Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

If you have some Thanksgiving extras lingering in your fridge, you’re in for a real treat with this amazing Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect way to transform those leftovers into a comforting, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Combining tender turkey, savory stuffing dumplings, and a rich broth bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs, this dish is not only a delicious way to avoid waste but also a fantastic new favorite that can warm up any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of the ingredients in this recipe are simple pantry staples or leftover-friendly essentials, each playing a key role in layering the soup’s flavors and textures. From aromatic herbs to creamy buttermilk, every element comes together to create a symphony of taste and comforting textures.

• Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Provides a rich base for sautéing vegetables and building flavor.
• White onion (1/2, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the soup with fragrant warmth.
• Dried thyme, sage, parsley (1 tsp each): Classic herbs that echo Thanksgiving flavors beautifully.
• Kosher salt (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Brings a gentle kick to balance the richness.
• All-purpose flour (2 tbsp + 1 3/4 cup): Used to thicken the broth and form the dumplings.
• Chicken or leftover turkey broth (6 cups): Creates a savory and comforting base for the soup.
• Carrots (1 cup, chopped): Adds sweetness and color to brighten the bowl.
• Celery stalks (3, chopped): Offers freshness and a bit of crunch after simmering.
• Yellow potatoes (2 cups, 1-inch pieces): Contribute creamy texture once tender.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Lends luxurious richness to the broth.
• Shredded turkey (2 cups): The star protein making the soup hearty and satisfying.
• Baking powder (2 tsp) and baking soda (1/2 tsp): Essential for fluffier dumplings.
• Leftover stuffing (2 cups): The secret ingredient that makes the dumplings irresistibly flavorful and moist.
• Buttermilk (1 1/2 cup): Adds tang and tenderness to dumplings.

How to Make Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by melting the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. This base will infuse your soup with a subtle sweetness and a comforting aroma that sets the tone for the whole dish.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the dried thyme, sage, parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let these cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant — this step perfumes the broth wonderfully and brings all those classic holiday tastes right upfront.

Step 3: Add Flour

Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously, cooking for roughly 3 minutes. The goal here is to slightly brown the flour, which will help thicken your soup and add a subtle nuttiness that balances the creamy elements later on.

Step 4: Add Broth

Gradually pour in the chicken or turkey broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to thicken over about 5 minutes, creating a rich and flavorful base that carries the veggies and dumplings beautifully.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Once the broth has thickened, stir in the chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. These veggies add essential texture and heartiness to the soup.

Step 6: Prepare the Dumplings for Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

While the soup simmers, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the leftover stuffing, then pour in the buttermilk, mixing just until everything comes together. These dumplings will soak up the flavors of the broth and taste like tiny bites of Thanksgiving joy.

Step 7: Add Cream and Turkey

Stir the heavy cream and shredded turkey into the soup base. The cream brings richness and silkiness, while the turkey adds chunks of tender protein that make this meal truly satisfying.

Step 8: Shape and Add Dumplings

Drop the dumpling dough by spoonfuls—about 1- to 2-inch balls—directly into the simmering soup. You should get approximately 15 dumplings. They will puff up and cook right in the broth, absorbing all those tasty flavors.

Step 9: Cook Dumplings and Finish

Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the dumplings are fully cooked through. It’s easy to test by cutting one open to ensure the inside isn’t doughy. When done, remove from heat and let your soup cool for 15 to 20 minutes; this resting time helps the flavors meld perfectly.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your bowl with a sprinkle of freshly minced parsley or chives right before serving. These simple herbs add a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the richness of the soup perfectly.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a standalone meal thanks to its hearty dumplings, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad or some crusty artisan bread makes for a lovely contrast. A simple side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans would add a fresh and healthy touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a mini bread roll perched on the side or top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for a tangy twist. For a fun family gathering, let everyone sprinkle their own herbs or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, transfer your leftover soup into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and maintain excellent flavor for up to 4 days, making for a quick reheatable meal when time is tight.

Freezing

If you want to keep the soup longer, it freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze without the dumplings and add fresh dumplings when reheating. Otherwise, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months to preserve all those fantastic Thanksgiving flavors.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze the soup without dumplings, make the dumplings fresh and add them to the hot soup to cook through before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep textures just right.

FAQs

Can I use other types of leftover meat besides turkey?

Absolutely! While turkey is classic here, chicken or even pork leftovers will work well and adapt the soup to what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?

No worries! You can make a simple stuffing mixture from breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, and herbs, or substitute with a little extra flour and seasonings to keep the dumplings flavorful.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend but note the texture could be slightly different. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well.

Is it okay to use turkey broth instead of chicken broth?

Using turkey broth is perfect and actually intensifies the flavor, making the soup even more Thanksgiving-inspired and delicious.

Can I prepare this soup entirely in advance?

You can prepare the soup base and mix the dumpling dough separately in advance, but for the best texture and flavor, cook the dumplings fresh right before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe is an absolute game changer for anyone looking to reinvent post-holiday leftovers into something exciting and nourishing. It’s heartwarming, easy to make, and full of the cozy flavors that remind us of family gatherings and comfort food. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a simple soup can turn your turkey day extras into a brand new meal to savor again and again.

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