If you are craving a soulful, comforting dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor, look no further than the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings. This recipe brings together a rich, velvety tomato soup base with light, cheesy dumplings inspired by those famous cheddar bay biscuits. Every spoonful delivers a blend of tangy tomatoes, smooth seasoning, and ooey-gooey cheddar goodness nestled in pillowy dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug and perfectly suits chilly days or anytime you want a cozy, satisfying treat.

Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards making this delightful soup. Each component plays a crucial role: the basics like butter and onions create the flavor foundation, the chicken stock enhances depth, diced tomatoes bring vibrant color and tang, and the cheddar bay biscuit mix transforms simple dumplings into cheesy, buttery bites.

2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing onions and building a luscious roux base.

1 chopped sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup into a creamy consistency.

3 cups chicken stock: Provides richness and balances the tomato acidity.
43.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with liquid: The star ingredient lending juicy texture and tangy flavor.

1 teaspoon sugar: Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes for a balanced taste.
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt: Essential for highlighting all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.

11-ounce packet cheddar bay biscuit mix: Transforms into irresistible cheddar bay dumplings.
2 tablespoons butter: Mixed with seasoning to glaze the dumplings for that classic cheddar bay finish.

How to Make Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Step 1: Cook the Base Ingredients

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, letting that golden richness fill the pan. Add the chopped sweet onion and cook it until it turns translucent and soft, releasing a sweet aroma that promises the soup’s comforting character. Stir in the flour and cook constantly for about one minute to create a roux—this step is vital as it thickens the soup and gives it a creamy texture that’s utterly satisfying.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Next, slowly pour in the chicken stock and canned diced tomatoes while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Bringing the mixture to a boil and then lowering it to a simmer gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully. At this stage, add the sugar, salt, and black pepper; these seasonings are subtle heroes that round out the flavor, balancing savory, sweet, and tangy notes perfectly in the soup.

Step 3: Puree the Soup (Optional)

If you prefer your tomato soup silky smooth, portion off the soup and puree it in a blender until creamy. Returning the pureed soup to the pot and simmering it again brings it all together in a luxurious texture. This step is optional but highly recommended if you love a refined, velvety soup experience.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Prepare the cheddar bay biscuit mix according to the package instructions, making sure the batter is ready to drop into the soup. Gently spoon dollops of the batter into the simmering soup and cover the pot. Let the dumplings cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are fluffy and fully cooked through, offsetting the tangy soup with cheesy, buttery bites of joy.

Step 5: Prepare Butter Sauce and Serve

While the dumplings cook, melt the remaining butter and stir in the seasoning packet from the cheddar bay biscuit mix. Once the dumplings are done, brush this savory butter sauce generously over their tops, infusing them with that classic cheddar bay flavor. Serve your Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings piping hot, ready to warm your heart and delight your taste buds.

How to Serve Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate your soup visually and flavor-wise. Freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness. A sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar on top can double down on the cheesy goodness. For a touch of creaminess, a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt does wonders and adds richness.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the soup’s creamy texture. Warm crusty bread or garlic bread makes a wonderful companion for dipping. For heartier meals, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar to echo the dumplings’ flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this meal in rustic bowls creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for sharing. For a fun presentation, drop the dumplings in individual ramekins topped with extra melted butter sauce for a personal cheesy treat. Adding a sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes gives a pop of color and a subtle spice kick for adventurous eaters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings to airtight containers. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Because the dumplings soak up liquid, the soup may thicken, but a little stirring before reheating brings it back to the perfect consistency.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is possible but with a small caveat: dumplings tend to get a bit softer after thawing. If you expect leftovers, consider freezing the soup base and the dumplings separately for best texture retention. Freeze the soup base in airtight containers for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if the soup is too thick. Avoid microwaving dumplings separately as they can dry out easily; slow stovetop warming preserves the tender texture and buttery coating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken stock for a rich vegetable broth and ensure your cheddar bay biscuit mix doesn’t contain animal-derived ingredients. This adjustment keeps the flavor vibrant while accommodating a vegetarian diet.

What is the best way to get smooth soup texture?

Using an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully blending portions of the soup in a regular blender will create the smoothest texture. Be sure to puree the soup once it’s cooled slightly for safe blending.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes work beautifully, especially when they’re in season. You may need to cook them a bit longer to break them down and achieve the right consistency, and adjust seasoning accordingly.

How spicy is the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings?

This soup isn’t spicy by default; it delivers gentle warmth from black pepper. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick to complement the cheese and tomato flavors.

Can I prepare the dumplings in advance?

While the dumpling batter is best dropped fresh into the simmering soup, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for a few hours. It allows for quicker assembly when you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Making the Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is more than just preparing a meal — it’s creating a comforting experience filled with warmth and cheesy delight. Once you try this recipe, it’s destined to become your go-to for cozy nights or when you crave a bowl of pure happiness. So, warm up your kitchen, grab that biscuit mix, and dive into a bowl that feels like home.

Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings recipe combines a rich, creamy tomato soup base with flavorful cheddar bay biscuit dumplings, creating a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days or when you want a cozy homemade dish.

Instructions

Cook the Base Ingredients: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet onion and cook until it becomes translucent and soft. Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute to create a roux that will thicken the soup.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Slowly pour in 3 cups of chicken stock and the entire 43.5 ounces of canned diced tomatoes with their liquid, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Season with 1 teaspoon sugar, 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Puree the Soup (Optional): For a smoother texture, divide the soup into two portions and puree each in a blender until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and warm it up over low heat to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Dumplings: Prepare the cheddar bay biscuit mix according to the package instructions. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter into the simmering soup, spacing them evenly. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.
Prepare Butter Sauce and Serve: While the dumplings are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in the seasoning packet included with the biscuit mix. Once dumplings are done, brush this butter mixture over their tops directly in the pot. Serve the soup hot, ladling generous portions of soup and dumplings into bowls for a satisfying meal.

Notes

You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.

If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes along with the black pepper.
The pureeing step is optional; leaving the soup chunky adds rustic texture.
Ensure the dumplings are fully cooked by checking their centers are no longer doughy.

Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil as garnish to add extra flavor and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups with dumplings)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 8 g

Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g

Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 31 g

Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: tomato soup, cheddar bay biscuits, dumplings, comfort food, easy soup recipe, homemade soup