Cottage Cheese Bruschetta Dip

Why you will love this recipe

• Fresh flavor: Juicy tomatoes, garlic, and basil keep it light and vibrant.
• No cooking: Just blend, chop, and pile it all together.
• Fast prep: Ready in under 10 minutes, gone in under 5.
• Dipper-friendly: Works with baguette, crackers, or crunchy veggies.
• High protein: Cottage cheese keeps it creamy while packing the protein.
• Crowd favorite: It will get eaten first. Every time.

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Cottage cheese: Blending it smooth gives that whipped texture without needing cream cheese or ricotta. Greek yogurt works in a pinch but is tangier and thinner.
• Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and easy to chop. Any ripe tomato works, just scoop out excess seeds if using larger ones.
• Fresh basil: Brings that classic bruschetta flavor. Dried basil or a pinch of Italian seasoning works if you’re stuck.
• Garlic clove: One fresh clove adds just enough of a pop. ¼ tsp garlic powder can sub in.
• Mini mozzarella balls: Creamy and soft with a bit of chew. Tear up a larger ball if that’s what you’ve got.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the tomato mix. Just a splash makes a big difference.
• Balsamic glaze: A sticky, sweet, sharp finish that ties it all together. You can try makeing your own balsamic reduction by simmer balsamic vinegar to reduce if needed.
• Lemon juice: Fresh adds the best zing, but bottled is fine.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste.
• Garlic powder: Just a little in the cottage cheese mix rounds out the flavor.

How to make bruschetta dip

1. Chop the topping: Slice cherry tomatoes, halve the mozzarella balls, and finely slice the fresh basil.
2. Mix it up: In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Blend the base: Add cottage cheese, lemon juice, and garlic powder to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, then season to taste. No processor? Just mash it with a fork or the back of a spoon. It won’t be as silky, but it still totally works.
4. Add the base: Spread the whipped cottage cheese mixture into a shallow bowl or plate in an even layer.
5. Top generously: Spoon the tomato mixture over the cottage cheese base, making sure to get a good mix of everything in each scoop.

6. Drizzle to finish: Add a zigzag of balsamic glaze over the top right before serving.
7. Grab your dippers: Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or raw veg—whatever you like.

Recipe notes and tips

• Use ripe tomatoes: If they’re too firm or pale, the flavor just won’t be there. Look for juicy ones that taste sweet.
• Don’t skip the glaze: That balsamic drizzle is the final hit of sweet-sharp that makes it sing.
• Serve it fresh: Best eaten fresh, while the tomatoes are juicy and the cheese is perfectly chilled.
• Toast your bread: Get those slices golden and crisp. That’s the crunch that makes it bruschetta.

Variations

• Add a protein boost: Stir in shredded chicken for something more filling.
• Swap the cheese: Try whipped ricotta or blended feta for a saltier, tangier bite. It has less protein though!
• Vegan option: Use a plant-based cottage cheese and skip the mozzarella. Again, this will have less protein.
• Add extra texture: Diced avocado or olives bring creaminess and a briny edge that works in any version.
• Spice it up: Toss in red pepper flakes, a pinch of chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce.
• Make it Mediterranean: Add chopped cucumber, kalamata olives, a sprinkle of oregano, and swap the mozzarella for feta for a Greek-style twist.
• Roast the tomatoes: For deeper flavor, roast them with garlic and olive oil until blistered and sweet.

What to serve with bruschetta dip

• Crunchy dippers: Toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, whole grain crackers, seeded pita chips, or raw veggie sticks like cucumber, bell pepper, or carrot.
• Toast topper: Swap out the cottage cheese in Avocado Cottage Cheese Toast and use this bruschetta dip instead – it’s naturally at home on toast.
• Proteins: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Steak Bites, or turkey meatballs on the side for a higher-protein plate.
• Sweet potato base: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Toast works as a fiber-packed, slightly sweet scoop alternative.
• Fresh extras: Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries adds crunch, creaminess, and a sweet-savory kick, while Pickled Beet Salad with Arugula brings a bold, tangy contrast to the creamy dip.

Frequently asked questions