If you’re craving something soul-soothing and bursting with flavor, you’ve absolutely got to try this Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of a rich, tangy tomato base paired with soft, cheesy dumplings that melt in your mouth. This is not your ordinary tomato soup—each spoonful boasts a warmth and fullness that feels like a big, comforting hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re looking to impress family or just treat yourself, this recipe delivers in taste, texture, and pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—whether it’s the brightness of fresh herbs, the creamy richness of cheddar, or the aromatic touch from garlic and onion. Get ready to gather pantry essentials that turn into a bowl of unforgettable comfort.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing onions and garlic gently to build a flavorful base.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a savory punch that elevates every spoonful.
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup, providing a rich, tangy foundation.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Adds a light, savory liquidity that ties the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a robust taste.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances acidity, creating a perfectly rounded flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a touch of herbal freshness reminiscent of a classic Italian kitchen.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes an earthy, aromatic note that harmonizes with the basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season and brighten all the other ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without weighing it down.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The dry base for dumplings, giving them structure and fluffiness.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Ensures the dumplings burst with cheesy goodness in every bite.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The secret to light, airy dumplings that rise during cooking.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances seasoning within the dumplings.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the dumplings.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens both the dumplings and the finished soup with a herbal zing.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Combines with melted butter to create a tender, moist dumpling batter.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the dumpling ingredients beautifully.
How to Make Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and let them gently cook until the onion turns translucent. This step is crucial—it builds the foundational flavor that will shine through the soup.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Next, pour in those luscious crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Add the sugar, dried basil, oregano, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring the whole pot to a lively simmer. All these ingredients meld to create a soup base loaded with bright tomato flavor and fragrant herbs.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover your pot. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, giving it an occasional stir. This slow cooking softens the tomatoes and deepens the flavors into something truly special and hearty.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Dumplings
While your soup simmers, it’s time to whip up the star topping. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and fresh parsley. This dry mix sets the stage for dumplings that will be fluffy, cheesy, and flavorful.
Step 5: Mix the Dumpling Batter
In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk and melted butter, then pour the liquid into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—tender dumplings come from a light touch!
Step 6: Enrich the Soup
After your soup has simmered and thickened perfectly, stir in the heavy cream. This addition transforms the soup from bright and tangy to incredibly creamy and indulgent. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to make everything sing.
Step 7: Cook the Dumplings in the Soup
Use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of your dumpling batter directly into the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 10-12 minutes. They will puff up and cook through, soaking up the wonderful tomato broth and becoming the coziest bites ever.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Delicious
Spoon the soup into bowls, making sure to get plenty of those chewy, cheesy dumplings in each serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar to finish off your masterpiece!
How to Serve Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or an extra handful of shredded cheddar cheese take this dish from fantastic to unforgettable. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can even add a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This soup is such a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or crunchy garlic bread makes for a truly satisfying feast. A crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the luscious broth and cheesy dumplings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or special occasion, try serving the soup in charming individual crocks or hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch. You can also add a swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream on top for a pop of color and flavor that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered in an airtight container to maintain the dumplings’ texture and the soup’s fresh flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible but best done without the dumplings, as they can lose their texture. Freeze the tomato soup base separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then add freshly prepared dumplings when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat so the soup warms evenly without breaking down the dumplings. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup seems too thick. If you froze the base, reheat it first and prepare fresh dumplings to drop in just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Chicken broth works wonderfully if you prefer a richer, meatier flavor. It will still allow the tomatoes and dumplings to shine.
Are there any vegetarian or vegan adaptations?
For a vegetarian version, stick to vegetable broth and ensure your cheddar is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, substitute vegan cheese, use a plant-based milk, and skip the cream or replace it with coconut cream.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
While you can prepare the dumpling batter in advance, it is best to drop the dumplings into the soup fresh for the fluffiest texture and best flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley works in a pinch, just use about a third of the amount called for fresh. Fresh herbs offer a brighter taste, but dried will still add a lovely herbal note.
How thick should the soup be before adding dumplings?
The soup should be thicker than broth but not as thick as puree—it needs to gently bubble and support the dumplings so they can cook evenly without sticking to the pot.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe is such a joy to make and even more wonderful to eat. It brings comfort in every bite and a smile to every face at the table. If you haven’t tried adding cheesy dumplings to your tomato soup before, now is the perfect time to dive in. Trust me, it’s a game-changer you’ll be coming back to again and again!
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Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty tomato soup enriched with creamy cheddar bay dumplings. This classic recipe features a rich tomato base simmered with aromatic herbs, topped with fluffy cheddar dumplings for a satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant to build the soup’s flavorful base.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and sugar. Stir in dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat to meld the flavors.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the herbs and spices to infuse the soup.
- Prepare Dumpling Dry Ingredients: While the soup simmers, combine the all-purpose flour, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and chopped fresh parsley in a mixing bowl, evenly distributing all dry ingredients.
- Mix Dumpling Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk and melted butter. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain fluffy dumplings.
- Finish Soup Base: Once the soup has simmered, stir in the heavy cream to enrich the soup’s texture and flavor, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for balanced taste.
- Cook Dumplings: Using a tablespoon, drop dumpling batter into the simmering soup, spacing them evenly. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, optionally garnishing with extra chopped parsley or shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy immediately while hot.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dumpling batter to ensure light and fluffy dumplings.
- Adjust the seasoning of the soup after adding cream to suit your taste.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the herbs.
- The dumplings can be made smaller or larger depending on preference; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use fresh parsley for a brighter flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted in a pinch.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
