Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness, then you’ve stumbled upon the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings! This recipe has a special place in my heart because it perfectly combines cozy flavors with a delightful twist. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a bustling weeknight, this dish makes everything feel just a bit brighter. Plus, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

The combination of creamy tomato soup paired with fluffy cheddar bay dumplings is simply irresistible. Not only does it warm your soul, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy days when you want something delicious without much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for those busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves tomato soup, and adding cheddar bay dumplings makes it even more fun!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the soup ahead of time and simply add the dumplings before serving.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Simple ingredients mean you know exactly what’s in your meal—no hidden surprises!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of sweet onions and rich tomatoes creates a flavor that warms your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy here—just some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Gather these items for the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings:

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color.
• Mix Up the Cheese: Try different cheese blends in your dumplings—like mozzarella or pepper jack—for a unique twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little kick!
• Make It Creamy: Stir in some coconut cream or cashew cream at the end for an extra creamy texture.

How to Make Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped sweet onion and sauté until they’re translucent. This step is key because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness, which enhances the flavor of your soup.

Step 2: Create the Base

Once your onions are ready, sprinkle in the flour and stir well. Cook this mixture for about two minutes; this will help thicken the soup later on. It creates a roux that gives your soup that lovely creamy texture.

Step 3: Add Stock and Tomatoes

Next, gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add those delicious canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. The tomatoes will provide that rich base we all love!

Step 4: Season It Right

Stir in sugar, coarse salt, and ground black pepper to taste. The sugar helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes so all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings

While your soup simmers away, preheat your oven according to package instructions for your cheddar bay biscuit mix. In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix with melted butter as directed on the package.

Step 6: Bake Them Up

Spoon dollops of the biscuit batter directly onto your simmering soup. These little clouds of dough will float on top as they bake! Pop them into the oven according to package directions until they’re golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is cooked through, ladle that warm, fragrant tomato soup into bowls topped with fluffy cheddar bay dumplings! Enjoy every bite as they soak up that deliciously rich soup.

Pro Tips for Making Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Making the perfect tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings is all about the little details! Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and vegetables whenever possible. Fresh ingredients add vibrant flavors and enhance the overall taste of your soup.

• Don’t skip the sugar: A teaspoon of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a more rounded flavor without making the soup taste sweet.

• Let it simmer: Allowing your soup to simmer for a bit longer (if time permits) will deepen the flavors. It gives all the ingredients a chance to mingle beautifully, creating a rich and comforting dish.

• Adjust seasoning at the end: After cooking, taste your soup before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed. This ensures that you achieve just the right flavor balance tailored to your palate.

• Make it creamy: If you enjoy a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of non-dairy sour cream at the end. This adds richness without compromising your dietary preferences.

How to Serve Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Serving this delightful soup can be as comforting as enjoying it. Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish to make it even more inviting!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil adds an aromatic touch and visual appeal.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper brings a bit of spice and enhances the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing! Use dairy-free cheese between slices of whole-grain bread, grilled until crispy for a nostalgic combo.

• Garden Salad: A crisp salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is refreshing and complements the warmth of the soup perfectly.

• Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until caramelized. These add color and nutrition alongside your soup.

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping. They soak up every last drop of that rich tomato goodness!

Enjoy crafting this cozy meal that warms both heart and soul!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, or store it for those busy days when you need a quick and comforting meal.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the soup to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dumplings separate until ready to serve to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
• Label containers with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, add a bit of extra chicken stock or water to help thin it out.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious recipe!

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

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them first to remove the skins, then chop and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What if I don’t have cheddar bay biscuit mix for the dumplings?

No worries! You can create a similar mixture by combining all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and shredded cheese. Just follow your favorite biscuit recipe for a delightful alternative!

How long does it take to prepare the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings?

The total time is about 40 minutes—10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings! It’s not only comforting but also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or enjoying a relaxing evening at home, this recipe is sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Happy cooking, friends—enjoy every spoonful!