Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Craving a bowl of pure comfort? This Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings recipe is a hug in a bowl! Silky smooth tomato soup meets fluffy, cheesy dumplings for a delightful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Tomato Soup Recipe

This Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

• Ready in under an hour
• The soup is rich and creamy, with a hint of sweetness
• The dumplings are incredibly fluffy and cheesy
• Budget-friendly and uses pantry staples
• A comforting and satisfying meal for any day
• Easier cleanup than traditional soups with dumplings
• Aromas fill your kitchen with warmth and coziness
• Simple enough for even beginner cooks to master

Ingredients Needed for Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Gather your ingredients for this comforting classic! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Tomato Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 150g/1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (approximately 1.6kg)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (about 950ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 180g)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted (about 57g)
• 3/4 cup milk (about 180ml)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 113g)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, for brushing

Selection tip: Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch, but dried parsley can be substituted in a pinch.

Essential Equipment List

Make sure you have these tools ready before you start cooking:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly.
• Medium bowl: For mixing the dumpling dough.
• Small bowl: To prepare the garlic butter topping for the dumplings.
• Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients for the dumplings.

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• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Optional: A ladle makes serving easier and cleaner.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Medium

This recipe is easily scalable – double it for a crowd, or halve it for a smaller meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings:

Make the Tomato Soup Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
4. If desired, stir in heavy cream for a richer soup.

Prepare the Cheddar Bay Dumplings

1. While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
2. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and milk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Cook the Dumplings in the Soup

1. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering tomato soup. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this can cause the dumplings to deflate.
2. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and garlic powder for brushing. Brush the tops of the cooked dumplings with the garlic butter mixture.
3. Serve the Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings immediately. Garnish with extra parsley or cheddar cheese, if desired.

Pro Tip: For extra fluffy dumplings, let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes before dropping them into the soup.

CHECK OUT: **Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe** – A delightful morning treat

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough: Overmixing leads to tough dumplings. Stir just until combined.
• Avoid lifting the lid too often: This can cause the dumplings to deflate and become dense.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or sugar to the soup according to your preference.
• Use good quality cheddar: A sharp cheddar will give the dumplings a more pronounced cheesy flavor.

Bonus hack: Use pre-shredded cheddar cheese to save time on prep!

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives, and nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese in the dumplings.
• Add herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for a unique flavor profile.



• Different Cheese: Try Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese in the dumplings for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Hearty Tomato Soup

Enhance your Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings experience with these delicious pairings:

• Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic pairing for tomato soup.
• Green salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips add a hearty and nutritious side.
• Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious soup.

This soup is a fantastic fall or winter meal, perfect for chilly evenings!

Health Benefits

This Hearty Tomato Soup is packed with nutrients! Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health. The vegetable broth provides hydration and essential minerals. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and protein. This meal is a good source of fiber from the tomatoes and provides a comforting, balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your soup:

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the dumplings separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add the dumplings during the last few minutes of reheating to warm them through.
• Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, the texture of the dumplings may change after freezing.

Prevent spoilage: Cool the soup completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Add all the soup ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Prepare the dumplings separately and add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Use about 6 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Simmer them for a longer time to develop the flavors.

How do I avoid soggy dumplings?

To prevent soggy dumplings, make sure the soup is simmering gently, not boiling vigorously. Also, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the dumpling recipe. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 15g

Note: Exact nutritional values depend on specific ingredients used. Use a nutrition calculator for precise details.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more comforting and delicious recipes? Try these:

• Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe – Indulge in a taste of autumn with this cozy breakfast.
• Italian Grinder Chicken Salad – A flavorful and satisfying salad option.
• The Best Birria Tacos – Dive into the rich and savory flavors of these popular tacos.

Conclusion

This Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is a fast, flavorful, and comforting meal that will impress your family and friends. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your delicious creations! Let us know how it goes – comment below!

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