Description
Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. This recipe combines a rich, savory tomato base with fluffy, cheesy dumplings for a truly satisfying meal. It’s simple to make and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, broth, and the dried basil and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until smooth (or leave it chunky if preferred). Return to heat after blending.
- Stir in the heavy cream, and season with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer while preparing the dumplings.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and parsley flakes. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
- In another bowl, mix milk and melted butter until combined. Gradually add to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup.
- Cover and allow dumplings to steam in the soup for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
- Once the dumplings are ready, use a ladle to serve the soup with dumplings into bowls.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for a brighter flavor.
- Consider using crushed or roasted tomatoes for a deeper taste.
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort food pairing.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Add fresh chives or thyme to the dumpling mixture for extra flavor.
- Roast garlic with onions for a sweeter, richer soup base.
- Stir in cooked shredded chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Dumplings are best enjoyed fresh.
- Freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Prepare fresh dumplings when reheating.
- To make gluten-free dumplings, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: N/A