Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings on a chilly day. This soup combines rich, creamy tomato flavor with fluffy, cheesy dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s the ultimate comfort food for lunch, dinner, or a cozy evening treat.

What makes this recipe extra special is the dumplings. Inspired by classic Cheddar Bay Biscuits, they float on top of the tomato soup, adding a savory, cheesy twist that elevates a simple soup into a hearty, soul-satisfying meal. The soup itself is simple to make, using pantry staples like canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a touch of cream for smoothness.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving a warm bowl of comfort, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels. It takes under an hour from start to finish, is rich in flavor, and offers flexibility for substitutions or dietary tweaks. Plus, the dumplings double as a fun twist kids and adults will both love.

Prep this recipe when you want a fuss-free, indulgent meal that feels homemade, cozy, and satisfying without hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 4

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What Makes This Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Special?

• Fluffy Cheddar Bay Dumplings: Inspired by the famous biscuits, they add a cheesy, tender topping that transforms ordinary tomato soup into a hearty meal.

• Rich, Creamy Tomato Base: The soup balances sweetness, acidity, and creaminess for a smooth, comforting texture.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Versatile Ingredients: Pantry staples plus optional fresh herbs make it flexible for substitutions.

• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Kids love the cheesy dumplings, while adults enjoy the sophisticated flavor.

(Tip: You can make the soup in advance and bake the dumplings just before serving for an easy, fresh touch.)

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Ingredient Notes

• Canned Tomatoes: Use whole peeled tomatoes for the best flavor. You can substitute with fresh roasted tomatoes if preferred.

• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics give depth to the soup; shallots can be used as a milder alternative.

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds richness; for a vegetarian option, stick with vegetable broth.

• Heavy Cream: Provides creaminess; can be swapped with half-and-half or coconut cream for dairy-free.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for flavor; you can experiment with Colby or Monterey Jack.

• Flour & Butter (for dumplings): Forms the base of the dumplings; gluten-free flour blends can be used.

• Baking Powder: Ensures fluffy dumplings; double-check it’s fresh for best results.

• Optional Herbs: Fresh thyme, parsley, or basil can elevate both the soup and dumplings.

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How To Make Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Soup Base

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2. Add tomatoes: Pour in a 28-ounce can of crushed or whole peeled tomatoes. Break them up with a spoon.

3. Add broth and seasonings: Stir in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity), salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Blend until smooth: Use an immersion blender or transfer in batches to a blender until silky smooth. Return to pot.

5. Add cream: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and adjust seasoning. Keep warm while preparing dumplings.

Step 2: Make the Cheddar Bay Dumplings

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

2. Add cheese and butter: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 3 tablespoons cold butter cut into small cubes.

3. Add liquid: Stir in 1/3 cup milk until a sticky dough forms.

4. Shape dumplings: Using a spoon, scoop dough into small balls about 1 inch each.

Step 3: Cook Dumplings in Soup

1. Simmer dumplings: Gently drop dumplings into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, without lifting the lid too often.

2. Check for doneness: Dumplings should be puffed and firm. Cut one in half to ensure it’s cooked through.

Step 4: Serve

• Ladle soup into bowls, making sure each serving has 2–3 dumplings.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil if desired.

• Serve hot with crusty bread for extra comfort.

Tips:

• Avoid over-stirring dumplings while cooking—they may become dense.

• If soup thickens too much while simmering, add extra broth or water.

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Storage Options

• Room Temperature: Serve immediately; dumplings are best fresh.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup and dumplings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Soup can be frozen, but dumplings are best made fresh. Freeze only soup base for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat soup gently on the stovetop. Add fresh dumplings when ready to serve.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend in dumplings.

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup base.

• Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for a garden-fresh flavor.

• Cheese Swaps: Try Gruyere, Fontina, or a mix of cheeses in dumplings for different flavor profiles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the soup ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the soup base up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently and add freshly made dumplings before serving.

2. Can I freeze the whole soup with dumplings?
   It’s better to freeze only the soup. Dumplings don’t freeze well and may become soggy.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
   Absolutely. Roast or simmer 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes with a bit of sugar and salt, then blend.

4. How do I make dumplings fluffier?
   Ensure baking powder is fresh and don’t overmix dough. Drop gently into simmering soup.

5. Can I make dairy-free?
   Use coconut cream or a plant-based milk for the soup and dairy-free cheese in dumplings.

6. How thick should the soup be?
   Aim for a creamy consistency—not too runny, not overly thick. Adjust with broth as needed.

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Conclusion

This Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence to any meal. From the creamy tomato base to the cheesy dumplings floating on top, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or when you simply crave a comforting bowl, this recipe is easy, quick, and customizable. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your cozy creations with friends and family!

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