If you’re craving something comforting yet surprisingly light, this Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Recipe is going to win your heart and your taste buds. It’s a velvety blend of earthy mushrooms and creamy cottage cheese that creates a soup bursting with flavor and texture. The best part is how effortlessly it comes together using simple, wholesome ingredients that turn into something truly special and satisfying. If you love cozy meals that feel indulgent but are actually nourishing, this soup is a must-try on your recipe list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Recipe keeps things straightforward, so you only need a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in bringing out a perfect balance of creaminess, depth, and aroma.
- Butter: Melts beautifully to sauté the aromatics, adding richness and a silky base.
- Yellow onion: Provides a gentle sweetness and a soft texture once cooked down.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the flavors without overpowering them.
- Mixed mushrooms: Using cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms gives a complex, earthy taste and lovely bite.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: Builds the soup’s body while keeping it light and healthy.
- Cottage cheese: The star ingredient that offers creaminess and protein without heaviness.
- Dried thyme or fresh thyme: Infuses the soup with subtle herbal notes that complement the mushrooms perfectly.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Enhance all the natural flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a mild peppery flavor.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns translucent and soft—this creates a flavorful foundation. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
Next, add your sliced mixed mushrooms to the pot. Stir them around and allow them to soften and release their moisture. This deepens their umami flavor and gives your soup that rich, earthy character. Keep cooking until the mushrooms are tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Thyme
Pour in the vegetable broth along with your thyme. Bringing the soup to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully. The broth picks up the essence of the mushrooms and herbs, creating a savory, inviting base.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree it until smooth. This step creates that luxurious creamy texture without needing heavy cream. Return the blended soup to the pot to continue cooking.
Step 5: Stir in Cottage Cheese and Season
Now comes the magic twist—fold in the cottage cheese. As it warms up, it melts into the soup, adding luscious creaminess and a subtle tang. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting to your personal preference.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Hello, fresh parsley! Sprinkling chopped parsley on top brightens the soup’s earthy tones and adds a pop of color. You could also add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a touch of decadence. These small touches elevate the dish and make it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs exceptionally well with crusty bread or warm, buttery toast to dip and savor every drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy soup nicely, balancing out the meal with freshness. If you want something heartier, roasted vegetables or a grain bowl work beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or quaint mugs for that cozy vibe. For a more elegant touch, swirl a spoonful of crème fraîche or a few drops of truffle oil on the surface just before serving. You can even top with sautéed mushroom slices for a bit of texture and visual appeal. Presentation makes a difference in how much your guests will love this soup!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while still tasting fresh. Just give it a good stir before reheating to keep the texture smooth.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but cottage cheese may slightly change texture after thawing. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creaminess. Avoid boiling to keep the cottage cheese from separating. A splash of vegetable broth can be added if the soup thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! While cottage cheese adds a unique creamy texture with less fat, you can substitute ricotta or cream cheese for a richer texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might shift slightly, but the soup will remain delicious.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Recipe is entirely vegetarian. Using vegetable broth keeps it plant-based, and the combination of mushrooms and cottage cheese delivers plenty of protein and richness without meat.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely. Finely chopped carrots, celery, or leeks sautéed with the onions would add wonderful flavors and textures. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to cook the veggies properly before blending.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup is silky and smooth but not overly thick—think creamy broth consistency. You can adjust thickness by adding more or less vegetable broth or by blending it a bit longer if you prefer it extra velvety.
What’s the best way to reheat without curdling the cottage cheese?
Gently reheat the soup on low heat and stir often to prevent curdling. Avoid high heat or boiling since that can cause the cheese to separate. Adding a little broth while reheating helps keep it smooth and creamy.
Final Thoughts
Ready to cozy up with a bowl of soul-warming goodness? This Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect anytime you want comfort with a healthy twist. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough to share with friends and family. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a favorite to turn to again and again!
Print
Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish, perfectly balanced with sautéed mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and smooth cottage cheese for a luscious texture. Made with simple ingredients and simmered to develop deep flavors, this soup is an ideal starter or a light meal for mushroom lovers.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Mushrooms and Broth
- 1 pound mixed mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, button)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Seasonings and Finish
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes, releasing a sweet aroma.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
- Cook Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mixed mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their juices, developing rich flavor.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and add the thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender or a countertop blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Return the soup to the pot if needed.
- Add Cottage Cheese and Season: Stir in the cottage cheese and heat through gently over low heat. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, ensuring the soup is well-balanced.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture; low-fat alternatives can be used but will result in a thinner soup.
- Fresh thyme provides a brighter flavor, but dried thyme works well if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
- For extra umami, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste before blending.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
