Ultimate Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe
Hey there, friends! If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place. The Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy, making it perfect for chilly evenings or a casual get-together with loved ones. There’s something about the rich flavors of tomato soup paired with fluffy cheddar bay dumplings that turns an ordinary day into a special occasion. Plus, it’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests.
Whether you’re curled up on the couch or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of creamy soup and cheesy dumplings is irresistible, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love dipping warm dumplings into a bowl of hearty soup?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this comforting dish ready in no time.
– Rich flavors: The blend of canned tomatoes with seasonings creates a deep, satisfying taste that’s hard to resist.
– Perfect pairing: Cheddar bay dumplings add a delicious twist, making this meal feel special without extra effort.
– Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this flavorful soup and soft dumplings.
– Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings.
For the Soup
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 chopped sweet onion
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 3 cups chicken stock
– 43.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with liquid
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Dumplings
– 11-ounce packet cheddar bay biscuit mix
– 2 tablespoons butter
Variations
One of the best things about cooking is how flexible it can be! Feel free to play around with these variations for your Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings.
– Add some greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
– Spice it up: Include red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you crave a little heat in your soup.
– Swap the cheese: Try using a different cheese blend in the dumplings for unique flavor combinations.
– Make it dairy-free: Substitute plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk in the soup for a lighter version.
How to Make Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Adding the chopped sweet onion will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma as it cooks down. Stir occasionally until the onions are soft and translucent; this step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour over the softened onions and stir well to combine. Cooking this mixture for about one minute will help eliminate any raw flour taste while thickening your soup beautifully.
Step 3: Add Stock and Tomatoes
Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Next, add the canned diced tomatoes along with their liquid. This gives your soup its signature tomato flavor. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Season Your Soup
Add sugar, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavors. These seasonings balance out the acidity of tomatoes and make each spoonful deliciously satisfying. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare Dumpling Mixture
While your soup simmers, prepare your cheddar bay biscuit mix according to package instructions. Add melted butter to give those dumplings their signature richness; they’ll be fluffy and packed with flavor!
Step 6: Cook Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture directly into the simmering soup during its final minutes of cooking. Covering the pot allows them to steam perfectly on top of that lovely tomato base.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your dumplings are cooked through (usually about 10 minutes), ladle generous portions into bowls and dig in! The combination of creamy tomato soup with cheesy dumplings is simply irresistible—a true comfort food masterpiece.
Enjoy every soothing bite of your Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings!
Pro Tips for Making Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings
Making this comforting tomato soup with delightful cheddar bay dumplings is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips up your sleeve. Here are some suggestions to elevate your cooking experience!
– Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor: Fresh onions and high-quality canned tomatoes can dramatically enhance the taste of your soup, making it rich and vibrant.
– Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Don’t hesitate to tweak the salt, pepper, or sugar levels based on your preference. Taste as you go!
– Experiment with herbs: Adding dried basil or oregano can give your soup an extra layer of flavor. Just a pinch can make a big difference.
– Make the dumplings fluffy: Be careful not to overmix the biscuit dough; a few lumps are okay. This will ensure that your dumplings turn out light and fluffy.
– Keep it warm before serving: If you’re preparing the soup ahead of time, keep it on low heat to maintain its warmth without cooking it further.
How to Serve Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings
Serving this delightful dish is all about presentation and pairing. You can transform a simple meal into a feast for the eyes as well as the belly!
Garnishes
– Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your bowl.
– Grated cheese: A dash of shredded cheddar cheese on top creates a creamy texture that complements the soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
– Grilled cheese sandwiches: A classic pairing that brings nostalgia and comfort to any meal.
– Crusty bread: Serve with some slices of crusty bread for dipping—perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious soup.
– Green salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prep can be a lifesaver during busy weeks, and this tomato soup is perfect for preparing in advance. Here’s how you can store it.
Storing Leftovers
– Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Freezing
– Portion out cold soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
– It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
– Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
– For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl covered loosely with a lid, heating in short bursts until hot.
FAQs
If you have any questions about this recipe, don’t worry! Here are some common queries regarding our Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! If you prefer using fresh tomatoes, just peel and chop them before adding them to the pot. You may need to adjust cooking times since fresh tomatoes might take longer to break down.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version without losing any flavor.
How do I make my dumplings more flavorful?
Adding bits of shredded cheese or finely chopped herbs directly into the biscuit mix can enhance their flavor. You could also brush them with melted butter before baking for an extra touch!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings! It’s such a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet onion and stir occasionally until soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle in the flour over the softened onions and stir well to combine. Cook for about one minute.
- Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring constantly. Add the canned diced tomatoes along with their liquid and stir everything together.
- Add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the cheddar bay biscuit mix according to package instructions. Add melted butter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup during its final minutes of cooking.
- Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve.
