Sautéed Mushroom & Thyme Cottage Cheese Bowl

Serves: 2

Total Time: 20 minutes

Macros (Per Serving):

• Calories: 265
• Protein: 19g
• Carbs: 9g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g

Hey There, Let’s Talk Mushrooms and Cottage Cheese 🍄🧀

This is one of those bowls that feels fancy but takes, like, 15 minutes. Creamy cottage cheese, warm garlicky mushrooms, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil.

That’s it. But it hits every time. The mushrooms are buttery and herby, and the cottage cheese adds that perfect creamy, tangy contrast.

I started making this as a quick lunch, and now it’s on regular repeat in our house.

this recipe!

🛒 What You’ll Need

• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus a little more for drizzling)
• 1½ cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

🍽️ Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve made this more times than I can count. Here’s why I keep coming back:

• Quick & easy. You only need 15–20 minutes.
• So satisfying. The creamy and savory combo just works.
• Minimal ingredients. Nothing fancy, just real, simple food.
• Versatile. Make it for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast with toast.

It’s my go-to when I want something comforting but still light.

🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

• Mushroom magic: Mushrooms are like sponges. They soak up the oil and garlic flavor as they cook, and the heat pulls out all their natural umami.
• Cottage cheese contrast: The cool, creamy cottage cheese balances the warm, savory mushrooms—hello, flavor balance!
• Thyme brings depth: This little herb adds earthiness that ties the mushrooms and cheese together like magic.

🛠️ Tools You’ll Need

• Nonstick skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Small bowl (for garlic)
• Serving bowls

🍄 Pro Tips

1. Don’t crowd the mushrooms! Give them space in the pan so they brown, not steam.
2. Let them sit: Don’t stir too often. Let mushrooms sit in the pan a bit to get that golden edge.
3. Go full-fat. Cottage cheese with a little fat tastes way creamier and works better with the rich mushrooms.
4. Use fresh thyme if you can. It makes a big difference in flavor.
5. Add a swirl of hot honey if you want a sweet-savory twist.

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• No thyme? Use rosemary or Italian seasoning.
• Want more veggies? Add some spinach or kale to the pan with the mushrooms.
• Vegan version: Swap cottage cheese for a cashew-based cheese spread.
• No creminis? Use white button mushrooms or even shiitake for extra umami.

⏲️ Make-Ahead Tips

• Slice your mushrooms and mince your garlic ahead of time and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• You can even sauté the mushrooms in advance and reheat gently before serving.

👨‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Heat the Olive Oil

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the Mushrooms

Add the 1½ cups of sliced cremini mushrooms. Stir once, then let them sit for 2–3 minutes without moving so they brown.

3. Add Garlic and Thyme

Stir in 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tsp fresh thyme. Sauté for 2–3 more minutes until fragrant.

4. Season

Add salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a final stir.

5. Assemble Your Bowl

Scoop ½ cup of cottage cheese into each bowl. Top with warm mushrooms. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and finish with extra thyme or pepper if you want.

🥡 Leftovers & Storage

• Mushrooms: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
• Cottage cheese: Keep sealed and chilled. Only scoop what you need so the rest stays fresh.

❌ Common Mistakes

• Overcrowding the pan. Mushrooms need space to brown.
• Using cold cottage cheese. Let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes before serving.
• Burning the garlic. Add it after the mushrooms have cooked most of the way.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

• Toasted sourdough or rye bread
• A soft-boiled or poached egg on top
• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• A bowl of soup on the side (like tomato or lentil)

💡 Meal Plan Ideas

• Quick lunch: Add a slice of toast or crackers.
• Light dinner: Pair with roasted veggies or a soup.
• Brunch bowl: Add a jammy egg and avocado.
• Protein boost: Mix in a bit of canned tuna or smoked salmon.

❓ FAQ

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yep! It won’t be as creamy, but it’ll still work.

Can I prep this ahead?
Totally. Sauté the mushrooms and store them. Just reheat and assemble when ready to eat.

What kind of mushrooms work best?
Cremini are great, but any kind works—white, shiitake, even oyster!

Is this good cold?
Surprisingly, yes. The flavors still hold up when chilled, especially in warmer months.

Ready to Try It?

Hope you give this one a shot! It’s easy, cozy, and packed with flavor. Let me know how it turns out or if you made any tweaks—I’d love to hear what you think. Drop a comment or ask any questions below 👇💬