There’s just something about a steaming bowl of tomato soup that wraps you in a cozy hug, especially on a chilly day. I remember one rainy afternoon, I was curled up on the couch, looking out at the gray skies, and I decided to whip up my favorite comfort food—tomato soup cheddar bay dumplings. The tangy, rich flavor of the soup combined with the cheesy, fluffy dumplings is pure magic. It’s quick to prepare too, which is a lifesaver when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this dish is a game-changer for your weeknight meals. You’ll be amazed at how the simple ingredients come together to create something so warm and satisfying!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups tomato soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Prepare Tomato Soup Cheddar Bay Dumplings
Step 1: Heat the Tomato Soup
First things first, you’ll want to pour those 4 cups of tomato soup into a large pot and set it over medium heat. As it warms up, you can stir it gently to get those flavors mingling beautifully. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over; we want a nice simmer here, not a crazed volcano of soup! This step sets the stage for the heavenly dumplings to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
While the soup is heating, let’s whip up that fluffy dumpling batter! In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Give it a good whisk to blend everything together. Now, add in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of milk. Here’s the trick: mix it until just combined. You want a few lumps to remain—trust me, that’ll keep your dumplings light and airy.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Basil
Now for the fun part! Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil into the batter. Wow, the smell of fresh basil mixed with cheesy goodness is just divine! Make sure everything is well integrated but don’t overmix—remember, lumps are your friends here!
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Okay, we’re almost there! Once your soup is simmering nicely, drop spoonfuls of the batter right into the soup. You can use a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop—whatever works best for you. Cover the pot and let those dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. Don’t peek too often; we want them to steam and cook through! You’ll know they’re ready when they puff up and look fluffy. Oh, the anticipation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons! First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—seriously, you can have a comforting bowl of tomato soup topped with cheesy bay dumplings in just about 30 minutes! That means no long waits when you’re hungry and want something delicious right now.
And let’s talk about the flavors. The rich, tangy tomato soup is like a warm embrace, while the cheddar bay dumplings bring that cheesy, fluffy goodness that just elevates the dish to another level. I mean, who can resist that?! It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds. Plus, the fresh basil adds a pop of brightness that balances everything out perfectly.
Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a little comfort food therapy, this dish delivers every single time. It’s simple, satisfying, and utterly delightful—definitely a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!
Tips for Success
To make sure your tomato soup cheddar bay dumplings turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips for you! First off, keep an eye on that soup as it simmers. You want it to bubble gently, not boil vigorously—this helps the flavors meld beautifully without risking any scorched bits at the bottom. Nobody wants that!
When mixing your dumpling batter, remember to mix just until combined. A few lumps are totally okay; they help keep those dumplings light and fluffy, which is just what we’re looking for. If you overmix, you might end up with dense dumplings, and we don’t want that sad situation!
Also, don’t skip on the fresh basil! It adds such a lovely aroma and freshness to the dish. If you can, use fresh over dried for that vibrant flavor kick. Finally, let those dumplings steam undisturbed while they cook. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it when you lift the lid and see those fluffy beauties waiting for you!
Oh, and if you want to take it up a notch, think about adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top just before serving. It melts into a delicious gooey layer that makes it irresistible. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! This comforting bowl of tomato soup cheddar bay dumplings is not only satisfying but also gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But this should give you a pretty solid idea of what you’re savoring in each comforting bowl. Enjoy every spoonful, knowing you’re indulging in something hearty and delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I use homemade tomato soup?
Absolutely! Homemade tomato soup is a fantastic option and can elevate the dish even more. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and rich in flavor to complement those cheesy dumplings beautifully.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. For a sharper flavor, try using Gruyère or even pepper jack for a little kick!
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
While I recommend making the dumplings fresh for the best texture, you can prep the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just give it a good stir before dropping them into the soup.
What if my dumplings are dense?
Dense dumplings can happen if you overmix the batter or add too much flour. Remember, mix just until combined and keep an eye on those measurements. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool down and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just know that the dumplings may absorb some of the soup, so they might not be as fluffy when reheated.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is a bit tricky with dumplings in soup since they can become mushy. If you want to try, I recommend freezing the soup and dumplings separately, then combining them after reheating the soup.
What can I add to spice it up?
If you like a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the dumpling batter for an extra kick!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious leftover tomato soup cheddar bay dumplings is super simple! First, let the soup cool down to room temperature before you move it to an airtight container. This helps prevent any condensation from making it soggy—nobody wants that! You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 days, but I recommend enjoying it sooner rather than later for the best flavor. Just keep in mind that the dumplings may get a bit softer as they sit in the soup.
When it comes to reheating, I’ve found the best method is to gently warm it on the stovetop. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot throughout. This way, the dumplings can reabsorb some of that flavorful broth without becoming mushy. If you find the soup too thick after sitting in the fridge, feel free to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up a bit—just adjust it to your liking!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just transfer a bowl of the soup and dumplings into a microwave-safe container. Cover it loosely (to avoid splatters!) and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s heated to your preference. Just be careful not to overheat it, or those fluffy dumplings might lose their charm!
And if you ever find yourself with more than you can eat, consider separating the soup and dumplings before freezing. The soup can freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, while the dumplings are best made fresh. If you do freeze, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy every comforting bite, whether fresh or reheated!
Print
Tomato Soup Cheddar Bay Dumplings: A Cozy Comfort Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting tomato soup topped with cheesy bay dumplings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups tomato soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat the tomato soup in a large pot over medium heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- Add melted butter and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and basil.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Notes
- Serve hot for best flavor.
- Use fresh tomatoes for a homemade soup option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: tomato soup, cheddar bay dumplings