Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of tomato soup — unless you pair it with soft, cheesy dumplings that melt in your mouth. This Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings takes a classic favorite to the next level, combining tangy, flavorful tomato soup with tender, biscuit-like dumplings flavored with sharp cheddar and herbs.

It’s the perfect one-pot recipe for cold nights, lazy weekends, or when you want a cozy dish that feels indulgent yet easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Soup

• Comfort food upgrade – classic tomato soup + cheesy dumplings.
• One-pot recipe – fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Hearty and filling – works as a main dish, not just a starter.
• Easy ingredients – pantry staples with a cheesy twist.

What Is Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings?

This recipe transforms the nostalgic tomato soup into a complete meal by topping it with dumplings inspired by cheddar bay biscuits. As the dumplings steam in the soup, they become fluffy and soft, soaking up the tomato flavor while delivering cheesy, buttery bites in every spoonful.

Ingredients (Exact)

For the Tomato Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creaminess)

For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

1. Start the soup – In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
2. Make dumpling dough – In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in cheddar and parsley, then add milk until dough comes together.
3. Add dumplings – Drop spoonfuls of dough gently onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let dumplings steam for 15–20 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
4. Finish soup – Stir in cream if desired for a richer broth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve – Ladle soup into bowls, ensuring each has a few dumplings on top, and garnish with extra parsley or cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Cheesy boost: Add extra cheese to the dumplings for more gooey flavor.
• Spice lovers: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Make ahead: Soup base can be made in advance; add dumplings fresh before serving.
• Gluten-free option: Swap flour with a gluten-free blend for the dumplings.

FAQs

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Not recommended — they’re best cooked fresh in the soup.

Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, freeze the soup base without dumplings. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.

Do the dumplings expand while cooking?
Yes, they’ll puff up while steaming, so leave space between spoonfuls.

Conclusion

This Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food mashup. With a rich tomato base and fluffy, cheesy dumplings, it’s warm, filling, and perfect for when you need a cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.