Few things say comfort quite like a warm bowl of tomato soup—but when you top it with buttery, cheesy Cheddar Bay Dumplings, you elevate a classic into something extraordinary. This recipe combines the silky smoothness of homemade tomato soup with fluffy, golden dumplings infused with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or impressing guests, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Classic with a twist: Traditional tomato soup gets an upgrade with cheesy dumplings.
- One-pot meal: Soup + bread-like dumplings = full dinner in a bowl.
- Versatile: Easy to customize for vegetarians, spice-lovers, or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Soup
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or 6 fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled & blended
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 4 tbsp cold butter, cubed
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Tomato Soup
- Heat olive oil/butter in a large pot. Add onion and sauté until golden.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sugar, crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, and thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender (or regular blender in batches) to puree until smooth.
- Stir in cream if desired, season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat.
2. Prepare the Dumplings
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
- Mix in cheddar cheese and parsley.
- Gently fold in buttermilk until dough just comes together (do not overmix).
3. Cook the Dumplings in Soup
- Bring soup to a gentle simmer.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top (about 8–10 dumplings).
- Cover pot tightly and steam for 15–18 minutes (do not lift lid early or dumplings will collapse).
- Once fluffy and cooked through, serve hot.
Pro Cooking Tips
- For richer soup: Roast fresh tomatoes before blending.
- To balance acidity: A pinch of baking soda smooths sharp tomato flavor.
- Fluffy dumplings secret: Keep butter cold and avoid overmixing.
- Cheese choice: Extra-sharp cheddar gives the best bite, but you can also mix with Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
Variations
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dumplings.
- Kid-friendly: Make smaller dumplings and reduce herbs.
- Vegan option: Swap cream for coconut milk and cheese for dairy-free cheddar.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days. Dumplings may soften but still taste great.
- Freezer: Freeze soup base separately (up to 3 months). Make fresh dumplings when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on stovetop over medium heat; avoid boiling to prevent dumplings from breaking apart.
Nutrition (Per Serving, 1 cup soup + 2 dumplings)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron rich
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned biscuit dough for the dumplings?
Yes, but homemade gives a fluffier, more flavorful result.
Q: How do I thicken my tomato soup naturally?
Simmer longer or add a small potato before blending.
Q: What’s the secret to light dumplings?
Steam with the lid on—do not lift until done.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings isn’t just a meal—it’s comfort in a bowl. With its velvety soup base, fluffy cheese-studded dumplings, and endless customization options, this recipe will become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or serving a crowd, it’s a guaranteed hit.
