Best Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings Recipe
This rich and comforting Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings combines a flavorful tomato base with cheesy, fluffy dumplings inspired by the famous Red Lobster biscuits. Perfect for chilly days, this dish offers a cozy and hearty bowl that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 43.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 chopped sweet onion
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 tsp coarse salt (such as Diamond Crystal kosher salt)
For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings:
- 1 (11 oz) packet cheddar bay biscuit mix (Red Lobster brand recommended)
For the Dumpling Topping:
- 2 tbsp butter (melted for brushing)
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, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook while stirring continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux that will help thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Slowly pour in 3 cups of chicken stock and the entire 43.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Season with 1 teaspoon sugar, 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste.
- Puree the Soup (Optional): For a smooth texture, carefully divide the soup into two portions and puree each separately in a blender until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and bring it back to a gentle simmer to heat through.
- Cook the Dumplings: Prepare the cheddar bay biscuit mix according to the package instructions. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering tomato soup, spacing them evenly. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid, until they are cooked through and no longer doughy.
- Prepare Butter Sauce and Serve: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the seasoning packet that comes with the cheddar bay biscuit mix. Using a brush, spread this butter mixture evenly over the tops of the cooked dumplings directly in the pot. Serve the hot soup with cheddar bay dumplings immediately and enjoy the cheesy, comforting flavors.
Notes
- The pureeing step is optional and can be skipped if you prefer a chunkier soup texture.
- Do not remove the lid while the dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam properly and cook evenly.
- Using canned diced tomatoes with juice adds depth of flavor and reduces prep time.
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.
- The Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix is recommended for authentic flavor but any similar mix can be used.
Keywords: tomato soup, cheddar bay dumplings, comfort food, cheesy dumplings, cozy soup, Red Lobster biscuits, easy soup recipe
