Craving something cozy with a little flair? This Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is all over Pinterest and for good reason. It’s an old-school favorite with a Southern biscuit glow-up. Quick enough for weeknights. No stress, just soup dreams.
Think of this as tomato soup’s sassier cousin buttery dumplings, sharp cheddar, and a rich tomato broth that’ll remind you of Chicken Quesadilla Soup or Tortillas Soup Recipes, but simpler. Uses staples: canned tomatoes, biscuit mix, and cheese. Full details in the blog!
We grew up ladling out big pots of soup from the stovetop after church, after school, after life. I tested this twist five times to get the dumpling fluff just right. It’s grandma-level cozy, with a bold little secret folded in. Trust me.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings might just become your family’s new favorite comfort food. Here’s why:
- Cozy nostalgia: It’s tomato soup revamped with buttery biscuit dumplings, giving it an old-school feel with a Southern twist.
- Weeknight-friendly: Quick prep with easy ingredients like canned tomatoes and biscuit mix. Perfect for a busy evening!
- Flexible: You can puree the soup for a creamy vibe or leave it chunky for a rustic feelboth are delicious.
- Beginner-approved: If box dumpling mix sounds doable, you’ve got this!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe thrives on pantry staples and just a couple of extras. Here’s your shopping list:
| For the Soup | For the Dumplings |
|---|---|
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Pro Tip: That sugar in the soup balances the tomatoes beautifully, so don’t skip it!
Let’s Make It Step-by-Step
This recipe comes together in just a few simple stages. Here’s how to pull it off:
- Start with the base: Melt butter in a large pot and sauté your onion until soft. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about a minute.
- Add the liquids: Slowly pour in chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Then add the canned tomatoes (juice included!). Stir until the soup is smooth, let it come to a boil, and then drop it to a simmer. Add sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Puree for smoothness (optional): Feeling fancy? Divide the soup into two portions and puree in a blender. If not, embrace the chunky goodness.
- Make dumpling magic: Prepare your biscuit mix per the package instructions. Drop spoonfuls of batter directly into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let them cook for 15–20 minutes until they’re fluffy and cooked through.
- Butter topping: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, mix with the biscuit seasoning packet, and brush it over the dumplings. Perfection!
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Sticky dumplings: Check doneness by cutting one in half. If the center is sticky, give them a few more minutes to cook.
- Soup texture: If the soup feels thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken up.
- Prep hack: You can chop the onion in advance and store it in a zip-top bag to save time.
Note: The cheddar biscuits soak up the tomato broth but stay rich and flavorfulthink of it as a comforting twist on Chicken Quesadilla Soup or Tortillas Soup Recipes.
Serving & Storage
- Serve with love: Ladle hot soup into bowls and scoop a dumpling (or two!) into each bowl. This pairs wonderfully with a side salad or even a chunk of crusty bread.
- Storage: Got leftovers? Let the soup cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the dumplings’ texture.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10-15 minutes | 30-45 minutes | 40-60 minutes |
Pro Tip: Freezing the soup portion (without the dumplings) is a great make-ahead option. Just whip up fresh dumplings when you’re ready to eat.
Expert Insight: Balancing Comfort and Flavor in Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings
Crafting the perfect tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings relies on balancing acidity and richness to complement the savory dumplings. The slight tang of ripe tomatoes enhances the buttery, cheesy dumplings, creating a harmonious texture and flavor contrast that elevates this classic comfort dish.
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Finding Comfort in Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings
It took several rounds to get this Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings just right. Early versions were too thick or the dumplings too dense, but through patient tweaking and family taste tests, I finally landed on a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
FAQs ( Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings )
How do I store leftover soup?
Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove to keep dumplings from breaking apart.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This recipe can be prepared a day in advance by making the soup base and dumplings separately. Keep them refrigerated and combine only when reheating. This method preserves the dumplings’ texture and saves time on busy days.
Are there any ways to make it spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos while cooking the soup. You can also top servings with hot sauce or spicy tortilla strips for a fiesta chicken soup recipes twist that complements the creamy dumplings well.
What is the best way to reheat it?
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Avoid high heat as it can break down the dumplings. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming for best results.
Can I substitute the cheddar in the dumplings?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or a mild Colby cheese for a different but still delicious flavor. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep the dumplings tender and flavorful in the dish.

Conclusion
Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is just the cozy, fuss-free meal you didn’t know you needed. In under an hour, you get tender, cheesy dumplings swimming in rich, tangy tomato broth that feels like a warm kitchen hug. This recipe’s simplicity makes it perfect for weeknights or whenever comfort callseasy, satisfying, and downright delicious.
Try swapping chicken stock for vegetable broth to lighten it up or stir in a handful of fresh spinach for a green boost. Leftovers reheat beautifully, just keep dumplings covered so they stay fluffy. A tip I picked up while testing Fiesta Chicken Soup Recipes: a splash of lime juice at serving brightens the bowl exactly right. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and made with pantry staples.
Have you given this a whirl yet? Share your photos or favorite twistsI love seeing how you make it your own. Whether this soup reminds you of grandma’s kitchen or sparks new family cravings, pass it along. Because delicious memories deserve to be shared, spoon by spoon.

Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings: Easy and Delicious
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in 3 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in 3 cups chicken stock and canned tomatoes while stirring.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Season with 1 tsp sugar, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Optional: Divide soup and puree half or all to desired smoothness, then return to pot.
- Prepare cheddar bay biscuit mix according to package directions.
- Drop spoonfuls of biscuit batter into simmering soup.
- Cover and cook 15-20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
- Remove from heat.
- Melt 2 tbsp butter and mix with seasoning packet from biscuit mix.
- Brush butter mixture over dumplings.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother texture, fully puree the soup before adding dumplings. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep dumplings soft.










