10 Totally Delicious Cottage Cheese Soup Recipes

Cottage cheese has had a huge resurgence in popularity during 2024, and I’m totally here for it. The simple ingredient – which is available in practically all grocery stores and is super budget friendly – has been going viral on TikTok and has been used in everything from breakfast bowls to healthy desserts, but did you know that it can also be used as a protein-packed addition to soup recipes? 

Cottage cheese soups are typically lower in calories, higher in protein, wonderfully creamy, and make for the perfect healthy lunch or dinner idea. That’s exactly why I’ve created this roundup of 10 of the very best recipes! I’ve been experimenting with these for months now, and I think you’ll love them as much as I do. 

Let’s dive straight in… 

1. Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Soup

This rich and creamy tomato soup is enhanced with cottage cheese for extra protein and a velvety texture. Perfect for a cozy night in, this soup pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a crusty baguette. The combination of tangy tomatoes and smooth cottage cheese makes for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans diced tomatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in the cottage cheese and continue to blend until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Season with sugar (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

2. Cottage Cheese Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A twist on the classic broccoli cheddar soup, this version incorporates cottage cheese for added creaminess and protein. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly day and a great way to get your greens.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Croutons for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the broccoli and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
4. Stir in the cottage cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve with croutons on top, if desired.

3. Cottage Cheese Spinach Soup

This healthy and hearty spinach soup is blended with cottage cheese for a smooth, creamy finish. It’s packed with nutrients and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the cottage cheese and lemon juice until well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

4. Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup

Earthy mushrooms combined with cottage cheese create a savory and comforting soup. This dish is perfect for mushroom lovers looking for a creamy, satisfying meal.

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

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. I like to leave some chunky bits in there! 
5. Stir in the cottage cheese until well combined and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

5. Cottage Cheese Chicken Soup

This protein-packed chicken soup with cottage cheese, vegetables, and herbs is a wholesome meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup peas
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add the carrots and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, adding peas for the last few minutes.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and thyme until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

6. Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Soup

This low-carb, creamy cauliflower soup made with cottage cheese is a satisfying and guilt-free option for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the extra calories.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head cauliflower, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add the cauliflower and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the cottage cheese and cumin until well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.

7. Cottage Cheese Leek and Potato Soup

A classic potato leek soup enriched with cottage cheese for a thicker, richer consistency. This comforting soup is perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add the potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in the cottage cheese until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

8. Cottage Cheese Butternut Squash Soup

A creamy butternut squash soup with the added richness of cottage cheese, perfect for fall. This soup is both comforting and nutritious, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pumpkin seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add the butternut squash and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the cottage cheese and nutmeg until well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with pumpkin seeds before serving.

9. Cottage Cheese Pea Soup

This light and refreshing pea soup with cottage cheese is perfect for a springtime appetizer or light meal. It’s quick to make and full of fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add the peas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in the cottage cheese and lemon zest until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

10. Cottage Cheese Asparagus Soup

A delicious asparagus soup featuring cottage cheese, ideal for a light lunch or dinner. This soup is both creamy and refreshing, showcasing the delicate flavor of asparagus.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups asparagus, trimmed and chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shaved Parmesan for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add the asparagus and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the cottage cheese and lemon juice until well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with shaved Parmesan, if desired, before serving.

These recipes showcase the versatility and nutritional benefits of cottage cheese, offering a variety of flavors and textures to suit any palate. Enjoy experimenting with these comforting and delicious cottage cheese soups!