Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings is a lovely, comforting meal that blends the bright, tangy flavor of tomato soup with soft, cheesy dumplings floating on top. The dumplings are tender and slightly gooey, giving a nice contrast to the smooth, flavorful soup. It’s a dish that feels both homey and a little special all at once.
I love making this soup when I want something warm and satisfying but not too heavy. The cheese dumplings add a fun twist, making it feel like a cozy hug in a bowl. Whenever I make this, I like to sneak an extra dumpling just for myself because they’re so tasty and easy to devour.
This meal works great as a simple lunch or a light dinner on a chilly day. I usually pair it with some crusty bread to dip in the soup and soak up every last bit. It’s also a great recipe to share with family or friends since it’s easy to make in a big batch and everyone always asks for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are great for convenience and consistent flavor. If you prefer fresh, use ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, but cook them longer for softness.
Cheese: Cheddar works well for dumplings, adding flavor and meltiness. You can swap with mozzarella for a milder taste, or Parmesan for a sharper note.
Flour & Baking Powder: All-purpose flour provides structure. For gluten-free, try a gluten-free baking mix but keep baking powder to ensure dumplings rise nicely.
Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens flavors in dumplings, but dried works if fresh isn’t on hand. The optional basil and oregano in soup add Italian warmth but can be skipped for a pure tomato taste.
How Do You Make Cheese Dumplings Soft and Fluffy?
Getting dumplings soft and fluffy means mixing and cooking right:
- Mix ingredients gently. Overmixing makes dough tough.
- Make small, even spoonfuls to cook evenly.
- Drop dumplings onto simmering (not boiling) soup and cover the pot to trap steam.
- Cook dumplings without lifting the lid for 15 minutes—steam cooks them fully and keeps them tender.
- Check doneness by poking a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Patience during cooking makes all the difference for perfect dumplings that melt in your mouth!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large saucepan or pot – big enough to hold the soup and dumplings comfortably while cooking.
- Immersion blender – makes pureeing the soup easy and mess-free right in the pot.
- Mixing bowls – one for mixing dumpling dough, another for wet ingredients to combine smoothly.
- Spoons – a wooden spoon for stirring soup and a tablespoon for dropping dumpling batter.
- Lid for the pot – essential to trap steam and cook dumplings perfectly soft and fluffy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cheddar with mozzarella or gruyere in dumplings for a milder or nuttier cheese flavor.
- Add fresh basil or thyme to the soup for a fragrant herb twist.
- Fold finely chopped spinach or kale into dumpling batter for extra color and nutrition.
- Stir in cooked bacon bits or sausage to the soup for a hearty, smoky boost.
How to Make Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tomato Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
For the Cheese Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 large egg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, including simmering the soup and steaming the cheese dumplings. You’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready in about 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomato Soup:
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and clear, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Then add diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable or chicken broth, sugar, and optional herbs like dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Keep the soup warm while you prepare the dumplings.
2. Prepare the Cheese Dumplings:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chopped parsley and shredded cheese. In a separate small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky—avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings tender.
3. Cook the Cheese Dumplings:
Drop small spoonfuls of the dumpling dough gently onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows them to steam perfectly. After 15 minutes, check the dumplings by inserting a toothpick to ensure they’re cooked through; it should come out clean.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot tomato soup with the cheese dumplings into bowls. If you like, sprinkle extra fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work well but make sure to peel and chop them. You’ll need to cook the soup a bit longer (around 30-40 minutes) to soften the tomatoes fully before blending.
Can I Make the Soup and Dumplings Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the soup base in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. It’s best to add and cook the cheese dumplings just before serving to keep them soft and tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup and dumplings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stove and add freshly cooked dumplings to keep the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Cheese in the Dumplings?
If you want a dairy-free option, try using dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether, adding extra herbs or spices for flavor. Keep in mind the dumplings won’t be as rich but will still be tasty.
