Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul and brings the family together, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting meal during chilly evenings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. The creamy tomato soup paired with fluffy cheddar bay dumplings creates a delightful combination that’s hard to resist.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that everyone will love. So grab your favorite pot, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the comforting flavors of tomato soup and cheesy dumplings. It’s a meal that brings everyone to the table!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just whip up the dumplings when you’re ready to serve!
• Deliciously Satisfying: With rich, tangy tomatoes and cheesy dumplings, every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that warms you up from the inside out!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is super simple thanks to these wholesome ingredients. Let’s gather what we need!

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

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale at the end for an extra nutrient boost.
• Kick it up a notch: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat if you enjoy spicy flavors.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Cheesy goodness: Mix in some shredded cheese into the soup before serving for an extra layer of creaminess.

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. Add in the chopped sweet onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent. This step is crucial as it brings out the natural sweetness of the onion, which builds a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Thicken It Up

Once your onions are ready, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir well. Let it cook for about a minute; this helps to create a roux that thickens your soup nicely while adding a rich texture.

Step 3: Add Stock and Tomatoes

Next, slowly pour in the chicken stock while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Then add those luscious canned diced tomatoes along with their liquid, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing those flavors to marry beautifully over about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Dumplings

While your soup simmers, prepare your cheddar bay biscuit mix according to package instructions. Mixing it up is quick and easy—just remember not to overwork it so they stay fluffy!

Step 5: Cook Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of your cheddar bay biscuit dough onto the simmering soup. Cover tightly and let them steam for about 15 minutes until they rise and are cooked through. This step makes them pillowy soft—just perfect for dipping into that warm tomato goodness!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything is ready, ladle generous portions of soup into bowls topped with those delightful dumplings. Don’t forget some fresh herbs or grated cheese on top if you’d like! Now gather around your table and enjoy this heartwarming meal together.

There you have it! A simple yet delicious recipe that will surely become one of your go-to meals—the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Making the perfect tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings is all about little tweaks that can elevate your dish. Here are some pro tips to help you shine in the kitchen!

• Use fresh herbs for flavor: Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking enhances the freshness of your soup and adds a lovely aroma.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar as needed to find that perfect balance.

• Opt for quality canned tomatoes: Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer flavor. They can make all the difference in achieving that delicious, comforting taste.

• Don’t rush the dumpling prep: Allowing the cheddar bay biscuit mix to rest for a few minutes before adding them to the soup helps them rise better and ensures a fluffy texture.

• Serve it hot: For the best experience, serve your soup piping hot right after preparation. It keeps everything cozy and enhances those lovely flavors!

How to Serve Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Serving this delightful dish can turn a simple meal into something special. Here’s how to present it beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few leaves on top add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
• A drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle can enhance richness and give your soup a gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing! Crispy, buttery goodness complements the creamy soup perfectly.

• Garden Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

• Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring depth and healthiness, rounding out your meal nicely.

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping—a must-have for soaking up every last drop of that delicious tomato soup!

Enjoy your time in the kitchen and savor each comforting bite of this Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a big batch in advance and store it for those busy weeknights when you need something comforting and quick.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.
• Avoid storing dumplings in the soup if you plan to reheat, as they may become soggy.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer the soup (without dumplings) into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, let it thaw first, then heat.
• Prepare fresh dumplings while reheating to maintain their fluffy texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings?

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh tomatoes, aim for about 5-6 cups of diced tomatoes. Just remember to adjust cooking time based on how quickly they soften.

What can I serve alongside the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings?

This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread. You could also enjoy it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo!

How do I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make this dish vegan, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and use vegan butter in place of regular butter. The cheddar bay biscuit mix can often be found in vegan varieties too!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings as I am! It’s a cozy dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring alone on a chilly evening. Enjoy making it and don’t hesitate to get creative by adding your favorite herbs or spices! Happy cooking!