If you’re craving something heartwarming, nostalgic, and surprisingly delightful, this Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe is your next kitchen adventure. Imagine the savory goodness of leftover stuffing transformed into soft, flavorful dumplings, swimming in a rich broth filled with tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and herbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food that turns simple ingredients into a bowl of pure happiness, perfect for chilly days or whenever your soul needs a cozy hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe is easier than you think. The ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing a unique element to the final dish—from the fluffy dumplings to the rich broth and fresh veggies that add color and texture.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup): The backbone of your dumplings, providing structure and fluffiness.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature, lightly beaten): They bind everything together, ensuring your dumplings hold their shape beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a bright, herbaceous note right into the dumplings and for garnish.
- Leftover stuffing (2 cups): The star ingredient that makes these dumplings uniquely flavorful and nostalgic.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Enriches the soup’s base and gives those vegetables a gorgeous golden sauté.
- Carrots (2 large, peeled and diced): Sweet and crunchy, bringing vibrant color and texture.
- Celery stalks (2, cut into chunks): Adds a subtle earthiness and excellent depth of flavor.
- Large onion (1, diced): Key for that comforting aroma and caramelized sweetness.
- Chicken or turkey stock (6 cups): The hearty, flavorful broth that ties all the ingredients seamlessly together.
- Shredded cooked turkey (2 cups): Tender protein chunks that perfectly complement the dumplings and vegetables.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh pop of green to finish the dish with elegance.
How to Make Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dumplings
Start by combining your flour, eggs, and chopped parsley in a mixing bowl. Then add your leftover stuffing—it’s incredible how this ingredient brings an instant boost of flavor. Mix everything until it’s well combined, creating a thick, slightly sticky dough that’s ready for cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. To prevent sticking and shape your dumplings perfectly, dip a spoon into the hot water before scooping the stuffing mixture. Drop large dollops into the boiling water and wait patiently until each dumpling floats to the surface—that’s the magical signal they’re cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced carrots, celery, and onion, season lightly with salt, and cook until the veggies soften and become fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds layers of flavor that make the soup truly comforting.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup Base
Pour in your chicken or turkey stock, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow simmer allows the vegetables to release their sweetness and the broth to develop a richer taste.
Step 5: Add Turkey and Dumplings
Now it’s time to add shredded turkey and those perfect dumplings back into the pot. Heat everything through with a gentle simmer so the flavors meld and the dumplings absorb some of the broth’s goodness without falling apart.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give the soup a final taste, seasoning it with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley to bring that finishing touch of color and freshness.
How to Serve Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for color—when added right before serving, it adds a burst of freshness that brightens every spoonful. You can also sprinkle a dash of freshly grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes if you like a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls makes it feel even more like a hearty, satisfying meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation. Or try layering the soup in clear glass mugs to showcase the colorful veggies, golden dumplings, and tender turkey—it’s sure to impress guests and spark conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better, than the first serving.
Freezing
This Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe freezes well but for best texture, store the soup and dumplings separately. Freeze the soup broth and vegetables in a sealed container for up to 3 months, while dumplings are best frozen on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a freezer bag.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the broth gently on the stove and add dumplings last to avoid overcooking. Simmer just until everything is heated through, and season again before serving to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh stuffing instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! If you don’t have leftover stuffing on hand, you can easily make a fresh batch using your favorite bread and seasoning mix. The key is to keep it slightly moist so the dumplings hold together well.
What if I don’t have turkey—can chicken be used instead?
Chicken works beautifully as a substitute in this soup. Use cooked, shredded chicken to maintain the hearty protein element, and you’ll still get all the comfort and flavor this recipe promises.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Swap out the turkey and chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the meat. Use hearty veggies like mushrooms or beans to add substance, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of this comforting dish.
Are there any tips for making dumplings cook evenly?
Yes! Make sure your dumpling mixture sticks together well without being too wet or dry. Also, only drop large spoonfuls at a time into boiling water and avoid overcrowding the pot to give each dumpling enough room to float and cook thoroughly.
Can I customize the vegetables in the soup?
Definitely! While carrots, celery, and onion are classic, feel free to add other favorites like peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and variety. Just keep the cooking times in mind for each vegetable.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe is pure kitchen magic—turning simple ingredients and leftovers into a warm, soulful bowl of comfort. It’s perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or whenever you want to feel the joy of home cooking. I hope you give it a try and discover how easy and satisfying it can be to create a dish that feels like a big, delicious hug in a bowl.
Print
Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This comforting Stuffing Dumpling Soup recipe transforms leftover stuffing into fluffy dumplings, simmered in a hearty turkey and vegetable broth. Filled with tender carrots, celery, onion, shredded turkey, and fresh parsley, it’s a cozy and delicious way to enjoy a warming soup perfect for chilly days or post-holiday meals.
Ingredients
Dumplings
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups leftover stuffing
Soup
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 cups chicken stock (or turkey stock)
- 2 cups shredded cooked turkey
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Make Dumplings: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, lightly beaten eggs, and chopped fresh parsley. Add the leftover stuffing and mix everything until well incorporated to form a dumpling mixture.
- Cook Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Dip a spoon in the hot water to prevent sticking, then drop large dollops of the stuffing mixture into the boiling water. Cook the dumplings until they float to the top, indicating they are done. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Make Soup Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery chunks, and diced onion. Season with kosher salt, and cook the vegetables until they are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the chicken or turkey stock and raise the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
- Add Turkey and Dumplings: Stir in the shredded cooked turkey along with the cooked dumplings. Continue to simmer the soup until everything is heated through evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves before serving hot. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful stuffing dumpling soup for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Use leftover stuffing to add flavor and texture to the dumplings, making this a perfect post-holiday recipe.
- Dumplings can be gently cooked in boiling water or broth, but boiling water prevents dilution of soup flavors during dumpling preparation.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end to suit your taste, especially since the stuffing and stock may contain varying salt levels.
- This soup freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for dumplings.
