Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the pot, the rich aroma of sauteed mushrooms filled the kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy nights spent around the dinner table with loved ones. This 30-Minute Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful blend of earthy mushrooms and creamy cottage cheese that embraces you like a warm hug on a chilly day. The quick preparation allows you to whip up this high-protein delight in no time, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, it’s lighter than traditional cream soups but every bit as satisfying! Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a comforting haven? Let’s dive into this delicious creation together! Why Is This Soup a Must-Try? Quick Cooking: This Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Creamy Delight: Blending cottage cheese lends a silky texture, ensuring your soup is both luxurious and light—perfectly satisfying! Flavor Explosion: With a delicious medley of sautéed mixed mushrooms and aromatic garlic, every spoonful is rich in umami goodness that your taste buds will adore. Versatile Variations: Pair it with a Cottage Cheese Flatbread or toss in some crispy croutons for delightful textures and extra protein, allowing you to customize the experience! Health-Conscious Choice: High in protein but low in calories, this soup helps you enjoy comfort food without the guilt, perfect for those seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Embrace the comfort and nutrition all in one bowl, and let it transform your dinner table into a cozy gathering point! Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Ingredients For the Base • Butter – Adds richness and helps in sautéing. Use olive oil for a dairy-free version. • Yellow Onion – For sweetness and depth; can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor. • Garlic – Introduces aromatic flavor; use garlic powder in a pinch. For the Main Flavor • Mixed Mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, button) – Main flavor component; can substitute with portobello or button mushrooms alone. • Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth – Base for the soup; swap with chicken broth for non-vegetarian option. For Creaminess • Cottage Cheese – Provides creaminess and protein. Opt for full-fat for the best texture; Greek yogurt could work but alters flavor and texture. For Seasoning • Dried Thyme (or fresh) – Herbaceous note; use oregano or rosemary as alternatives. • Salt – Enhances flavor; adjust to taste. • Black Pepper – Adds mild heat; fresh cracked is preferred for flavor. For Garnish • Fresh Parsley – For garnish; can substitute with chives or green onions. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring frequently for about 4–5 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and aromatic, setting a flavorful base for your Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup. Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms Add 8 cups of mixed mushrooms, such as cremini and shiitake, to the pot. Cook for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are golden-brown and start releasing their liquid. This caramelization will boost the umami flavor, making your soup richer and more satisfying. Step 3: Add Liquid and Herbs Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating the hearty base for your Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup. Step 4: Blend to Desired Texture After simmering, let the soup cool slightly for a few minutes to avoid splattering. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, ensuring some mushroom chunks remain for texture. If you prefer a smoother consistency, continue blending until you’ve achieved the desired creaminess while still retaining some hearty bits. Step 5: Incorporate Cottage Cheese Stir in 1 cup of cottage cheese into the blended soup. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, which will give your soup that luscious texture without overpowering the natural flavors of the mushrooms. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired. Step 6: Garnish and Serve Ladle your Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup into bowls, then garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The vibrant green adds a pop of color and freshness to this comforting dish. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the deliciousness you’ve crafted in just 30 minutes! Make Ahead Options These delightful Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup preparations save you precious time during busy weeknights! You can chop your vegetables—like the onion and garlic—and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, ensuring they’re fresh when you’re ready to cook. Additionally, you can sauté your mushrooms and combine them with the broth, allowing the flavors to marry, and refrigerate this mixture for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture gently on the stovetop, blend in the cottage cheese until smooth, and garnish with fresh parsley. This method keeps your soup just as delicious while significantly cutting down on your prep time! Expert Tips for Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Blend Wisely: Use an immersion blender for smooth results while keeping some texture. Let soup cool if using a regular blender to avoid splashes. Mushroom Care: Wipe mushrooms with a damp towel instead of rinsing them; water can make them soggy and dilute their flavors. Make Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance to enhance the flavors overnight! Gentle Reheating: When reheating, whisk continuously and do so gently to prevent the cottage cheese from curdling. Balance Your Seasoning: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to highlight the umami richness of the mushrooms in this comforting Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup. What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Looking to elevate your mealtime experience? Discover delightful pairings that complement the creamy, rich flavors of this comforting soup. Cottage Cheese Flatbread: A soft, protein-rich flatbread that’s perfect for dipping, enhancing the comfort of your soup with every bite. Arugula Salad: This peppery, fresh salad adds a zingy contrast, providing a delightful texture palette alongside the creamy soup. Crusty Roasted Sourdough: Crunchy sourdough toast offers a hearty base to soak up every last drop of the soup, making for a delectable combo. Crispy Croutons: These add a satisfying crunch and a savory bite, making each mouthful of soup even more enjoyable. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the soup with fresh, green goodness. Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cleanses the palate and accentuates the earthy mushroom flavors beautifully. Invite them to your table, and watch your loved ones savor this cozy meal experience together! How to Store and Freeze Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating gently on the stove will keep the soup creamy and delicious. Freezer: Freeze the Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Leave a little space at the top for expansion when it freezes. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the cottage cheese. Portion Control: Consider freezing in single-serving portions, making it easy to enjoy a quick, protein-packed meal whenever the craving strikes! Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Variations Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own, adding your favorite flavors and textures. Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese with silken tofu for a creamy, dairy-free alternative that’s still packed with protein. Introduce this twist to the recipe for those who are lactose intolerant, and enjoy a similar silky texture! Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sautéed mushrooms for a delightful heat. This gives your soup an exciting flavor profile, perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their meals! Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or basil instead of thyme for a vibrant twist. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor to new heights, providing a refreshing aroma throughout the dish. Texture Variation: Stir in some cooked barley or quinoa for added heartiness and a fun chew. These grains make the soup more filling and introduce a delightful texture that complements the creamy aspect wonderfully! Earthy Depth: Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of soy sauce for an umami depth. These ingredients can accentuate the rich mushroom flavor and add a unique twist that surprises your taste buds! Savory Toppings: Top your soup with crispy fried onions for an amazing crunch. This simple addition creates a satisfying contrast with the creamy base and enhances the entire sensory experience! Umami Kings: Use miso paste in place of some salt for a deeper, salted flavor. A little miso goes a long way, giving your soup that extra layer of complexity that will have everyone asking for more! Feel free to pair your variations with a refreshing Arugula Salad or some homemade Cottage Cheese Chips for a delightful meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure! Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Recipe FAQs What type of mushrooms should I use for this soup? Absolutely! A mix of cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms provides a wonderful depth of flavor. Feel free to adjust based on availability—portobello or just button mushrooms can also work beautifully! How should I store leftover Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup? Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just gently reheat on the stove over low heat; whisking as you go will help maintain that creamy texture. Can I freeze Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup? Yes! You can freeze this soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion as it freezes. To enjoy it later, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently! What if my soup is too thick or too thin? If your soup is too thick, stir in a little more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, thickening it up. Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan? Very much! You can substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Also, using olive oil instead of butter and ensuring your vegetable broth is vegan will make this soup completely plant-based. Are there any ingredient substitutions I should consider? Definitely! If you’re out of thyme, oregano or rosemary can be great alternatives. Similarly, shallots can replace onions for a milder tone, and garlic powder works in a pinch if fresh garlic isn’t available. Creamy Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Ready in 30 Minutes This Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup is a protein-packed delight, ready in 30 minutes, combining earthy mushrooms and creamy cottage cheese for a warm, comforting dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 tablespoons Butter Use olive oil for a dairy-free version1 medium Yellow Onion Can substitute with shallots2 cloves Garlic Use garlic powder in a pinchFor the Main Flavor8 cups Mixed Mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, button) Can substitute with portobello or button mushrooms alone4 cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth Swap with chicken broth for non-vegetarian optionFor Creaminess1 cup Cottage Cheese Opt for full-fat for the best textureFor Seasoning1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Use oregano or rosemary as alternativesto taste Salt Enhances flavorto taste Black Pepper Fresh cracked is preferredFor Garnishto taste Fresh Parsley Can substitute with chives or green onions Equipment large heavy-bottomed potimmersion blender Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring frequently for about 4–5 minutes until onions are translucent and aromatic.Add 8 cups of mixed mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are golden-brown and releasing their liquid.Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes.Let the soup cool slightly, then use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, ensuring some mushroom chunks remain.Stir in 1 cup of cottage cheese into the blended soup and blend until completely smooth.Ladle your soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 16gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesLet the soup cool before blending to avoid splattering. This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes better the next day. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
