If you have some leftover stuffing and turkey from a holiday meal, you are in for a treat with this incredible Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe. This cozy soup brings together soft, flavorful dumplings made from your favorite stuffing, tender turkey, and a rich, savory broth packed with hearty vegetables. It’s like all the best parts of Thanksgiving transformed into a comforting bowl of happiness. Whether you’re craving a warm dinner after a chilly day or looking to reinvent leftovers with flair, this recipe is an absolute must-try that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with delicious nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a special role. From the flour that gives structure to the dumplings to the fresh vegetables adding sweetness and texture, every item is carefully chosen to create a harmonious and satisfying soup.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for perfectly tender dumplings that hold their shape.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten: Binds the dumpling mixture and adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dumplings with its fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- 2 cups leftover stuffing: The star ingredient transforms into the flavorful dumplings, bringing seasoning and texture.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used to sauté vegetables, imparting a lovely depth of flavor.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks: Provides a subtle crispness and aromatic base.
- 1 large onion, diced: Brings savory depth and sweetness when cooked.
- 6 cups chicken stock (or turkey stock): The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
- 2 cups shredded cooked turkey: Adds heartiness and protein for a satisfying meal.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: A fresh finishing touch that adds color and brightness.
How to Make Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dumpling Mixture
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and chopped fresh parsley in a mixing bowl. Then, fold in the leftover stuffing until everything is well incorporated. This mixture forms the base of your dumplings, combining the fluffy texture of flour and eggs with the savory, herby stuffing, making the dumplings irresistibly flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. To prevent sticking, dip a spoon into the hot water before scooping up large dollops of the stuffing mixture. Gently drop these dumplings into the boiling water. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface, usually in just a few minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings carefully and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the soup.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced carrots, celery chunks, and onion, seasoning lightly with salt. Cook the vegetables until they soften and start to become fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your soup and brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Pour the rich chicken or turkey stock into the pot with the softened vegetables and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the vegetables become tender enough to melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Add Turkey and Dumplings
Stir in the shredded cooked turkey along with the cooked dumplings, folding them gently into the broth. Allow the soup to simmer a few more minutes until everything is heated through and the dumplings soak up some of the savory soup flavors. This is where the soup really comes to life, becoming deeply comforting and satisfying.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Taste your soup and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor, making your Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of fresh parsley as a garnish adds that perfect herbaceous brightness, lifting the rich flavors of the soup and making each spoonful look inviting. Feel free to experiment by adding a dash of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of warmth and richness.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or warm cornbread to soak up every drop. A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty flavors of the soup. Together, they create a well-rounded meal perfect for any day of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or a hollowed-out pumpkin for a festive touch. You can also top it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits to add exciting textures that make your Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe even more special and Instagram-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before storing to maintain the best texture of both the broth and dumplings.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible, but be aware that dumplings may become a bit softer when thawed. For best results, freeze the soup and dumplings separately if you anticipate making it far ahead. Store each in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious soup anytime.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat to prevent overcooking the dumplings. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a little extra stock or water if the soup becomes too thick. This helps keep the soup comforting and fresh-tasting, just like when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use fresh stuffing instead of leftover stuffing for the dumplings?
Absolutely! Fresh stuffing works just as well in this Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe. Just make sure the stuffing isn’t too moist, so your dumplings hold together nicely during cooking.
What type of stock do you recommend using?
Chicken or turkey stock works best for this recipe, as they provide a rich, savory base that complements the dumplings and turkey perfectly. Homemade stock adds an extra depth of flavor but store-bought is a convenient and tasty alternative.
Can I freeze the dumplings separately?
Yes, freezing the dumplings separately from the soup is a great idea to maintain their texture. Freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a bag or container. Add them to reheated soup at the end just to warm through.
Is this recipe suitable for using leftover turkey from any holiday meal?
Definitely! This Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe is an excellent way to repurpose any leftover roasted turkey, turning it into a comforting and delicious dinner everyone will enjoy.
Can I make the soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken or turkey stock for vegetable stock and omit the turkey. You can also add hearty mushrooms or beans for extra protein and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of this Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe, especially when it brings together familiar, favorite flavors in a new and exciting way. It’s the perfect recipe for cozy nights, leftover transformations, or anytime you want a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and enjoy every flavorful spoonful with those you love.
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
Description
This comforting Stuffing Dumpling Soup recipe transforms leftover stuffing into delicious dumplings served in a hearty turkey and vegetable broth. Perfect for using up holiday remnants, this savory soup is filled with tender turkey, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings made from stuffing, offering a warm and satisfying meal for chilly days.
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, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Make Dumplings: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, lightly beaten eggs, and chopped fresh parsley. Add the leftover stuffing and mix everything well until fully incorporated, forming the dumpling mixture.
- Cook Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Dip a spoon in 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 surface, indicating they are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them and set aside.
- Make Soup Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 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 bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Add Turkey and Dumplings: Stir in the shredded cooked turkey and the previously cooked dumplings. Allow everything to simmer together just until heated through.
- Season and Serve: Adjust salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use leftover stuffing to add extra flavor and texture to the dumplings.
- Dipping the spoon in hot water before scooping dumpling mixture helps prevent sticking.
- Feel free to use either chicken or turkey stock depending on what you have available.
- Simmering the soup gently allows the vegetables to soften without becoming mushy.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
