Every now and then, a dish comes along that wraps you in a warm embrace, and for me, that’s Turkey and Dumplings Soup. The first time I made this soulful creation, it was after a long holiday gathering where we’d indulged in roasted turkey to the point of bliss. As the last morsel finally faded away, I found myself staring at the leftover bones, wondering what delicious warmth they could still offer.
What started as an attempt to avoid waste turned into a culinary love affair. In just a couple of hours, I was not only bringing an inviting aroma through my kitchen but also creating something truly comforting. This soup is a delightful blend of savory turkey, tender vegetables, and pillowy dumplings that literally float in rich broth — perfect for a cozy gathering or a simple weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is both easy to follow and immensely rewarding. So, grab your apron, and let’s transform those leftover turkey bones into a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Turkey and Dumplings Soup a must-try?
Comforting Warmth: Nothing beats a bowl of soup that envelops you in warmth on a chilly night.
Savory Goodness: The combination of turkey, fresh herbs, and a hint of apple cider creates a uniquely rich flavor profile.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing leftover turkey bones helps minimize waste while crafting a delicious dish.
Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novices and expert chefs alike.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its hearty ingredients, this soup is guaranteed to impress family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings.
Nourishing & Satisfying: Filled with vegetables and fluffy dumplings, it’s a fulfilling meal that checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers!
Turkey and Dumplings Soup Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create your aromatic Turkey and Dumplings Soup.
For the Broth
- Leftover turkey bones – this is the key to a rich and flavorful base.
- Small onion, quartered – adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Carrots, chopped into large chunks – provides natural sweetness and nutrition.
- Celery, chopped into large chunks – contributes essential flavor to the soup.
- Herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley) – fresh herbs enhance the overall aroma and flavor.
- Water, as needed – used to cover the bones in the stock pot.
For the Soup
- Butter – for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
- Chopped carrots – extra carrots bring vibrant color and texture.
- Small onion, chopped – finely chopped to create a base for sautéing.
- Garlic, minced – infuses the soup with aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour – helps thicken the soup for a hearty texture.
- Turkey or chicken broth – provides additional liquid and enhances turkey flavor.
- Apple juice or cider – adds a touch of sweetness and brightness.
- Chopped potatoes – offer a hearty bite and make the soup more filling.
- Coarse salt – enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
- Black pepper – adds a hint of warmth and balance.
- Fresh thyme – gives a lovely herbal note to the dish.
- Cooked shredded turkey – use leftover turkey to make this soup truly delightful.
- Milk or cream – adds creaminess and richness to the soup.
For the Dumplings
- All-purpose flour – serves as the base for fluffy dumplings.
- Cornmeal – gives the dumplings a delightful texture.
- Baking powder – helps the dumplings rise while cooking.
- Baking soda – assists in creating a light and airy dumpling consistency.
- Coarse salt – enhances the flavors of the dumplings.
- Buttermilk – adds moisture and tanginess to the dumplings.
Gather these ingredients and let’s dive into a culinary adventure making your Turkey and Dumplings Soup!
How to Make Turkey and Dumplings Soup
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Prepare the Bones: Remove excess skin and fat from the leftover turkey bones, ensuring no meat clings to the bone. This step is crucial for a clear and flavorful broth.
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Simmer the Broth: Place the turkey bones in a large stock pot with the quartered onion, chopped carrots, celery, and herbs. Cover with enough cold water, then bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours, skimming off any scum that floats to the surface.
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Strain the Stock: Carefully strain the stock through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids. If you desire an extra-clear broth, strain it again using a coffee filter. You can store it in the fridge or use it right away.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, onion, and minced garlic; stir until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Thicken the Soup: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and stir until they are well coated. Gradually pour in the homemade turkey stock while whisking to avoid lumps until it’s nicely incorporated.
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Add the Goodness: Pour in the apple cider, chopped potatoes, coarse salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to soften.
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Incorporate the Turkey: Gently stir in the cooked shredded turkey and milk or cream, allowing everything to meld together beautifully.
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Prepare the Dumplings: While the soup simmers, mix all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl for the dumplings.
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Mix the Batter: Add the buttermilk and stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Be careful not to overmix; a bit of texture is perfect for fluffy dumplings!
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Drop the Dumplings: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter, about 1/4 cup each, on top of the simmering soup. Ensure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
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Cook the Dumplings: Cover the pot, leaving a 1-inch gap for steam to escape. Simmer for 15 minutes until the dumplings appear dry on top and are thoroughly cooked.
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Serve with Love: Serve the soup immediately, ensuring everyone gets a generous helping of turkey, vegetables, and those delightful dumplings. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Turkey and Dumplings Soup Variations
Feel free to make this cozy soup your own with these delicious twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute milk or cream with coconut milk or a plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
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Vegetarian: Replace the turkey broth with vegetable broth and omit turkey altogether for a hearty veggie version that’s just as satisfying.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to infuse some heat into your soup.
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Herb-Rich: Experiment with different herb combinations, like oregano or dill, to add a new layer of flavor that’s uniquely yours.
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Whole Wheat Dumplings: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour in the dumpling recipe for a nuttier taste and hearty texture.
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Seasonal Veggies: Toss in seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, or green beans for a fun twist on classic flavors.
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Quinoa Boost: Add cooked quinoa to the soup for extra protein and a delightful chewy texture.
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Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors and elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Embrace your creativity and let your taste buds lead the way to a new favorite rendition!
How to Store and Freeze Turkey and Dumplings Soup
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure the soup has cooled to room temperature before sealing.
Freezer: You can freeze Turkey and Dumplings Soup for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating: To enjoy your soup again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the dumplings’ texture.
Separation Tip: If the dumplings become soggy after freezing, consider storing them separately from the soup for better texture when reheating.
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey and Dumplings Soup preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the broth with leftover turkey bones and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance; store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. The soup can be assembled (without dumplings) and stored for up to 3 days before cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. To maintain quality, refrigerate in an airtight container, ensuring the turkey is added right before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the soup and drop in the dumpling batter, cooking them as directed for fluffy, delightful results that taste just as amazing!
Expert Tips for Turkey and Dumplings Soup
- Stock Clarity: Use cold water to cover the turkey bones when simmering; this helps create a clearer broth by extracting flavors without muddiness.
- Perfect Dumplings: To achieve fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and create delightful texture.
- Skim Scum: Don’t skip skimming the scum off the surface while simmering the broth to ensure a clean, rich flavor in your Turkey and Dumplings Soup.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning gradually; taste while cooking to find that perfect balance of salt and flavor, especially with the fresh thyme.
- Reheat Wisely: If you have leftovers, reheat gently over low heat to prevent the dumplings from becoming too soggy or losing their fluffy texture.
What to Serve with Turkey and Dumplings Soup?
Cozy up your dinner table with delightful sides that complement your comforting bowl of soup.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, a warm loaf of crusty bread balances the soup’s richness while offering a satisfying crunch.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad adds a crisp contrast, with bright vinaigrette cutting through the hearty flavors of the soup.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, garlicky breadsticks provide an extra layer of indulgence, ideal for soaking up every drop of that savory broth.
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can melt into the soup, creating a delightful and creamy texture that makes each spoonful heavenly.
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Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles or beetroot add a pop of brightness and acidity, beautifully balancing the comforting savory notes of the soup.
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Wine Pairing: A glass of chilled white wine, like a dry Sauvignon Blanc, brings a refreshing contrast to the rich dumplings while enhancing the apple cider undertones.
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Fruit Crisp: End the meal with a warm fruit crisp; the sweetness pairs wonderfully after the savory experience, ensuring a memorably cozy dinner.
Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right turkey bones for the broth?
Absolutely! When selecting turkey bones, look for bones that have some meat still clinging to them, as this will enhance the flavor of your broth. Avoid bones with dark spots, indicating age or spoilage. Fresh, quality bones from a butcher or your own cooked turkey are the best choice for a rich, savory broth.
What’s the best way to store leftover Turkey and Dumplings Soup?
The soup can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. It’s best to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
Can I freeze Turkey and Dumplings Soup?
Very! Freezing is a great option. You can freeze your soup for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Leave at least an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight and then reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
What if my dumplings came out dense instead of fluffy?
If your dumplings turned out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter. When you mix in the buttermilk, be sure to stir just until there are no dry ingredients left. A few lumps are perfectly fine; they’ll help keep the dumplings light and fluffy!
Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions or allergies?
Great question! This Turkey and Dumplings Soup contains dairy from butter and buttermilk, so it may not be suitable for lactose intolerant individuals. For a dairy-free version, you can use olive oil instead of butter and a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or soy milk in place of buttermilk. Always check with guests about any specific allergies or dietary preferences.
How long does it generally take to make this soup?
Making Turkey and Dumplings Soup typically takes about 2 hours, primarily due to the simmering of the turkey bones to create a flavorful broth. The preparation time is relatively quick, allowing you to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal in a timely manner!
Hearty Turkey and Dumplings Soup for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Remove excess skin and fat from the leftover turkey bones, ensuring no meat clings to the bone.
- Place the turkey bones in a large stock pot with the quartered onion, chopped carrots, celery, and herbs. Cover with enough cold water, then bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours, skimming off any scum.
- Carefully strain the stock through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids. Store or use right away.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, onion, and minced garlic; stir until the vegetables soften.
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and stir until well coated. Gradually pour in the turkey stock while whisking.
- Add the apple cider, chopped potatoes, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Gently stir in the cooked turkey and milk or cream.
- Mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl for the dumplings.
- Add buttermilk and stir until just moistened. Do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the simmering soup.
- Cover the pot with a gap for steam to escape and simmer for 15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked.
- Serve immediately, making sure everyone gets a generous helping.