Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

If you’re like me and love turning Thanksgiving leftovers into something irresistibly cozy, you’re going to adore this Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with all those familiar flavors that make you feel right at home. Trust me, once you make this soup, you won’t want to let go of it when turkey season rolls around—or anytime you want a soul-soothing meal!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe come together with simplicity and soul. You just need some basic veggies, turkey stock, and of course, your leftover turkey and stuffing. Having fresh herbs like thyme and parsley really brightens it all up and gives it that homemade touch.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Gives a rich, fruity base for sautéing the veggies, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
• Yellow or white onion: Sweetens the broth as it cooks down, creating a savory backbone.
• Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a little bite to balance the savory elements.
• Celery: Brings classic soup flavor and crunch when sautéed, building depth.
• Garlic: For that warm, aromatic punch you can’t live without in soup.
• Fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note—fresh is key here for the best flavor.
• Turkey stock: The soul of the soup—it brings that rich, meaty warmth you want.
• Leftover turkey: Shredded or chopped, it makes this soup hearty and protein-packed.
• Flat-leaf parsley: For a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of color.
• Salt and pepper: To balance and enhance all the other flavors.
• Eggs: Help bind the stuffing dumplings so they hold together.
• All-purpose flour: Adds a little structure without making the dumplings heavy.
• Leftover stuffing: The star ingredient that turns into soft, comforting dumplings.

Variations

I love making this Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe my own depending on what leftovers I have and what my family prefers. It’s super easy to adapt, so feel free to personalize it in ways that suit your taste buds and pantry.

• Add veggies: I sometimes toss in extra green beans or peas for a pop of color and nutrition; it keeps the soup fresh.
• Use different herbs: When I’m out of thyme, rosemary or sage make excellent substitutes that bring a lovely rustic aroma.
• Make gluten-free: I’ve swapped out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and it still works wonderfully.
• Spice it up: Some crushed red pepper flakes give the soup a nice kick if you enjoy a little heat.

How to Make Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in your largest stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. I like to toss in the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper right away—it helps pull out that natural sweetness without letting the onion brown. After about 4-5 minutes, when the onions are translucent, I add the chopped celery and carrots with a little more salt and pepper. Cook these for 6-8 minutes, stirring now and then; you want everything to soften slightly but not color too much. This step is where the soup’s depth really starts building, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Infuse Flavor with Garlic and Herbs, Then Simmer

Next up, add minced garlic and the fresh thyme leaves directly into your pot. Stir this mixture gently for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Pour in your turkey stock next and bring the whole pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, letting it gently simmer for 15-20 minutes—the blend of veggies and broth coming together here is truly magical and sets the stage for the rest of the soup.

Step 3: Make the Stuffing Dumplings

While your soup is simmering, this is the perfect multitasking moment to prep the dumplings. Whisk your eggs in a bowl, then season them with salt and black pepper. Stir in the flour to give the eggs more structure, and now fold in your leftover stuffing. I like to do this gently, using my hands to mix everything so the stuffing stays fluffy and doesn’t get too dense. This makes the dumplings tender once cooked—trust me, you want to preserve that soft texture for the perfect bite!

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings in the Soup

Give your soup a quick taste, and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Turn the heat back up to medium so the broth is at a strong simmer. Using either a cookie scoop or your hands, gently drop or roll balls of the stuffing mixture right into the bubbling soup. Cover the pot again and let the dumplings cook for 3-4 minutes—you’ll know they’re ready when they’re floating and no longer taste raw or eggy. It’s such a fun moment because the dumplings give this soup its unique, comforting charm.

Step 5: Add Turkey and Finish Cooking

Remove the lid and stir in your chopped or shredded leftover turkey along with some freshly chopped parsley. Give everything a gentle stir to flip those dumplings and incorporate the turkey throughout the soup. Lower the heat back to a simmer and let it all cook together for another 5 minutes until the turkey heats through and the flavors fully meld. Before serving, I like to sprinkle more fresh herbs on top for a fresh finish and extra pop of color.

How to Serve Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my bowls with a sprinkle of fresh flat-leaf parsley or more thyme sprigs. Sometimes I even add a tiny drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the whole bowl—it’s a simple trick that lifts the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup can easily stand alone, but I like serving it with warm crusty bread or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts to round out the meal. Occasionally, we’ll add a crisp green salad to cut through the soup’s richness, which my family really appreciates.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls, which really wow the guests and add a fun twist. Garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a swirl of herb-infused oil instantly makes it feel festive and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and the soup holds up beautifully for 3-4 days. I like to keep the dumplings submerged to retain their moisture and avoid drying out.

Freezing

Freezing this soup can be tricky because dumplings sometimes change texture after thawing, but I’ve had good luck freezing the turkey stock and veggies separately, then adding fresh dumplings when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I do it gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it feels too thick, stirring in a splash of broth or water helps bring it back to that perfect comforting texture. Dumplings stay tender when reheated slowly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Turkey & Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe brings comfort with every spoonful, reminding me of cozy family gatherings around the holidays. It’s one of those recipes that turns leftovers into something truly special, and I’m confident you’re going to enjoy the warm, satisfying flavors as much as I do. So next time you’re staring down a fridge full of turkey and stuffing, give this recipe a whirl—you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy those classic tastes year-round.

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