Homemade turkey and dumplings is the ultimate comfort meal! This easy recipe puts leftover turkey to deliciously good use, transforming it into a hearty, flavorful dish that will warm you from the inside out.

turkey and dumplings in a dutch oven with a serving spoon

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The Ultimate Homemade Turkey and Dumplings Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, savory turkey and dumplings to evoke feelings of home and hearth. This classic comfort food, rich with tender turkey, a flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a brilliant solution for your holiday leftovers. Forget dry, uninspired post-feast meals – this recipe elevates surplus turkey into a dish so delicious, your family will be asking for it year-round. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend project. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of comforting aromas and create a meal that everyone will adore!

Why You’ll Love This Heartwarming Turkey and Dumplings Recipe

Our homemade turkey and dumplings recipe stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a must-try addition to your culinary repertoire:

Ultimate Comfort Food Experience: This isn’t just a meal; it’s an embrace in a bowl. Rich, savory broth, tender pieces of turkey, and soft, pillowy dumplings combine to create a deeply satisfying dish that is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little culinary hug. It’s the kind of wholesome, hearty meal that nourishes both body and soul.
Perfect for Leftover Turkey: Every year after Thanksgiving or Christmas, we find ourselves with an abundance of cooked turkey. This recipe is an absolute lifesaver, offering a creative and incredibly tasty way to utilize those leftovers. Instead of simply reheating slices, transform your turkey into a vibrant, new culinary experience. It’s a fantastic way to prevent food waste and extend the enjoyment of your holiday bird.
Quick and Easy Preparation: Despite its gourmet taste and appearance, this turkey and dumplings recipe is surprisingly quick and straightforward. From start to finish, you can have this delicious meal on the table in just about 30 minutes. The dumpling preparation is simple and fun, and the soup base comes together with minimal fuss, proving that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
A Family Favorite That Impresses: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids love the soft dumplings, and adults appreciate the depth of flavor and hearty ingredients. It’s a meal that transcends age, making it ideal for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a quiet night in. Everyone will be impressed by the delicious, restaurant-quality results you achieve right in your own kitchen.
Customizable and Versatile: While the core recipe is a classic, it offers plenty of room for customization. You can easily adjust the vegetables, herbs, or even the type of broth to suit your preferences. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Turkey and Dumplings

Crafting the perfect turkey and dumplings relies on a few core ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the dish’s rich flavor and comforting texture:

Chicken or Turkey Broth: The foundation of any great soup is its broth. While store-bought broth works perfectly well and is a convenient option, nothing quite compares to the depth of flavor from homemade stock. If you’re looking to elevate your soup, consider making your own; this Instant Pot recipe for turkey stock is an excellent choice for future use. The quality of your broth significantly impacts the overall taste of your turkey and dumplings, so choose wisely. We further enhance the broth with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating an incredibly rich and savory base.

Cooked Turkey: This is where your leftover turkey shines! Whether you have diced or shredded turkey, both work beautifully in this recipe. The key is to ensure your turkey is already cooked through and tender. If you don’t have leftover turkey, pre-cooked chicken can be an excellent substitute, offering a similar texture and mild flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the dumplings and broth.

Aromatic Vegetables: A classic mirepoix (onion, celery, and carrot) forms the flavor base for our soup. These vegetables are sautéed until tender, releasing their natural sweetness and savory notes, which then infuse the broth with an unparalleled depth. Fresh garlic is added to this mix, providing a pungent, aromatic kick that rounds out the savory profile.

Herbs and Seasonings: A bay leaf and a touch of dried thyme are essential for imparting that quintessential “comfort food” aroma and taste. These herbs complement the turkey and vegetables, adding layers of earthy and subtle peppery notes. Don’t be shy about adjusting seasonings to taste – a pinch of salt and pepper will truly bring all the flavors together.

Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for the dumplings. Baking powder reacts when mixed with liquid and exposed to heat, causing the dumplings to puff up. This reaction gives them their characteristic light, tender, and fluffy texture, ensuring they’re not dense or heavy but rather melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

All-Purpose Flour and Yellow Cornmeal: The combination of these flours creates the perfect dumpling texture. All-purpose flour provides structure, while a touch of yellow cornmeal adds a subtle grittiness and a pleasant flavor, enhancing the homemade feel of the dumplings. For a gluten-free option, a good quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend can be used.

Half-and-Half: The liquid component for our dumpling dough, half-and-half contributes to a rich, tender dumpling. Its fat content helps create a soft, supple dough that cooks up beautifully. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk can be substituted for an equally creamy result.

turkey and dumplings in a bowl with a spoon

Master Your Turkey and Dumplings: Expert Tips & Tricks

Achieving the perfect pot of turkey and dumplings is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips:

Embrace Imperfection for Rustic Charm: Don’t stress too much about making your dumplings perfectly uniform in size or shape. In fact, their slightly irregular, rustic appearance is part of their homemade appeal! The most important aspect is to ensure the dough is rolled out to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This consistency ensures they cook evenly and maintain their delightful fluffy texture.
Prevent Sticking: Add Dumplings One by One: When adding your homemade dumplings to the simmering soup, resist the urge to drop them all in at once. Doing so can cause them to clump together and stick, resulting in unevenly cooked or doughy patches. Instead, gently drop them into the boiling broth one at a time, allowing each dumpling a moment to begin cooking and firm up slightly before the next is added. This simple technique ensures every dumpling cooks perfectly and maintains its individual, tender form.
For a Luxuriously Thicker Broth: If you prefer a richer, more substantial soup base, a cornstarch slurry is your secret weapon. In the final few minutes of cooking, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with three tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the hot broth while stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. This quick addition transforms a light broth into a velvety, satisfying base.
Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme is used in the recipe, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a beautiful touch of color. Fresh herbs awaken the senses and add an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: If you’re making a very large batch of dumplings, consider cooking them in two batches. Overcrowding the pot can lower the broth’s temperature, leading to undercooked or gummy dumplings. Ensure there’s enough space for the dumplings to expand and cook freely.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your broth before adding the dumplings and again just before serving. Broth can vary in saltiness, and your personal preference matters. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced.

How to Make Homemade Turkey and Dumplings: Step-by-Step Recipe

Get ready to create a truly unforgettable meal with this simple yet deeply satisfying turkey and dumplings recipe. This dish is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch oven
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Rolling pin (optional, for dumplings)
Sharp knife or pastry wheel

Ingredients

For the Flavorful Soup Base:

2 tablespoons butter
½ onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 quarts chicken or turkey broth (preferably low sodium)
1 bay leaf
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded

For the Fluffy Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour (see Notes for gluten-free option)
¼ cup yellow cornmeal
½ tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup half-and-half (see Notes for dairy-free option)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken or turkey broth. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until well combined. Gradually pour in the half-and-half, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough dumplings.
Shape the Dumplings: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dumpling dough out onto the floured surface and gently roll it out into a 1/4-inch thick sheet using a rolling pin. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, slice the dough into small, roughly even-sized squares (about 1-inch by 1-inch) to create your dumplings. Remember, perfect uniformity isn’t necessary; the rustic look adds to their charm.
Cook and Serve: Increase the heat under your soup to bring it back to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the prepared dumplings into the simmering broth, a few at a time, to prevent them from sticking together. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender and have puffed up. Stir in the cooked turkey until heated through. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot turkey and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade comfort meal!

Notes and Dietary Adjustments:

Make it Gluten-Free: To make these delectable dumplings gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend is suitable for baking for the best results.
Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, replace the half-and-half in the dumpling recipe with an equivalent amount of full-fat coconut milk. This will still provide the necessary richness and moisture for tender dumplings without the dairy.
Recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Variations and Customizations for Your Turkey and Dumplings

This turkey and dumplings recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t hesitate to make it your own with these delicious variations:

Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding extra vegetables. Frozen peas, corn, diced potatoes, or sliced mushrooms can be added along with the cooked turkey in the final minutes of cooking.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the broth. Smoked paprika can also add a delightful smoky depth.
Herb Garden Freshness: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Chopped fresh rosemary, sage, or oregano can be added along with the dried thyme for a more complex herbaceous flavor.
Alternative Proteins: If you don’t have turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even cooked and shredded pork can be used as a delicious substitute.
Creamier Broth: For an even richer, creamier soup, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free) along with the cooked turkey.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Turkey and dumplings is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments:

Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts can add extra texture and nutrients.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This comforting dish is often even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Storage: Allow the turkey and dumplings to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the dumplings may absorb more broth and become softer upon storage.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much overnight. Avoid boiling, which can break down the dumplings.
Freezing: While the soup base freezes well, cooked dumplings can sometimes become mushy or alter in texture after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the broth and turkey mixture separately and then prepare fresh dumplings when you are ready to serve. Alternatively, if freezing the whole dish, be aware of potential texture changes in the dumplings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turkey and Dumplings

Here are answers to some common questions about making homemade turkey and dumplings:

Can I use raw turkey in this recipe?

This recipe calls for already cooked turkey or chicken. If you only have raw turkey, you would need to cook it first (e.g., boil, roast, or sauté) before adding it to the simmering broth as directed in the recipe.

What kind of turkey is best for this recipe?

Any cooked turkey will work! Leftover roast turkey, smoked turkey, or even deli-sliced turkey (chopped) can be used. The key is that it’s already cooked and tender.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the dumpling dough just before you’re ready to cook and serve them. If made too far in advance, the baking powder can lose its potency, and the dough might dry out, leading to less fluffy dumplings.

My dumplings are too dense/gummy. What went wrong?

This usually happens due to overmixing the dough, which develops the gluten too much. Gently mix until just combined. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh. Overcrowding the pot or not allowing the broth to simmer properly can also lead to dense dumplings.

Can I add other herbs to the broth?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, sage, or a hint of marjoram to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

More Hearty Soup Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of warm, comforting bowls of soup, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes from our collection:

Smoked Turkey and White Bean Soup
Chicken Florentine Soup
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
Instant Pot Clam Chowder
Cream of Celery Soup

Final Thoughts: A Comforting Classic Reimagined

This homemade turkey and dumplings recipe is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s an opportunity to create a deeply comforting and incredibly flavorful meal that brings warmth and joy to your table. With its tender turkey, savory broth, and pillowy dumplings, it’s a dish that embodies the very essence of home cooking. We encourage you to try this recipe, savor every spoonful, and share your culinary creations with loved ones. It’s a timeless classic, reimagined for ease and maximum enjoyment.

If you loved this recipe as much as we did, don’t forget to leave us a review below! We appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing about your homemade turkey and dumplings. You can also follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for more delicious inspiration and healthy meal ideas!

For more delicious recipes and culinary adventures, be sure to visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.

Nutritional Information

Below is a general guideline for the nutritional values per serving. Please note that actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 370 kcal
Protein: 19 g
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Total Carbs: 39 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 2 g
Net Carbs: 36 g
Vitamin C: 36 mg
Cholesterol: 68 mg
Sodium: 2320 mg
Potassium: 697 mg
Calcium: 190 mg
Iron: 4 mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.