If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe. Imagine tender broccoli and sweet carrots swimming in a rich, cheesy broth, with fluffy, tender dumplings nestled right on top. It’s a perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh veggie goodness, all cooked in one pot for an easy, satisfying dinner that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but come together in a way that delivers vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and the satisfying bite of fluffy dumplings. Each plays a key role, whether it’s the sharpness of cheddar, the sweetness of carrot, or the buttery richness of the dumplings.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic: Brings warmth and aromatic depth with just a hint of spice.
- Broccoli florets: The star vegetable, offering vibrant color and healthy crunch.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and an appealing pop of orange.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Creates the savory liquid foundation for the soup.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: Make the soup irresistibly creamy and silky.
- Dried thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes for complexity.
- Black pepper and salt: Season perfectly to taste and enhance all flavors.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melds into the soup, delivering bold, tangy cheesiness.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the dumplings to keep them tender.
- Baking powder: Ensures the dumplings puff up light and fluffy.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates pockets of rich flakiness in the dumplings.
- Milk: Binds the dumpling dough without making it too heavy.
How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic and let it bloom for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped broccoli and diced or shredded carrot, then pour in your broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook until the veggies are tender, around 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds a flavorful veggie base that is both fresh and comforting.
Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While the soup simmers, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the mixture using a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and stir gently just until a dough forms—be careful not to overwork it. This dough will create the light, fluffy dumplings that make this dish truly special.
Step 3: Finish the Soup Base
Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt into the pot. Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until it melts smoothly into the soup. This is where that luscious cheesy flavor shines, turning your vegetable broth into a velvety, indulgent base.
Step 4: Add and Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the dumplings steam gently for about 15 to 18 minutes—avoid boiling during this time to keep the dumplings tender. When puffed up and cooked through, your dumplings will crown the soup perfectly.
How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Top off each serving with an extra sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese to boost that melty, golden finish. Freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth, while a few torn basil leaves or chopped chives bring a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty one-pot meal stands tall on its own, but if you want to round out the dinner, a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or some crusty bread is perfect. Lightly toasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully, soaking up the creamy broth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in rustic bowls to highlight the comforting nature of the dish. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into mini bread bowls for individual portions, which makes for a charming presentation. You can also garnish with roasted broccoli florets for extra texture and deeper flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day lunch or dinner. Consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
Freezing
This One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe freezes well, but keep in mind the dumplings may lose some of their fluffy texture. To freeze, pack leftover soup with dumplings in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve taste.
Reheating
Reheat on low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid reheating in the microwave at high power to keep the dumplings tender and the cheese creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and can be added a bit earlier during the simmering step to make sure it cooks through and blends perfectly into the soup’s texture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth. For a non-vegetarian version, chicken broth works well too, adding extra richness.
Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be sure to check the baking powder is gluten-free too. Dumplings might be slightly more delicate but still delicious.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try stirring in a splash of Dijon mustard or a pinch of nutmeg with the cheese to enhance the depth and warmth of the soup.
How long do the dumplings need to cook?
Simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes covered. Boiling will toughen them up, so keep the heat low and check for puffiness and firmness before serving.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves comfort food made effortlessly. It’s just the right amount of cheesy, creamy, and wholesome, with dumplings that feel like a delightful surprise in every bite. Whip this up anytime you want a cozy dinner that feels homemade and special without the fuss – you’ll be so glad you did.
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One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring creamy broccoli cheddar soup topped with tender, fluffy dumplings. Perfect for a warming vegetarian dinner that combines rich cheese flavor with wholesome vegetables, all cooked together on the stovetop.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, diced or shredded
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Cook Vegetables: Add chopped broccoli and carrot to the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: While the soup simmers, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in milk just until a dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Finish Soup Base: Reduce heat to low. Stir the milk, heavy cream, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt into the pot. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add Dumplings and Simmer: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly and simmer gently (avoid boiling) for 15–18 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in a splash of Dijon mustard or a pinch of nutmeg with the cheese.
- You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh—add it slightly earlier to ensure full cooking.
- Do not overmix the dumpling dough to keep it light and fluffy.
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer during dumpling cooking to prevent them from becoming tough.
