This cozy and delicious One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings recipe combines two comforting classics: broccoli cheddar soup and creamy dumpling soup. It features a creamy soup base loaded with tender broccoli, topped with light, airy dumplings, making it perfect for cool autumn evenings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 large carrots, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 4 cups broccoli florets

• 2 bay leaves

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• Pinch of salt and pepper

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the carrots and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.

2. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the broccoli, bay leaves, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.

3. While the soup simmers, make the dumplings: in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the buttermilk, parmesan, and sage until just combined.

4. Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Transfer 3/4 of the soup to a blender and blend until the broccoli is finely chopped. Return the soup to the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

5. Drop heaping tablespoons of dumpling dough into the soup, adding about 6 dumplings at a time. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the dumplings are puffy and cooked through.

6. Carefully move the dumplings aside, or remove them from the soup. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese, cooking until the cheese has melted. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

7. Ladle the soup and dumplings into bowls and serve with freshly ground pepper on top. Enjoy!

Estimated Nutritional Value per Serving:

• Calories: 1295 kcal

• Protein: 43g

• Fat: 75g

  • Saturated Fat: 38g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 137g

  • Dietary Fiber: 12g

  • Sugars: 16g

• Cholesterol: 132mg

• Sodium: 1740mg

• Potassium: 1,420mg

• Calcium: 540mg

• Iron: 4mg

Note:

These values are rough estimates and can differ based on the specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes you use.

The Comfort of Broccoli Cheddar Soup

At the heart of this recipe is the broccoli cheddar soup. This classic dish is a crowd favorite, known for its rich, creamy texture and bold flavor. The combination of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese creates a deliciously comforting soup that is perfect for any time of year, but especially in the fall. The soup’s base is made with vegetable broth, butter, and onions, providing a savory foundation for the broccoli and the creamy cheese that follows.

Broccoli is the star of the show in this recipe, bringing a healthy, vibrant green element to the dish. Not only is broccoli packed with nutrients, but it also provides a slight crunch and a fresh, earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and cream. The addition of nutmeg and cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the soup, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the ingredients.

Fluffy Dumplings: The Perfect Addition

While the broccoli cheddar soup is comforting on its own, the addition of the dumplings takes this dish to the next level. The dumplings are light, fluffy, and perfectly pillowy, providing a wonderful contrast to the creamy soup. Made with a mixture of flour, baking powder, parmesan cheese, and fresh sage, these dumplings are the perfect accompaniment to the rich broth. The addition of buttermilk gives them a tender texture and a slight tang, while the parmesan adds a bit of salty, savory flavor.

The key to making perfect dumplings lies in the cooking method. As the dumplings are dropped into the simmering soup, they soak up the flavors of the broth while gently puffing up as they cook. They should be cooked until they are firm yet soft, and when you break one open, it should reveal a tender interior that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup. The combination of the soup and dumplings creates a harmonious blend of textures, making each bite a satisfying experience.

A One-Pot Meal for Simplicity and Convenience

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Cooking in one pot not only minimizes cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. From the moment you begin sautéing the onions and carrots, the aroma in your kitchen will be irresistible. As the broth simmers and the dumplings cook, the anticipation of a warm, comforting meal builds, and the wait is more than worth it.

The use of a single pot also makes it easy to control the texture of the soup and dumplings. The soup simmers gently, allowing the broccoli to become tender while maintaining its shape and color. After blending a portion of the soup, you’ll return it to the pot to create a creamy, smooth base that’s the perfect consistency for the dumplings to cook in. This method ensures that the dumplings stay tender and fluffy, absorbing just the right amount of soup as they cook.

Versatility and Customization

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, it’s also highly adaptable. You can easily make substitutions or adjustments based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For example, if you prefer a different type of cheese, you could swap out the cheddar for gouda, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses. For a more indulgent twist, you could add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top of each serving.

If you’re looking to make this dish lighter or vegetarian, the vegetable broth can be swapped with chicken broth or even a plant-based option. You could also experiment with adding other vegetables such as spinach, peas, or potatoes to the soup to change up the flavor and texture. The dumplings themselves are very versatile too—if you prefer a different herb or seasoning, feel free to get creative with your additions. Thyme, rosemary, or even garlic powder would work wonderfully in place of the sage.

The Joy of Comfort Food

There’s something undeniably comforting about enjoying a warm bowl of soup with dumplings, especially as the days get shorter and cooler. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes feelings of home and warmth. Whether you’re serving it to your family or making it for yourself on a chilly evening, this recipe brings comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Not only does the One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings offer a combination of hearty ingredients, but it also provides a wholesome, satisfying meal. The balance of nutrients from the vegetables and the richness of the cheese and dumplings makes it both nourishing and indulgent. It’s a dish that brings people together and encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life—good food and great company.

Perfect for Every Season

While this dish is perfect for fall, it’s one that can be enjoyed year-round. The comforting nature of the broccoli cheddar soup makes it suitable for any time you need a pick-me-up. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter night, during a spring rainstorm, or even on a chilly summer evening, this one pot meal will always hit the spot.

The dumplings add an extra layer of heartiness to the soup, making it a filling and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for those times when you want a meal that’s not just comforting but also nourishing. The use of fresh ingredients like broccoli, carrots, and fresh herbs ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and nutrition, making this dish a well-rounded option for anyone looking to create a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It brings together the best elements of both broccoli cheddar soup and homemade dumplings, creating a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting. The ease of preparation and versatility of the recipe make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or any occasion where you crave something hearty and delicious.

The combination of flavors—from the savory broccoli and rich cheddar to the light, fluffy dumplings—ensures that every bite is a satisfying experience. Plus, the fact that it’s made in one pot means that cleanup is a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and the company of those around you.

Whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with your own variations, this dish is bound to become a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, the next time you find yourself craving a warm, comforting meal, remember that this one pot wonder is just a few ingredients and one pot away from bringing joy to your dinner table.