Turkey Dumpling Soup

Hearty Turkey Dumpling Soup: Your Ultimate Comfort Bowl!

Oh, friends! There are few things in this world as soul-satisfying as a bowl of warm, comforting soup on a chilly day. It’s like a hug from the inside out, a culinary embrace that chases away the cold and wraps you in pure coziness. And today, we’re diving headfirst into the ultimate comfort creation: this incredibly hearty and flavorful Turkey Dumpling Soup!

Imagine tender, savory turkey swimming in a rich, herby broth, studded with vibrant vegetables, all crowned with fluffy, pillowy homemade dumplings. Yes, you heard that right – homemade! There’s just something magical about those soft, cloud-like morsels that elevate a simple soup to an extraordinary meal. This recipe is not just food; it’s nostalgia, it’s warmth, it’s pure culinary joy in every spoonful. Perfect for using up leftover holiday turkey, or simply because you crave something truly special and nourishing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Dumpling Soup Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort: It’s the quintessential comfort food, perfect for cold evenings or a cozy weekend meal.
• Flavorful & Hearty: Packed with savory turkey, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, herbaceous broth that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Uses Leftovers: A fantastic way to transform leftover holiday turkey into an entirely new, exciting dish.
• Pillowy Dumplings: Easy-to-make, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
• Family Favorite: A dish loved by all ages, guaranteed to bring smiles to the dinner table.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables and herbs.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for the Soup Base:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients for the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional, for tender dumplings)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup milk (whole milk works best)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Equipment:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or spatula

How to Make Turkey Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken or turkey broth. Stir in the cooked turkey, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

While the soup simmers, prepare your homemade dumplings. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Once your Turkey Dumpling Soup base is simmering gently, uncover it. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a low, rolling simmer. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Don’t crowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. The dumplings will expand.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. To check for doneness, you can carefully remove one and cut it in half – it should be uniformly soft inside with no raw flour taste. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

• Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach, kale, corn, or mushrooms along with the peas for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Herb Power: Experiment with different fresh herbs like sage, marjoram, or bay leaves for varying aromatic profiles.
• Creamy Touch: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the very end for a richer, creamier broth.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely subtle heat to the soup.
• Cheesy Dumplings: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the dumpling dough for cheesy goodness.

This Turkey Dumpling Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad, or a simple side of roasted vegetables.

Turkey Dumpling Soup FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

A: Absolutely! Cooked chicken, shredded or diced, works perfectly as a substitute for turkey in this recipe.

Q: Can I make the soup ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the soup base (without the dumplings) a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the soup to a simmer and then add and cook the fresh dumplings.

Q: How do I prevent my dumplings from becoming gummy?

A: The key is not to overmix the dough and to ensure the soup is at a gentle, rolling simmer when you drop them in. Also, make sure the pot is covered while they cook to steam them thoroughly.

Q: Can I freeze leftover Turkey Dumpling Soup?

A: While the soup base freezes well, the dumplings can sometimes change texture and become a bit mushy after freezing and reheating. It’s best to freeze the soup base separately and add freshly made dumplings when you reheat.

Reader Reviews

Sale L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This recipe is a game-changer for leftover turkey! My family absolutely adored this soup. The dumplings were so light and fluffy, and the broth was incredibly flavorful. It’s officially a new fall favorite in our house!”

Marta T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve always been intimidated by making dumplings, but these were surprisingly easy and turned out perfect! The Turkey Dumpling Soup itself was rich and hearty. A definite winner for a chilly evening.”

Andrea R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“What a fantastic recipe! The blend of herbs with the turkey and vegetables was just right. My kids devoured it, especially the soft homemade dumplings. This will be a regular in our rotation, thank you!”

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks – a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort with this magnificent Turkey Dumpling Soup. Whether you’re using up holiday leftovers or simply craving a hearty, warming meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The tender turkey, the rich, aromatic broth, and those irresistible homemade dumplings truly make for an unforgettable experience.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and warmth to your table as it does to ours. Don’t forget to share your creations with us – we love seeing your culinary adventures! Happy cooking!

Recipe Note: Always adjust seasonings to your personal preference. For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy this heartwarming Turkey Dumpling Soup!