This Creamy Turkey and Dumpling Soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich and velvety broth filled with tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and the fluffiest homemade dumplings. It’s a warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving something cozy. The best part? It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey from the holidays, making it both practical and delicious. The homemade dumplings add a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up all the savory goodness of the broth. Serve it with a simple side salad or crusty bread, and you have a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 large celery ribs, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (35g) all-purpose flour
- 10 cups (2.3 liters) chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup (235ml) milk or half-and-half
- 4 cups (400g) chopped cooked turkey meat
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¾ cup (180ml) milk
- 1 large egg
Directions:
- In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion. Cook until the onion is softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add the flour and stir well, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly. Add the turkey, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper for the dumplings.
- Stir in the milk and egg just until combined, ensuring there are no dry flour pockets.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the surface of the simmering soup.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 868 kcal | Servings: 6-8 servings
The Origins of Turkey and Dumpling Soup
The combination of soup and dumplings is a timeless culinary tradition found in many cultures. From chicken and dumplings in Southern cuisine to matzo ball soup in Jewish culture, dumplings have long been a beloved addition to brothy, hearty soups. Turkey and dumplings, specifically, became popular as a way to use up roasted turkey leftovers while creating a filling, comforting meal.
The dumplings in this recipe are drop-style, meaning they are spooned directly into the simmering broth, where they puff up and cook to tender perfection. Unlike pasta or rice, dumplings absorb the flavorful broth, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why Creamy Turkey and Dumpling Soup is a must-try dish:
1. A Great Use for Leftover Turkey
After a big holiday meal, you might find yourself with an abundance of turkey. Instead of reheating plain turkey slices, this soup transforms leftovers into a completely new dish that tastes just as special as the holiday meal itself.
2. Hearty and Filling
Unlike lighter broths, this creamy soup is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal. The dumplings provide a satisfying texture that makes the soup feel even more indulgent.
3. Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s something about warm soup with fluffy dumplings that just feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of something cozy, this dish hits the spot.
4. Easy to Customize
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, use chicken instead of turkey, or adjust the seasoning to your personal taste.
Key Elements of a Great Turkey and Dumpling Soup
1. The Broth – Rich and Creamy
The foundation of this soup is its flavorful, creamy broth. Unlike a clear broth-based soup, this one includes milk or half-and-half, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. The creaminess balances out the heartiness of the turkey and dumplings, making every spoonful rich and comforting.
2. The Turkey – Tender and Flavorful
Using both dark and white turkey meat adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can easily substitute it with rotisserie chicken or cook some turkey breast in broth for this recipe.
3. The Vegetables – Wholesome and Nutritious
Traditional vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes create the perfect base for this soup. They not only add texture but also enhance the flavor profile of the broth. Some variations include peas, corn, or even mushrooms to add more variety.
4. The Dumplings – Light and Fluffy
Drop dumplings are the heart of this dish. Made with simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, milk, and eggs, they puff up beautifully in the hot broth. Some prefer denser, biscuit-like dumplings, while others enjoy soft, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings this recipe achieves the perfect balance.
5. The Seasoning – Simple but Effective
A mix of poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper enhances the flavors of the soup without overpowering it. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage can add an aromatic depth that makes the dish even more inviting.
Best Ways to Serve Turkey and Dumpling Soup
One of the great things about this soup is that it’s a meal on its own. However, if you’re looking for the perfect accompaniments, here are some great serving ideas:
- Crusty Bread – A warm, toasted baguette or dinner rolls pair perfectly with the creamy broth.
- Side Salad – A light, fresh salad can balance out the richness of the soup.
- Steamed Vegetables – A side of roasted or steamed greens like asparagus or Brussels sprouts adds a nutritious touch.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey and Dumpling Soup
If you want to make sure your Creamy Turkey and Dumpling Soup turns out perfect every time, here are some expert tips:
1. Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough
Overmixing can result in dense dumplings. Stir the batter until just combined lumps are okay!
2. Use a Tight-Fitting Lid
When simmering the dumplings, keep the lid on and avoid peeking. This ensures they steam properly and become light and fluffy.
3. Add Dairy Last
To prevent curdling, add the milk or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking process and avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy.
4. Use Homemade Broth for Maximum Flavor
If you have time, making broth from the turkey carcass will add incredible depth to your soup. Simmer the bones with water, herbs, and vegetables for a few hours, then strain before using.
5. Make It Ahead for More Flavor
Like many soups, this one tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:
- Spicy Turkey and Dumpling Soup – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Garlic Herb Dumplings – Mix in fresh minced garlic and chopped parsley into the dumpling dough.
- Cheesy Dumplings – Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the dumpling batter for extra richness.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and cornstarch to thicken the soup.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This soup stores well in the fridge for 4-5 days. Simply let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. When reheating, warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dumplings from breaking apart. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
Conclusion:
Creamy Turkey and Dumpling Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for making use of holiday leftovers or simply creating a warm and satisfying meal. With its rich broth, hearty turkey, tender vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is as practical as it is delicious.