This Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup is a warm, creamy delight that brings together soft cottage cheese and tasty mushrooms. It’s super easy to make and filled with comforting flavors!
I love how the cottage cheese adds a nice thick texture without being heavy. Perfect for a cozy dinner! Plus, I sometimes sprinkle a bit of croutons on top for that extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Opt for smooth or blended cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you’re not a fan, you can use ricotta cheese as a substitute, which offers a similar creaminess.
Mushrooms: Cremini and button mushrooms work great, but you can use shiitake or portobello for a deeper flavor. Dried mushrooms can also be rehydrated and used if fresh ones aren’t available.
Onion: A medium onion is key for flavor. If you prefer milder onions, consider using shallots or green onions instead.
Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, but if you’re looking for more richness, chicken broth is a solid choice. Just keep in mind the dietary preferences of your guests.
Milk/Cream: For a richer soup, you can add cream; however, you can skip it or use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter version.
Thyme: This herb adds a lovely earthy flavor. If you don’t have thyme, try using dried oregano or basil for a different twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture in My Soup?
The key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture lies in the blending step. Here’s how to do it right:
- When blending the cottage cheese, ensure it’s combined with milk for optimal creaminess.
- Carefully blend small batches to avoid overflow and ensure everything becomes smooth.
- After stirring in the blended mixture to the soup, avoid boiling it again as high heat could cause curdling.
Take your time with each step, especially caramelizing the onions and cooking mushrooms. This brings out rich flavors that enhance the soup!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Soup Base:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably smooth or blended)
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional sautéed mushroom slices (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at approximately 35 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and soft. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
2. Add Garlic and Mushrooms:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You should smell the delicious garlic aroma! Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, or until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Optional Thickening:
If you’d like a thicker soup, sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will help eliminate the raw flour taste and prepare it for the broth.
4. Add Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
While your soup is simmering, take the cottage cheese and, if using, the milk or cream, and blend them together in a blender or with an immersion blender until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
6. Combine and Heat:
Carefully stir the blended cottage cheese mixture into the pot with the soup. Heat the soup gently, but make sure not to let it boil again to avoid curdling. Stir occasionally until everything is warmed through.
7. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season! Add salt, black pepper, and thyme (if you like) to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to make it just right for you.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is hot and tasty, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, some additional sautéed mushroom slices for that extra touch. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, protein-rich Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter option! Just keep in mind that it might not be as creamy as regular cottage cheese, but the flavor will still be delicious.
What If I Don’t Have Flour for Thickening?
No worries! If you want to skip the flour, you can blend in extra cottage cheese or even use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to thicken the soup without adding flour.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
What Can I Serve With This Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a light meal. You can also serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier option!
