Earthy mushrooms combined with creamy cottage cheese create a rich and satisfying soup. This dish is perfect for mushroom lovers who enjoy a warm, comforting meal with a unique twist. With its high protein content and velvety texture, it’s a great option for a nutritious and delicious lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Yet Light – Cottage cheese adds a luscious texture without the heaviness of traditional cream-based soups.
- High in Protein – A great way to boost your protein intake while enjoying a hearty meal.
- Easy to Make – Requires only a few simple ingredients and comes together in about 35 minutes.
- Customizable – Adjust the texture and seasoning to your liking, and add your favorite toppings for extra flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics – Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms – Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their juices and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup – Pour in the vegetable broth and add thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend to Desired Consistency – Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, leaving some chunks if preferred.
- Incorporate Cottage Cheese – Stir in the cottage cheese until well combined and smooth.
- Season & Serve – Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
Variations
- Make it Dairy-Free – Substitute the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative.
- Add More Vegetables – Stir in spinach, kale, or carrots for extra nutrients.
- Boost the Protein – Mix in shredded chicken or white beans for additional protein.
- Spice it Up – Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra depth and heat.
- Use Different Mushrooms – Try shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for unique flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a little broth or water to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Ricotta, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt can be good alternatives, but they may slightly change the flavor and texture.
How can I make this soup completely smooth?
For a completely creamy texture, blend the soup thoroughly with a high-speed blender instead of an immersion blender.
Can I use dried mushrooms?
Absolutely! Rehydrate dried mushrooms in warm water before adding them to the soup for a deep, earthy flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your vegetable broth is gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, chicken broth can add extra richness to the soup.
Does the cottage cheese make the soup taste tangy?
Cottage cheese has a mild tang, but it blends well into the soup, giving it a creamy consistency without overpowering the flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook everything on low for 4-6 hours, then blend and stir in the cottage cheese before serving.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Yes! Try adding shredded chicken, tofu, or a handful of cooked quinoa.
Will this soup thicken as it sits?
Yes, it may thicken slightly upon cooling. Simply add a splash of broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup is a deliciously creamy, protein-packed, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner or a meal-prep option, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm and nourishing. Give it a try and make it your own with your favorite variations!
Print
Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
This Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup is a creamy, protein-packed dish featuring earthy mushrooms, savory aromatics, and velvety cottage cheese. It’s a rich yet light alternative to traditional cream-based soups, offering a nutritious, high-protein, and satisfying meal. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or a healthy lunch, this soup is naturally gluten-free and easily customizable!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free option)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their juices and start to brown (about 10 minutes).
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or leave some chunks for texture).
- Alternatively, blend in batches using a high-speed blender for a creamier consistency.
- Incorporate Cottage Cheese:
- Stir in cottage cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Season & Serve:
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and plant-based cottage cheese.
- Extra Protein: Add shredded chicken, white beans, or quinoa.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for depth and heat.
- Different Mushrooms: Try shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for variety.
- Author: Sophia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: Healthy, Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
I made this for someone undergoing cancer treatments who needs additional protein. I used beef bone broth, added a little bit of Worcestershire sauce, and added a round of Brie cheese for extra creaminess and protein. I didn’t blend the mushrooms because we like the texture and the color of the soup is more appealing. It was delicious!