Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is the ultimate comfort-food upgrade to classic tomato soup. This Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful, topped with fluffy, cheesy garlic dumplings that soak up every spoonful of soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cozy tomato bisque with bold flavor
- Soft, cheesy dumplings inspired by Cheddar Bay biscuits
- One-pot comfort meal perfect for chilly days
- Family-friendly and incredibly satisfying
- No fancy ingredients, just classic pantry staples
Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings
Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is creamy and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Bisque
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 white onion chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cans 14.5 oz each diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Make the Tomato Bisque
- In a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Gradually whisk the broth mixture into the pot until completely smooth.
- Stir in sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and prepare the dumplings.
Make the Cheddar Bay Dumplings
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Finish the Dish
- Remove the lid from the soup and reduce heat to low. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth. Bring back to a gentle simmer.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup.
- Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until dumplings are fully cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in parsley and garlic powder.
- Brush the garlic butter over the dumplings.
- Ladle the Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
This Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings thickens as it sits. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the texture.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Bisque
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Make the Tomato Bisque
- In a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Gradually whisk the broth mixture into the pot until completely smooth.
- Stir in sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and prepare the dumplings.
Make the Cheddar Bay Dumplings
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Finish the Dish
- Remove the lid from the soup and reduce heat to low. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth. Bring back to a gentle simmer.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup.
- Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until dumplings are fully cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in parsley and garlic powder.
- Brush the garlic butter over the dumplings.
- Ladle the Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings into bowls and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use an immersion blender for the smoothest bisque
- Do not overmix the dumpling dough or dumplings will be dense
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer so dumplings cook evenly
- Add more cheese for extra-rich dumplings
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Medium
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, vegetarian-adaptable with vegetable broth
Notes
This Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings thickens as it sits. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the texture.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 30g
FAQ
Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of diced?
Yes, crushed tomatoes work well and reduce blending time.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
The bisque can be made ahead, but dumplings are best cooked fresh.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze the bisque only. Dumplings do not freeze well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
What should I serve with this?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
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Conclusion
Tomato Bisque with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. With creamy tomato soup and fluffy garlic-cheddar dumplings, this recipe turns a classic into a full, cozy meal you’ll crave again and again.