Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheesy Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Warm up your soul with a classic comfort food that gets an irresistible twist! This isn’t just any tomato soup; we’re elevating it with fluffy, savory, cheesy Cheddar Bay Dumplings. Imagine rich, creamy tomato goodness paired with soft, garlicky cheese dumplings that soak up all that incredible flavor. It’s the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for chilly days or when you simply crave something deeply satisfying. Best of all, this recipe for Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is easy to make and promises a delicious, heartwarming experience for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Soup

This incredible Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings recipe is a must-try for so many reasons. It brings together the best of comfort food in one pot!

• Ultimate Comfort: Experience pure warmth and coziness with every spoonful of this hearty soup.
• Quick & Easy: Designed with simplicity in mind, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
• Rich Tomato Flavor: Enjoy a deeply satisfying, creamy, and robust tomato base.
• Cheesy Garlic Dumplings: The star addition of savory, fluffy, garlicky cheddar dumplings takes this dish to the next level.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore.
• Perfect for Any Day: Ideal for a chilly evening or whenever you need a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your cozy bowl of Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings:

For the Hearty Tomato Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 sweet white onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 43.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained (about two 28-ounce cans)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheesy Cheddar Bay Dumplings:

• 1 (11-ounce) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (including seasoning packet)
• Ingredients needed for the biscuit mix (usually water and cheddar cheese)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for brushing after cooking)

Notes & Substitutions

• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and offer consistent flavor. For a brighter, seasonal taste, you can use about 6-8 medium fresh, ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and diced.
• Broth: Chicken broth provides a richer flavor base. Vegetable broth works perfectly if you prefer a vegetarian Hearty Tomato Soup.
• Onions: Sweet white onion mellows beautifully. Yellow onion is a great alternative for a slightly sharper flavor.
• Biscuit Mix: While the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix is fantastic, you can use other savory biscuit mixes. Adjust the cheese and garlic powder to mimic the flavor profile if needed.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the dumpling mix. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this delightful Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings.

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A sturdy pot, 5-quart or larger, is essential for simmering the soup and cooking the dumplings.
• Whisk: For smoothly incorporating the flour and broth.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For sautéing and stirring.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Immersion Blender (Optional): Highly recommended if you prefer a smooth soup consistency. Alternatively, a standard blender works too.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your warming and delicious Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In your large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet white onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor for your Hearty Tomato Soup.

Step 2: Build Soup Base

Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the softened onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. This helps to cook out the raw flour taste and creates a roux that will thicken your soup.

Step 3: Add Liquids & Seasonings

While continually stirring with a whisk, slowly pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth and the 43.5 ounces of undrained diced tomatoes. Stir until the mixture is smooth and any lumps from the flour have dissolved. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of sugar, ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer & Puree (Optional)

Allow the soup to simmer gently for at least 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld. If you prefer a smooth Hearty Tomato Soup, carefully puree it. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot until smooth. If using a standard blender, divide the soup into batches and blend until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and bring it back up to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Prepare Dumpling Batter

While the soup simmers, prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix according to the package directions. This typically involves combining the biscuit mix with water and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are fine.

Step 6: Cook Dumplings

Once your Hearty Tomato Soup is simmering again, use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter directly into the hot liquid. Distribute the dumplings evenly across the surface of the soup. Do not stir them in. Once all the batter is used, cover the pot tightly with a lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are light, fluffy, and no longer doughy in the center. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to trap the steam.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Remove the pot from the heat. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the seasoning packet included with the biscuit mix. Carefully brush this savory garlic butter over the tops of the cooked dumplings directly in the pot. Serve your comforting Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings hot, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

For Smooth vs. Chunky Soup

The choice between a smooth or chunky soup is all yours! For a beautifully silky texture, an immersion blender is your best friend. Simply insert it into the pot (after simmering) and blend until your desired smoothness is achieved. It’s much safer and less messy than transferring hot soup to a traditional blender. If you love a bit of texture, simply skip the pureeing step and enjoy the diced tomatoes as they are.

Making the Cheesy Garlic Dumplings

The Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix makes dumpling creation incredibly easy. Just follow the package instructions precisely for the batter. When dropping the batter into the simmering soup, aim for roughly tablespoon-sized portions. Don’t crowd them too much, as they will expand. The key to fluffy dumplings is to cover the pot tightly and resist the urge to peek during the cooking time. The steam helps them cook through evenly.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect bowl of Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is easy with these helpful hints.

• Prevent Blender Accidents: If using a standard blender for pureeing, work in small batches and hold the lid down firmly with a towel. Hot liquids expand and can burst out. An immersion blender is always the safest and easiest option. For more information on safely using blenders with hot liquids, refer to Consumer Reports’ safety guidelines.
• Ensure Cooked Dumplings: To check if dumplings are done, carefully remove one with a spoon. If the center is still doughy, return it to the pot, cover, and cook for a few more minutes. They should be light and fluffy throughout.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the soup before adding the dumplings. Adjust salt, pepper, or even a pinch more sugar if your tomatoes are very acidic.
• Perfect Consistency: If your soup is too thick, thin it with a little extra broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce.
• Richer Flavor: For an even deeper flavor in your Hearty Tomato Soup, consider adding a bay leaf to the simmering soup and removing it before serving. A splash of heavy cream at the very end also adds luxurious richness.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Your Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is a complete meal, but there are always ways to customize and store it.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish is a meal in itself! For a little extra, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is also wonderful for soaking up any remaining soup. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for garnish if you have it!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the dumplings will soften and absorb more soup over time.

Reheating Tips

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onions for a subtle heat.
• Herbaceous: Stir in dried oregano, thyme, or a tablespoon of fresh basil during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Cheesy Swirl: Garnish individual bowls with a swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar.

Dumpling Alternatives

If you don’t have the biscuit mix, you can make simple drop dumplings from scratch using flour, baking powder, milk, and a little butter. Or, for a different twist, serve the soup with grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping!

Nutrition Information

This Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings provides a comforting and satisfying meal.

Nutrient	Amount
Serving	6 servings
Calories	353 kcal
Carbohydrates	46 g
Protein	6 g
Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Cholesterol	21 mg
Sodium	1471 mg
Potassium	591 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	12 g
Vitamin A	475 IU
Vitamin C	28.9 mg
Calcium	168 mg
Iron	3.9 mg

Tomato soup, rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C, offers several potential health benefits, including heart health support.

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation. Actual values may vary.

FAQ

Got questions about making this delightful Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings? We’ve got answers!

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you certainly can! Use about 6-8 medium ripe fresh tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and diced. They will add a lovely, bright flavor to your Hearty Tomato Soup.
• Can the soup be made ahead of time? You can prepare the soup base (without dumplings) ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the soup to a simmer and then add and cook the dumplings fresh.
• How do I make this soup vegetarian? Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. Ensure your butter is plant-based or use olive oil for sautéing the onions, and your Hearty Tomato Soup will be perfectly vegetarian.
• Can I freeze this soup? The soup base freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. However, cooked dumplings tend to get mushy when thawed, so it’s best to freeze the soup without them and add fresh dumplings when you reheat.
• What if I don’t have Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix? You can use another savory biscuit mix, or make simple drop dumplings from scratch using flour, milk, and baking powder. Just remember to add some garlic powder and cheddar cheese to the homemade dumplings for that signature flavor.

Conclusion

This Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is truly a culinary hug in a bowl, offering a delightful twist on a timeless classic. The rich, velvety tomato base paired with the fluffy, cheesy, garlic-infused dumplings creates an experience that’s both deeply comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to form something truly special. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and whip up this amazing Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings today. Enjoy every warm spoonful, and let us know what you think! We encourage you to share your creations and rate this recipe.