Ultimate Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings : Rich, Creamy & Cheesy!

Few things say comfort like a steaming bowl of tomato soup—unless you elevate it with fluffy, cheesy Cheddar Bay-style dumplings. This Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings takes your classic tomato bisque and levels it up with buttery, herb-packed dumplings inspired by Red Lobster’s famous biscuits.

Perfect for chilly nights, weeknight dinners, or lazy Sundays, this hearty dish fits right into your soup and casserole recipes collection. It’s the kind of warm, satisfying recipe that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for busy weeknights. And if you’re searching for easy soup ideas for dinner that don’t feel basic—this one’s for you.

It also works great as a cozy cauldron recipe for Halloween, Friendsgiving, or autumn get-togethers. Let’s get into the delicious details.

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Why You’ll Love This Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

If you’re tired of plain soups and want something with flair, here’s why this recipe is your new go-to:

• Total comfort food: Creamy tomato base + fluffy dumplings = pure comfort.
• Loaded with flavor: Garlic, herbs, cheddar, and buttery biscuits in every bite.
• Customizable: Add protein or veggies to bulk it up.
• Made from household ingredients: Pantry and fridge staples do the trick.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this cheesy twist.

Pair this with a simple green salad like our cucumber dill salad for a complete, well-rounded meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need (with Quantities)

This dish is broken into two parts: the rich tomato soup base and the Cheddar Bay dumplings.

For the Tomato Bisque:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheddar Bay Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Love garlic-forward meals? Be sure to check out our creamy garlic butter shrimp and mashed potatoes for another bold and savory main dish.

How to Make Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings – Step-by-Step

1. Start the Soup Base

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Simmer the Tomatoes

Add crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

3. Blend the Soup

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. You can also use a regular blender in batches, then return the soup to the pot.

4. Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm over low heat while you prepare the dumplings.

5. Make the Dumplings

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne. Stir in cheddar cheese, then add milk and melted butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Fold in parsley.

6. Drop the Dumplings

Using a spoon or small scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough gently into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 12–15 minutes, or until they’re puffed and cooked through.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a few dumplings. Garnish with more herbs or extra shredded cheese if desired.

Want to serve this in a fall-themed way? Use it as a cauldron recipe—just ladle into small cast-iron pots or black soup bowls for a spooky seasonal presentation.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

To make this cozy tomato soup, gather the following:

• Large soup pot with lid
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• Immersion blender or countertop blender
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons

Make prep easier with this tool lineup—just like with our creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup, where the right tools streamline the whole process.

What Makes These Cheddar Bay Dumplings So Special?

Inspired by Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits, these dumplings are light, buttery, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. When steamed right in the soup, they absorb some of the tomato flavor while maintaining a fluffy, tender texture.

The combo of garlic, cheddar, and fresh herbs makes each bite irresistible—and turns this from “just soup” into a crave-worthy dinner.

Looking for a similar cheesy side? You’ll love our cheddar bay biscuits on their own too.

Tomato Soup Dinner Ideas: Perfect Pairings and Add-ons

Turn your soup night into a full meal with these additions:

• Salads: Try a crispy smashed potato salad or beet salad with arugula.
• Grilled cheese: Classic, of course—try it with sourdough or a panini.
• Roasted veggies: Carrots, broccoli, or oven-roasted garlic cabbage steaks are great.
• Bread: Serve extra garlic parmesan focaccia or crusty bread on the side.

Easy Soup Ideas for Dinner with a Twist

Soup doesn’t have to be boring. Consider these tips for adding your own flair:

• Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes
• Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein boost
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika
• Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option

Explore more unique soups like our white lasagna soup or creamy wild rice and mushroom soup if you’re craving variety.

How to Store, Reheat, and Make Ahead

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Dumplings will continue to soak up some soup but remain soft.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.

Make ahead by prepping the soup base in advance and refrigerating. Make and cook the dumplings fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Soup with Dumplings Recipes

• Adding dumplings too early can lead to overcooked, soggy dough.
• Boiling the soup with dumplings uncovered will dry them out—cover the pot!
• Using cold soup base when adding dumplings—keep it at a gentle simmer.
• Over-blending the soup can result in a gummy texture. Stop when smooth.

Avoid these pitfalls for a bowl that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

Tomato Soup as a Cauldron Recipe: Halloween & Fall Party Ideas

Want to make this spooky? Serve it in black bowls or mini cauldrons for a bewitching dinner party. Add edible eyes to the dumplings for fun with kids. It’s a perfect cauldron recipe for Halloween-themed dinners or even a Harry Potter-inspired night.

Pair it with pumpkin pie crescent rolls or bloody red velvet popcorn for spooky fun.

Soup and Salad Recipes That Pair Perfectly

Balance the richness of the soup with light, crisp salads like:

• Greek beet salad
• Sunshine salad
• Arugula nectarine salad

For even more variety, check out our full soup and salad recipes section.

Household Ingredient Recipes: Make It from What You Have

This dish is one of those household ingredient recipes that doesn’t require fancy shopping trips. Most of the items—tomato paste, canned tomatoes, flour, cheese, herbs—are pantry or fridge staples.

Customize with what you have: yogurt for cream, biscuit mix for dumplings, or any cheese you love.

Desserts That Go With Soup: Sweet Finishes for a Comforting Meal

Soup and dessert? Yes, please. Here are some desserts that go with soup:

• Apple fritter donuts
• Mini pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl
• Pumpkin brownies
• Peach sorbet for a light touch
• Blueberry cinnamon rolls for indulgence

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FAQs About Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Dough can be prepped ahead but should be cooked fresh for best texture.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?
They’ll puff up and be firm when gently pressed. Cut one open to check—it should be fluffy inside.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable broth and skip any meat additions.

Can I freeze it?
Freeze the soup base only. Dumplings should be made fresh for best results.

Is it spicy?
Not unless you add cayenne or hot sauce—easily adjustable for all heat levels.

Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

This Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. It brings together pantry basics and cheesy indulgence in one easy-to-make dish that’s as family-friendly as it is satisfying.

Perfect for cozy weeknights, cool fall evenings, or impressing guests at a dinner party—it’s a must-have for your soup with dumplings recipes list. Once you try it, you’ll be coming back to it again and again.

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