Best Tomato Soup Cheddar Bay

Nothing comforts quite like a steaming bowl of tomato soup with fluffy cheddar bay dumplings floating on top vibrant and rich this recipe creates a cozy meal that is both nostalgic and unexpectedly playful The fragrant onion base and velvety tomatoes offer a flavor that lingers while those cheesy dumplings make it extra satisfying This is the recipe my family turns to whenever cold weather returns or we need a warming midweek pick me up

When I first made this I was not sure my picky eaters would go for dumplings in their soup They all asked for seconds My youngest now calls it "pizza soup but with clouds"

Ingredients

• Butter: imparts rich flavor to both the soup base and biscuit topping always choose real unsalted butter for the creamiest taste
• Chopped sweet onion: builds deep savory notes in the base sweeter varieties like Vidalia are especially nice here
• Allpurpose flour: thickens the soup and creates body use fresh unbleached flour for best results
• Chicken stock: gives the soup a heartier backbone opt for low sodium and check for clear broth with no off smell
• Canned diced tomatoes: are the star look for brands with firm tomato chunks and no tinny aftertaste
• Sugar: balances acidity helping tomatoes taste naturally sweet use cane sugar if possible
• Coarse salt: ensures every layer is seasoned Kosher salt adds the cleanest saltiness
• Ground black pepper: adds a mild heat for depth crack your own from a pepper mill for best flavor
• Cheddar bay biscuit mix: delivers cheesy herby dumplings in a flash use the freshest packet available and check for tight packaging without clumps
• Butter (again): for the final sauce more flavor richness look for pale yellow highfat content

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt and Sauté:

Start by melting the butter in your largest heavybottomed pot over medium heat Add chopped onion and cook slowly for several minutes until it turns translucent This is your chance to coax out sweetness and build flavor

Form the Roux:

Sprinkle in the flour and mix continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula for a full minute The flour will absorb the fat and coat the onions slowly turning golden and fragrant Do not let it brown since you want a delicate thickening rather than toasted notes

Simmer with Liquids:

Gradually pour in chicken stock while stirring constantly to prevent lumps followed by all the canned tomatoes with their juice Continue stirring until the base is completely smooth Raise the heat and allow everything to come to a gentle boil Immediately lower to a soft simmer Season the soup with a measured pinch of sugar salt and black pepper Stir well and taste

Blend if Desired:

For a velvety version ladle half the hot soup into a blender and puree in batches Removing the center cap and covering with a kitchen towel helps steam escape safely Pour blended portions back into the pot Give things a gentle stir and bring back to a gentle simmer

Prepare and Cook Dumplings:

Following packet instructions mix up the cheddar bay biscuit dough Drop spoonfuls gently into the simmering soup Make sure not to crowd them as they will expand Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam through for 15 to 20 minutes Test the center with a fork to ensure there is no raw dough left

Butter and Finish:

While the soup is resting briefly melt your reserved butter and incorporate the biscuit seasoning packet Paint this flavorful butter directly over the dumplings using a brush or spoon This finishes the top with irresistible herby shine

Ladle up:

Ladle up the soup taking care to scoop at least one dumpling into every bowl Best enjoyed steaming right away

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My favorite part is swirling the melted herb butter over those pillowy dumplings My grandmother always believed extra butter made everything taste like love I still remember the first time she tasted this soup and called it "magic for cold toes"

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to three days The dumplings will continue to absorb liquid but you can loosen the soup with extra broth when reheating If freezing the soup cook the dumplings fresh each time as they become dense after thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

Vegetable stock can easily stand in for chicken stock making this dish vegetarian Simply check the label for minimal sodium and avoid broths that look cloudy For a hot kick add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce You can substitute the cheddar bay mix with homemade biscuit dough mixed with a big handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad and a slice of garlic toast for a more complete dinner My kids like a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or chopped scallions right on top A drizzle of heavy cream makes the soup extra luxe if feeling fancy

Cultural and Historical Context

Tomato soup began its popularity in American kitchens in the nineteenth century as canning technology advanced Dumplings as a soup topping have roots in many UK comfort classics Marrying these two creates a playful crosscultural bowl that feels both nostalgic and novel at the same time

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With just one pot and a handful of store cupboard ingredients you can fill your kitchen with the aroma of sweet onions slow simmered tomatoes and golden cheddar clouds perfect for any day needing a little extra warmth

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this with fresh tomatoes?

Yes, substitute an equal weight of peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes for canned, cooking until very soft before blending or simmering further.

→ How do I keep dumplings from being doughy?

Cover the pot tightly while simmering the dumplings. Make sure they cook for the full 15-20 minutes and test one to ensure it’s set all the way through.

→ Is it necessary to puree the soup?

No, pureeing creates creaminess, but leaving it chunky provides a more rustic texture. Choose based on your preference.

→ Can this be made vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock, and check your biscuit mix for any non-vegetarian ingredients.

→ What to serve alongside this dish?

Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.