Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

There is something incredibly comforting about transforming holiday leftovers into a brand-new, heartwarming meal. This Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe takes your leftover turkey and stuffing to the next level by combining them in a rich, creamy broth filled with tender vegetables and delightful dumplings. It’s a soul-satisfying way to enjoy familiar flavors while adding a cozy twist that promises to become a favorite long after the holidays.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all you need to create this comforting soup. Each item plays a crucial role, from building deep flavor to adding texture and that irresistible warmth that true comfort food delivers.

• Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base to sauté the onions and garlic, imparting a silky depth to the broth.
• White onion: Adds natural sweetness and aromatic complexity when sautéed until translucent.
• Garlic: Minced for a fragrant kick that balances the herbal seasonings perfectly.
• Dried thyme, sage, and parsley: Classic herbs that evoke all the wonderful flavors of traditional turkey dinners.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning duo that brings the whole dish together.
• All-purpose flour: Used both to thicken the broth and form the dumplings, giving structure and heartiness.
• Chicken broth or leftover turkey broth: The flavorful liquid base that makes the soup warm and comforting.
• Carrots, celery, and yellow potatoes: Fresh vegetables add color, texture, and a light sweetness.
• Heavy cream: Stirred in at the end to enrich the soup and give it a luscious mouthfeel.
• Shredded turkey: The star protein, tender and flavorful, brings the familiar holiday taste.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Combined with flour to create fluffy, tender dumplings.
• Leftover stuffing: The secret ingredient in the dumplings that infuses them with surprising flavor and softness.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to the dumplings, ensuring they stay tender while cooking in the soup.

How to Make Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by melting butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced white onion and cook until it turns translucent and soft—about 5 minutes. This step creates a flavorful foundation that makes the whole soup sing.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let these cook for around 2 minutes. As the garlic and herbs mingle with the butter and onions, the aroma will fill your kitchen and hint at the comforting meal ahead.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and whisk it in. Keep cooking for about 3 minutes, allowing the flour to take on a golden hue and thicken slightly. This roux will give the broth that perfect body and smoothness.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Gradually add the chicken or turkey broth, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps. Let the soup base thicken for about 5 minutes while the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Simmer

Incorporate the chopped carrots, celery, and potato pieces. Reduce heat to a low-medium simmer and cook 10 to 15 minutes, just until the potatoes become tender but still hold their shape. This gentle cooking unlocks their natural sweetness and texture.

Step 6: Prepare the Dumpling Mixture

While the soup simmers, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Toss in the leftover stuffing, then pour in the buttermilk. Mix just until everything is combined—the key is to keep the dumpling batter light and tender.

Step 7: Enrich the Soup with Cream and Turkey

Stir the heavy cream and shredded turkey into the soup. This step adds rich creaminess and hearty protein, turning the broth into a satisfying meal you’ll crave.

Step 8: Drop in the Dumplings

Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop 1 to 2-inch dumpling balls into the simmering soup. You should get about 15 dumplings. They will cook in the broth, soaking up all the flavor while becoming wonderfully soft.

Step 9: Cook the Dumplings

Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Check by cutting one open to make sure the center is fully cooked and not doughy. This patience pays off with the ultimate tender bite.

Step 10: Let It Rest

Remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors develop further and makes serving easier. For a pretty touch, sprinkle freshly minced parsley on top if you like.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few cracks of black pepper really brightens the bowl and adds a pop of color. A drizzle of extra cream can also give it a luxe finish if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or a simple green salad offers a nice balance. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, while the salad adds freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic mugs for a cozy vibe, or ladle it into shallow bowls topped with extra stuffing crumbs for added texture. Hosting a casual dinner? Set out bowls of garnishes like chopped herbs, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits for everyone to customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, transfer your leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic meal to enjoy again without any fuss.

Freezing

This soup also freezes beautifully. Make sure the dumplings are fully cooked before freezing to maintain their texture. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over low heat to avoid scorching and to preserve the creamy texture. Stir occasionally, and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. This way, the soup tastes just as fresh as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with any cooked poultry. Chicken will offer a milder flavor but still blend beautifully with the seasoning and stuffing dumplings.

What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?

If you don’t have leftover stuffing, you can make a quick version by mixing breadcrumbs, herbs, and a little broth. Though stuffing adds a unique flavor to the dumplings, you’re still set for a delicious soup with a basic dumpling mixture.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might differ slightly but will still be tender and tasty.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

To keep it vegetarian, replace the turkey and broth with vegetable broth and some hearty mushrooms or plant-based protein. The stuffing dumplings can remain to add that comforting element.

How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?

Drop the dumpling batter gently into the soup spaced apart and avoid stirring immediately after adding them. Covering the pot helps steam and cook them evenly without clumping.

Final Thoughts

If you love turning holiday leftovers into something truly memorable, this Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe is a game changer. It’s simple, hearty, and full of cozy flavors that feel like a warm hug. Give it a try, and watch your leftover turkey and stuffing transform into a fresh, irresistible classic you’ll want on your table year-round.

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