Description
A comforting and hearty tomato soup paired with fluffy cheddar bay dumplings for a delightful meal. This recipe combines rich canned tomatoes and aromatic onions simmered to perfection, topped with cheesy biscuit dumplings brushed with flavorful butter sauce for a warm, inviting bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
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 easy brushing)
- Seasoning packet from biscuit mix
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 translucent. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: While stirring, slowly pour in 3 cups of chicken stock and the entire 43.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce 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, divide the soup into two batches and carefully puree each in a blender until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and bring it back to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Dumplings: Prepare the cheddar bay biscuit mix according to the package instructions. Drop spoonfuls of the prepared 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 inside.
- Prepare Butter Sauce and Serve: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in the seasoning packet included with the biscuit mix. Brush this flavorful butter sauce over the tops of the cooked dumplings directly in the pot. Serve the tomato soup hot, ladling soup and cheesy dumplings into bowls for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Pureeing the soup is optional depending on your texture preference.
- Using canned diced tomatoes with juice adds deep tomato flavor without extra prep.
- Season the soup to taste, as saltiness can vary based on stock and biscuit mix.
- Ensure dumplings are fully cooked before serving; they should be fluffy, not doughy.
- The Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix is preferred for authentic flavor, but other cheddar biscuit mixes can be substituted.
- Use a blender or immersion blender carefully when pureeing hot soups to avoid splattering.
