If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with minimal fuss, this Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It transforms leftover turkey into a hearty, soul-warming meal brimming with tender vegetables, fragrant herbs, and light, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding flavors beautifully over hours so every bite tastes like a cozy hug. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a satisfying solo dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for layers of flavor and comforting texture. Each element plays an important role—from the savory turkey and broth, to fresh vegetables that add sweetness and crunch, to herbs that awaken the senses, and finally the dumplings that complete the dish with a soft, pillowy bite.
- Leftover turkey (2 lbs): Shredded or cubed turkey adds rich, meaty flavor and protein to make this soup satisfying.
- Turkey or chicken broth (6 cups): Use homemade or store-bought, preferably with turkey drippings for extra depth.
- Yellow onion (1 large): Chopped for a sweet and aromatic base that complements the richer ingredients.
- Carrots (3): Peeled and sliced to bring subtle sweetness and a vibrant splash of color.
- Celery ribs (3): Provides a crisp texture and slight bitterness to balance the soup.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Minced to infuse warm, savory undertones throughout the broth.
- Fresh thyme (1 Tbsp.): Adds earthy freshness, or use dried thyme for convenience.
- Fresh sage (1 Tbsp.): Chopped sage lends a signature herbaceous note, easily swapped with oregano if needed.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning intensifies all other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of the dumpling dough, providing structure with a tender result.
- Baking powder (1 Tbsp.): Helps the dumplings puff nicely as they cook in the soup.
- Salt (½ tsp.): Incorporated into the dough to enhance flavor balance.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and richness for soft dumplings.
- Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp.): Melted and folded into the batter, creating a tender, buttery finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by adding the shredded or cubed turkey into your slow cooker, followed by the turkey or chicken broth. Next, toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, minced garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to distribute the flavors evenly before closing the lid.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This gentle cooking process allows the vegetables to become tender and release their natural sweetness while infusing the broth with all those wonderful herbaceous and savory notes.
Step 3: Prepare Dumpling Dough
About half an hour before the soup has finished simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the whole milk and melted butter, then stir gently just until combined—the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Add Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop even spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the soup. Don’t worry about perfect shape—rustic is charming here. Gently push each dumpling down so they’re submerged in the broth, ready to puff up as they cook.
Step 5: Cook Dumplings
Replace the lid and set the slow cooker on HIGH for an additional hour. Keep the lid closed to trap steam, which helps the dumplings cook through and puff up beautifully until tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Finish Soup
Once the dumplings are cooked, carefully stir the soup to incorporate them evenly throughout. This step melds all those comforting textures and flavors for a perfectly cozy bowl of soup.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the hearty soup into bowls, adding extra fresh herbs if you like, and serve it hot to enjoy every comforting spoonful of this homemade goodness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your bowls with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or even a light handful of chopped chives. A little fresh herb garnish adds a pop of color and a fragrant finish that makes this soup look just as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal. A crisp green salad with a tart vinaigrette can refresh your palate between delicious spoonfuls, while bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that scrumptious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family gathering or a small dinner party, serve the soup in rustic mugs or mini cast iron skillets. You could also portion the soup into bread bowls for an inviting, casual presentation that doubles as a tasty edible vessel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store leftovers in an airtight container and always cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While the soup freezes well without the dumplings, it is best to add fresh dumplings when reheating after thawing. Freeze the broth and turkey mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy a quick homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the frozen soup slowly over medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding freshly made dumplings or reheating separately to preserve their texture. Stir gently before serving to distribute flavors evenly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Cooking fresh turkey before adding it to the slow cooker works perfectly, just shred or cube it after cooking so it blends easily with the soup.
What can I substitute for whole milk in the dumplings?
You can use buttermilk, half-and-half, or even a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, though this may slightly alter the dumpling flavor and texture.
Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring it includes baking powder, or adjust accordingly to maintain the dough’s consistency.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap turkey for hearty vegetables or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth, but the dumplings add that traditional touch that makes this soup so special.
How thick should the soup be before adding dumplings?
The broth should be flavorful but not too thick; it should have enough liquid to cover the dumplings so they can cook through and puff up without drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe to bring warmth and comfort home. It’s an easy way to turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your belly with cozy goodness. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to for chilly evenings or when you want a little homemade magic on your table.
Print
Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings recipe transforms leftover turkey into a comforting, hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Tender turkey simmers with fresh vegetables and herbs in a flavorful broth, topped with fluffy, homemade dumplings cooked right in the slow cooker. The hands-off cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, delivering a warm and satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 lbs. leftover turkey, shredded or cubed (about 3–4 cups)
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth (can use leftover turkey drippings, degreased)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried (can substitute with oregano)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dumpling Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, add the shredded or cubed leftover turkey, broth, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly mix all ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender and flavorful.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: About 30 minutes before the soup has finished cooking, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring gently until just combined to form a slightly sticky dough.
- Add Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly onto the surface of the soup in the slow cooker. Gently push the dumplings down so they are covered by the broth.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for an additional hour, keeping the lid closed the entire time. The dumplings will puff up and cook through during this time.
- Finish Soup: Once the dumplings are fully cooked, gently stir the soup to incorporate the dumplings and distribute them evenly throughout.
- Serve: Ladle the turkey and dumpling soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness.
Notes
- If using turkey drippings for broth, be sure to degrease to avoid excess fat.
- The dumpling dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet — adjust milk quantity if necessary.
- You can substitute dried herbs if fresh herbs are unavailable; adjust quantities accordingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Keep the slow cooker lid closed tightly during dumpling cooking to ensure they cook properly and stay fluffy.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a lower fat version, use low-fat milk and reduce butter to 2 tablespoons.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or green beans during the last hour of slow cooking for added color and nutrition.
