Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich, tangy goodness of homemade tomato soup with fluffy, cheesy dumplings inspired by the famous cheddar bay biscuits. This delightful pairing is perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch, bringing warmth and deliciousness to your table.

Ingredients List

For the Tomato Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Timing

Preparing Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings takes about 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking, totaling approximately 45 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tomato Soup

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrot, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. If desired, add sugar to balance the acidity. Season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream just before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Dumplings

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Cheese and Milk: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly lumpy.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop Dumplings: Once the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Leave space between the dumplings as they will expand.
2. Cover and Cook: Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam in the soup for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy. Do not lift the lid during this time.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Once the dumplings are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and top with a few dumplings. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional cheddar cheese if desired.
2. Enjoy Warm: Serve the soup hot, perfect for dipping the cheesy dumplings!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	12g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	3g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Include diced bell peppers, celery, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a bit of heat.
• Use Fresh Tomatoes: Substitute canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings pairs well with:

• A side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
• Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Dumplings: Keep the lid on while the dumplings cook to ensure they steam properly without becoming tough.
2. Not Balancing Acidity: Adjust the sugar in the soup to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
3. Skipping the Cream: Adding cream enhances the richness of the soup, so don’t skip it if you enjoy a creamier texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Conclusion

In just about 45 minutes, you can create Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings, a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of rich tomato soup and cheesy dumplings is sure to become a favorite in your household!

FAQs

Can I use frozen dumplings?

Yes! You can use store-bought frozen dumplings, but adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

Can I make the soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! The soup can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve. Just add the dumplings fresh for the best texture.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?

You can substitute with any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes! The soup can be frozen without the dumplings. Add fresh dumplings when reheating for the best results.