Tomato Soup Cheddar Bay Dumplings are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making a rich, velvety tomato soup that filled our home with an irresistible aroma. The addition of Cheddar Bay dumplings takes this beloved dish to a whole new level, combining the creamy, tangy flavors of the soup with the buttery, cheesy goodness of the dumplings. People love this dish not only for its incredible taste and texture but also for its convenience; it’s a quick and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, Tomato Soup Cheddar Bay Dumplings are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- For the Tomato Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparing the Tomato Soup
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the sugar, dried basil, and dried oregano. These herbs will add a lovely depth of flavor to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will give the soup a rich and velvety texture.
- Once the soup is ready, use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth, or carefully transfer it to a blender in batches. Be cautious with hot liquids! Return the soup to the pot and keep it warm on low heat while you prepare the dumplings.
Preparing the Cheddar Bay Dumplings
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the dry mixture. Gently fold it in, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter and milk. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings tough.
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling batter directly into the simmering tomato soup. Make sure to space them out a bit, as they will expand while cooking.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam in the soup for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is essential for cooking the dumplings properly.
Assembling and Serving
- After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid. The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through. You can check one by gently pressing it with a fork; it should spring back.
- Using a ladle, serve the tomato soup with a few dumplings in each bowl. Make sure to get a good amount of the delicious soup along with the dumplings.
- For a finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top of each serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Enjoy your hearty bowl of tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings! This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress your friends and family with a comforting meal.
Tips and Variations
- If you want to add some heat to your soup, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while it simmers.
- For a more robust flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of pesto to the soup just before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the dumplings. Gruyère or mozzarella can also work well!
- If you have leftover dumpling batter, you can cook them separately in boiling water for a different texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Store any leftover soup and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Dumplings can be reheated in the soup or separately in a microwave.
Conclusion:
In wrapping up this delightful journey into the world of Tomato Soup Cheddar Bay Dumplings, I can confidently say that this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The rich, velvety tomato soup paired with the cheesy, buttery dumplings creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and heartwarming. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider garnishing your soup with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor. You can also experiment with variations by adding spices like crushed red pepper for a kick or incorporating vegetables like spinach or roasted red peppers into the soup for added nutrition and color. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheddar for a different cheese, like Gruyère or pepper jack, to give the dumplings a unique twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Tomato Soup Cheddar Bay Dumplings recipe and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family, and let me know how it turned out for you! Your feedback and creativity can inspire others to dive into this delicious dish. Happy cooking! PrintTomato Soup Cheddar Bay Dumplings: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is a cozy, heartwarming dish that combines a rich, flavorful tomato soup with fluffy, cheesy dumplings. Perfect for chilly evenings, it offers a delightful blend of comfort and taste in every bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle in the sugar, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes to meld flavors.
- If desired, stir in the heavy cream during the last 5 minutes for a creamier texture.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches. Return to the pot and keep warm.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until well mixed.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter and milk, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup, spacing them out.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid. The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve the tomato soup with a few dumplings in each bowl, ensuring a good amount of soup accompanies them.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your hearty bowl of tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings!
Notes
- For added heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce while the soup simmers.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of pesto can enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses in the dumplings, such as Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Leftover dumpling batter can be cooked separately in boiling water for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
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