Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe: Fluffy Comfort in Every Bite

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when drop dumplings enter the culinary scene, promising comfort and pure deliciousness.

Soft clouds of dough float gently in rich, steaming broth.

Generations have passed down this cherished recipe through whispered secrets and loving spoonfuls.

Homemade warmth radiates from each carefully crafted morsel, connecting us to timeless traditions.

Grandmothers knew the magic of creating these pillowy treasures with simple ingredients and intuitive skill.

Memories of childhood meals dance alongside each tender dumpling, inviting you to recreate a taste of nostalgia.

Let’s uncover the secrets to crafting these irresistible comfort classics that will make every spoonful a celebration.

Storage Tips For Drop Dumplings

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store drop dumplings with the soup or stew in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Avoid freezing dumplings separately as they can become soggy and lose their delicate texture.
• Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What are drop dumplings?

Drop dumplings are a simple, quick method of adding soft, fluffy dough directly into simmering soups or stews without needing to roll or shape them.

• Can I make drop dumplings without an egg?

Yes, the egg is optional. The recipe works perfectly fine without an egg, just mix milk and melted butter with flour, baking powder, and salt.

• How do I know when drop dumplings are fully cooked?

Drop dumplings are done when they are puffy, look set, and have doubled in size, which typically takes 10-15 minutes of covered cooking in simmering liquid.

• What type of flour works best for drop dumplings?

All-purpose flour is the ideal choice for drop dumplings, providing the right texture and consistent results every time.

What Makes Drop Dumplings So Comforting

• Simplify Comfort Cooking: These drop dumplings transform any soup or stew into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort and basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Master Quick Homemade Technique: Learn an incredibly straightforward cooking method that lets you create fluffy, tender dumplings by simply dropping spoonfuls of batter directly into simmering liquid without complex shaping or rolling.
• Versatile Meal Enhancer: Perfectly adaptable to different soups and stews, these dumplings work wonderfully with chicken, beef, or vegetable-based dishes, adding rich texture and making any meal feel more substantial and comforting.

Ingredients For Drop Dumplings

• Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture 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 dumpling ingredients together.
• Butter: Provides richness and a smooth, tender texture to the dumplings.
• Egg: Optional ingredient that helps bind the mixture and adds extra protein.

• Herbs, Pepper: These can be added to customize the flavor of the dumplings according to personal preference.

How To Make Drop Dumplings

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, blend flour, baking powder, and salt together using a whisk until completely combined and free of lumps.

Step 2: Create Dumpling Batter

Gently mix in milk, melted butter, and egg until the mixture just comes together.

The batter should look thick and slightly sticky with a soft, lumpy texture.

Step 3: Drop Dumplings into Liquid

Carefully spoon dollops of the dumpling batter directly into a simmering soup or stew.

Make sure the liquid is gently bubbling but not rapidly boiling.

Step 4: Steam and Cook Dumplings

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings steam cook for 10-15 minutes.

Check that the dumplings have puffed up and look fluffy and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out the dumplings with some of the surrounding liquid, ensuring each serving gets a delicious mixture of dumpling and broth.

Serve immediately while warm and soft.

Tips For Drop Dumplings

• Ensure the batter remains slightly thick and sticky for the perfect dumpling texture, avoiding overmixing.
• Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create uniform, evenly sized dumplings that cook consistently.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to the batter for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
• Keep the lid on while cooking to trap steam, which helps the dumplings become light and fluffy.
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a dumpling – it should come out clean when fully cooked.

Variations For Drop Dumplings

• Gluten-Free Herb Dumplings: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, add dried thyme and rosemary for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free Drop Dumplings: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk and use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
• Whole Wheat Protein Dumplings: Use whole wheat flour, add a scoop of protein powder, and incorporate chopped fresh parsley for nutritional boost.
• Vegan Vegetable Dumplings: Swap egg with ground flaxseed, use plant-based milk, and mix in finely chopped spinach for added nutrients and color.

Serving Ideas For Drop Dumplings

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle these dumplings over a hearty chicken noodle soup for a classic, warming meal that hugs your soul with every spoonful.
• Rustic Stew Companion: Nestle the dumplings into a rich beef or vegetable stew, letting them soak up the deep, savory flavors and become pillowy bites of deliciousness.
• Vegetarian Delight Topping: Float these dumplings on top of a creamy mushroom or lentil soup, transforming a simple vegetarian dish into a satisfying, filling feast.
• Breakfast Twist: Serve these dumplings with a creamy sausage gravy for a hearty morning meal that'll keep you energized throughout the day.

Quick Drop Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Southern drop dumplings provide a comforting journey through traditional American cuisine. Hearty flour-based dough creates pillowy morsels that float gently in rich chicken broth, inviting you to savor each homestyle spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt

Optional Ingredient:

• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Blend dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
2. Create a smooth batter by incorporating milk, melted butter, and egg, mixing until just combined with a soft, slightly sticky texture.
3. Position spoonfuls of dough gently onto the bubbling surface of simmering soup or stew, ensuring even spacing between dumplings.
4. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow dumplings to steam and cook for 10-15 minutes at medium-low heat.
5. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a dumpling – it should emerge clean and the dumplings will appear puffy and light.
6. Remove lid and let dumplings rest for 2-3 minutes to absorb surrounding flavors and achieve maximum tenderness.
7. Serve immediately while warm, nestled within the aromatic liquid of the soup or stew, allowing each dumpling to showcase its delicate, pillowy texture.

Notes

• Choose a hearty soup or stew with enough liquid to allow dumplings to steam and expand comfortably.
• Use room temperature milk and egg to ensure even mixing and prevent lumpy batter.
• Keep batter slightly thick but not too dense, which helps create light and airy dumplings that won’t sink in the liquid.
• Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter to prevent tough, chewy texture; stir just until ingredients are combined.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 213 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 371 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg