Name: Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 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; 11-ounce packet cheddar bay biscuit mix; 2 tablespoons butter (for dumplings)

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If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming meal that brings a smile to every face at the table, you’ve landed in the right spot! My Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl of comfort that warms the soul. This dish has been a family favorite for years, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with loved ones. The rich, flavorful tomato soup paired with fluffy cheddar bay dumplings creates a delightful experience that’s sure to impress.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and about 40 minutes of your time, you can create something delicious and satisfying. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this wonderful world of flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this meal fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the comforting taste of tomato soup and cheesy dumplings!
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the soup in advance and simply add the dumplings when ready to serve.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet onions, savory tomatoes, and cheesy dumplings creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our hearty ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

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! You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Add some greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
Spice it up: Include red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you enjoy a little heat.
Cheesy goodness: Add shredded cheese on top of the dumplings before baking for an even richer flavor.
Herb it up: Fresh basil or parsley can brighten up the soup beautifully.

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 in your chopped sweet onion and sauté until they’re translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as cooking the onions enhances their natural sweetness, forming a solid flavor base for your soup.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Once the onions are ready, sprinkle in the flour and stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes. This roux helps thicken your soup while adding depth to its flavor—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Step 3: Add Chicken Stock and Tomatoes

Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then add your canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Season It Up

Sprinkle in sugar, coarse salt, and black pepper. These seasonings balance out the acidity of the tomatoes while enhancing their natural flavors. Let this simmer for about 15 minutes so all those delicious flavors meld together.

Step 5: Prepare Dumplings

While your soup simmers, preheat your oven according to package instructions for the cheddar bay biscuit mix. In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix with water as directed on the package—easy peasy!

Step 6: Bake Those Dumplings

Once your soup is ready, drop spoonfuls of dough over it as directed on the biscuit mix package instructions. Transfer everything to the oven and bake until golden brown—this usually takes around 15 minutes.

And there you have it! A delightful bowl of Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings that’s ready to be enjoyed by all. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Making the perfect tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings is all about technique and a little love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time!

Sauté the onions until golden – This enhances their sweetness and adds depth to your soup’s flavor, making every spoonful delightful.
Use high-quality canned tomatoes – Opting for San Marzano or other premium brands can greatly improve the taste of your soup, bringing rich, authentic flavors to the forefront.
Don’t skip the sugar – Just a teaspoon balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious and rounded flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Let it simmer – Allowing your soup to simmer for at least 20 minutes melds all those lovely flavors together, resulting in a rich and comforting dish.
Experiment with herbs – Fresh basil or oregano can elevate your soup even further; adding them during the last few minutes of cooking will infuse a fresh aroma and taste.

How to Serve Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Serving this delightful dish can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present your Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings in style.

Garnishes

Fresh Basil Leaves – A sprinkle of fresh basil not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic touch.
Shredded Cheese – A little sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top can add a melty goodness that complements the dumplings perfectly.

Side Dishes

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – The classic pairing! Crunchy, buttery bread filled with gooey cheese makes for a comforting side that everyone loves.
Simple Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
Crusty Bread or Rolls – Nothing beats dipping warm, crusty bread into your tomato soup. Choose sourdough or whole grain for added texture and flavor.
Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal roasted veggies provides both color and nutrients, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Enjoy serving this delicious tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings—it’s bound to warm hearts and bellies alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the soup in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Keep the dumplings separate if possible to maintain their texture.

Freezing

Let the soup cool entirely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers.
Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best quality, consume within a month.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
If reheating from frozen, you can also use a microwave; just stir every minute for even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings!

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

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove skins, chop, and proceed with the recipe just as you would with canned.

What can I substitute for chicken stock in this Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings?

For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works wonderfully! It will still keep that rich flavor while aligning with dietary preferences.

How can I make my dumplings fluffier?

To make fluffier dumplings, avoid overmixing when adding water to your cheddar bay biscuit mix. Just combine until wet; some lumps are okay!

Can I add vegetables to my tomato soup?

Certainly! Feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach when cooking your onions. They’ll provide extra nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes! Follow our freezing instructions above to ensure your soup retains its deliciousness when stored for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort on chilly days. Whether you’re prepping meals or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to share your thoughts or variations! Happy cooking!

Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Servings: 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Comfort Food

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Description

Discover how to make the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings—perfectly comforting and packed with flavor. Try this delightful recipe today!

Ingredients

Scale

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
11-ounce packet cheddar bay biscuit mix
2 tablespoons butter (for dumplings)

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Instructions

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Stir in flour and cook for another 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually add chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps, then incorporate diced tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.
Season with sugar, salt, and pepper; let simmer for about 15 minutes.
Preheat oven according to the biscuit mix package instructions. Prepare the dumpling mixture as directed.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the soup and bake until golden brown (approximately 15 minutes).