assemble the ingredients and measuring tools so everything is ready.
- Measure 2 cups of cottage cheese into a medium mixing bowl and add 1 teaspoon of dry Italian dressing mix.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed and the dip is smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately with crackers or fresh vegetables, or refrigerate to let flavors meld for up to 24 hours. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
