There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, comforting soup to soothe the soul, and this Turkey Dumpling Soup truly delivers on all fronts. Rich in flavor, hearty in texture, and irresistibly creamy, this soup takes leftover turkey and turns it into a meal that feels entirely new and elevated. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy blanket of nostalgia while satisfying your hunger with every spoonful.
What makes this soup stand out is the perfect balance between the tender turkey pieces and the soft, pillowy dumplings. The base of the soup is a creamy broth infused with herbs and vegetables, giving each bite a comforting, savory depth. Whether you’re making it after Thanksgiving or with store-bought turkey, this soup offers a second chance for poultry to shine.
The dumplings are the real stars here—fluffy, light, and soaked in the creamy broth, they add a satisfying bite without being too heavy. Made from pantry staples like flour, baking powder, and milk, they’re incredibly easy to prepare and cook directly in the soup. There’s no need for separate baking or frying, making this a true one-pot wonder.
In addition to being delicious, Turkey Dumpling Soup is practical. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey meat and other vegetables you may already have on hand, reducing waste while delivering serious flavor. The recipe is forgiving, versatile, and easy to customize based on what’s in your fridge.
If you’re looking for a dish that will fill you up without weighing you down, this is it. The combination of lean turkey meat and vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas ensures each serving is nutritious and satisfying. The creamy texture adds indulgence without being overly rich, and the dumplings bring everything together beautifully.
This soup is also a hit with kids and picky eaters. The mild, familiar flavors are comforting and approachable, and the soft dumplings are fun to eat. It’s the kind of family-friendly meal that disappears quickly from the dinner table.
Another advantage of this dish is its ability to scale. You can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd or freeze leftovers for a quick weeknight dinner. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
The recipe doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, making it accessible even for novice home cooks. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, anyone can create a comforting homemade soup from scratch.
In the colder months, this soup is a must-have in your recipe rotation. It’s ideal for chilly evenings, snow days, or anytime you want something wholesome and heartwarming. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
But honestly, Turkey Dumpling Soup is delicious any time of year. It’s light enough for spring and hearty enough for winter, which makes it a perfect transitional dish. Its versatility and crave-worthy flavors make it a repeat recipe in many households.
Even better, it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, but comes together in under an hour from start to finish. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up on a busy weekday or serve to guests on the weekend.
No matter the occasion, Turkey Dumpling Soup is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s nourishing, delicious, and full of flavor—and once you try it, you’ll understand why we call it the BEST.
Servings: 6
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
For the soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
For the dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the veggies and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a boil.
- Add the cooked turkey and peas. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the cream or milk and allow soup to gently simmer while you make the dumpling dough.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and parsley. Stir in milk and melted butter until a thick dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the simmering soup. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes—do not lift the lid while the dumplings steam.
- After 15 minutes, check dumplings for doneness (they should be firm and fluffy). Simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot.
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the dumpling dough—keep it light and fluffy.
- For richer flavor, use bone broth.
- Add chopped spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
- Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Turkey Dumpling Soup is cozy, creamy, and packed with homestyle flavor. It’s a great way to use leftovers, it cooks in one pot, and it satisfies both hearty and healthy cravings. The dumplings are soft and comforting, and the whole dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Summary: Turn your turkey leftovers into a rich and creamy one-pot masterpiece with this Turkey Dumpling Soup. Fluffy homemade dumplings, tender turkey, and savory herbs come together in a soul-warming bowl that’s perfect for any chilly day.
