Fluffy Drop Dumplings Recipe: Homemade Comfort in Each Bite

Nestled in the heart of comfort food, drop dumplings carry a rich, homemade warmth that instantly connects you to childhood memories.

Soft clouds of dough float gently in savory broth, creating a rustic dish packed with nostalgic flavor.

Southern kitchens have perfected this simple yet magical technique that turns basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Grandmothers across generations have whispered their secret techniques for crafting these pillowy morsels that melt in your mouth.

Hearty and straightforward, these dumplings require minimal skills but deliver maximum satisfaction.

Pillowy texture and delicate seasoning promise a meal that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

You’ll want to savor every comforting spoonful of this classic recipe.

Fluffy Drop Dumplings to Complete Any Meal

• Quick Comfort: Whip up these hearty dumplings in minutes, transforming any ordinary soup or stew into a soul-warming meal that hugs you from the inside out.
• No-Fuss Technique: Simply mix, drop, and cook – no special skills required, making this recipe perfect for beginner cooks or busy weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These dumplings work magic with almost any broth-based dish, from chicken stew to vegetable soup, satisfying everyone at the table with their pillowy texture and homemade goodness.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Created with basic pantry ingredients, this recipe stretches your meals without stretching your wallet, proving delicious comfort food doesn't have to be expensive.

Ingredients for Drop Dumplings

• Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and bulk to the dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough together.
• Butter (Melted): Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender texture in the dumplings.

How to Make Drop Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly using a whisk.

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly combined for a smooth, consistent texture.

Step 2: Create Dumpling Dough

Add milk and melted butter to the dry ingredient mixture.

Stir gently until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.

The consistency should be dense enough to hold its shape when spooned.

Step 3: Form Dumpling Drops

Using a spoon, carefully drop small portions of dough (roughly the size of a golf ball) directly into a simmering soup or stew.

Allow the dumplings to float gently on the liquid’s surface.

Step 4: Steam and Cook Dumplings

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam.

Let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 10-15 minutes.

The steam will help the dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.

Resist the temptation to peek inside the pot during cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings appear puffy and fully cooked, remove the lid.

Ladle the dumplings along with the soup or stew into serving bowls.

Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.

Tips to Perfect Drop Dumplings

• Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of baking powder for light, fluffy dumplings.
• Use two spoons to create uniform-sized dumplings, one to scoop and another to slide the dough into the simmering liquid.
• Keep the pot tightly covered during cooking to trap steam, which helps dumplings rise and become tender without disturbing the cooking process.
• Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to the dough for an extra layer of taste and aromatic complexity.

Variation Ideas for Drop Dumplings

• Gluten-Free Dumplings: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure baking powder is gluten-free and use dairy-free milk alternatives.
• Herbed Dumplings: Mix in dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the dry ingredients for extra flavor. Fresh chopped chives or dill work wonderfully too.
• Whole Wheat Dumplings: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier taste. Consider using buttermilk for richer texture.
• Vegan Dumplings: Use plant-based milk like soy or oat milk, and substitute melted butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Add nutritional yeast for depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Drop Dumplings

• Hearty Soup Companion: Serve these dumplings nestled in a rich beef or chicken stew for a comforting, filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Rustic Vegetable Pairing: Complement the dumplings with a thick vegetable soup packed with carrots, celery, and potatoes for a nutritious one-pot wonder.
• Gravy Bath Delight: Float these tender dumplings in a creamy turkey or mushroom gravy for an indulgent side dish that elevates any main course.
• Broth Boost Option: Use these dumplings to add substance to a light chicken broth, transforming a simple soup into a satisfying and hearty meal that fills hungry bellies.

How to Store Drop Dumplings

• Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate dumplings with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Gently warm dumplings by placing them back into simmering soup, stirring carefully to prevent breaking. Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Place dumplings on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Check temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Wrap individual dumplings in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• How do I know if my dumplings are fully cooked?

The dumplings are done when they appear puffy, light, and have doubled in size. They should feel firm when gently pressed and no longer look raw or doughy in the center.

• Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough up to 2 hours before cooking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to drop them into your soup or stew.

• What type of flour works best for drop dumplings?

All-purpose flour is the most recommended and works perfectly for creating light, fluffy drop dumplings. Avoid using cake or bread flour, as they can make the dumplings too dense.

Drop Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern drop dumplings highlight classic comfort food with rich, hearty flavors from traditional Appalachian cooking. Home cooks will appreciate this simple, rustic dish that connects generations through delicious memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Fat:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, melted (or shortening)

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blending flour, baking powder, and salt using a whisk until evenly distributed.
2. Introduce milk and melted butter into the dry mixture, stirring gently until a dense, cohesive dough materializes with a slightly lumpy texture.
3. Position the pot of simmering liquid (soup or stew) over medium heat, ensuring the surface is gently bubbling but not rapidly boiling.
4. Using a spoon, carefully drop rounded portions of dough directly into the hot liquid, spacing them slightly apart to prevent sticking.
5. Securely cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, maintaining a consistent low-medium temperature for 12-15 minutes without disturbing the cooking process.
6. Check dumplings for doneness by inserting a toothpick or fork – it should emerge clean and the dumplings should appear puffy and light.
7. Gently lift dumplings from the liquid using a slotted spoon, transferring them carefully to prevent breaking.
8. Serve immediately while warm, nestled atop the prepared soup or stew, allowing diners to enjoy the tender, pillowy texture.

Notes

• Ensure the dough is thick but still slightly sticky for the perfect dumpling texture.
• Use a light hand when dropping dough into the simmering liquid to prevent dense, heavy dumplings.
• Resist the temptation to peek under the lid while cooking, as this releases crucial steam needed for fluffy results.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flour and xanthan gum to maintain the right consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg