Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform your holiday leftovers into something utterly comforting and soul-soothing, then this Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe brilliantly combines tender turkey, savory stuffing dumplings, and hearty vegetables in a creamy broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something nourishing but effortlessly delicious, and it’s a fantastic way to give new life to that turkey and stuffing sitting in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and comforting textures. Each element plays a vital role: the dairy adds richness, the herbs bring warmth, and the fresh vegetables provide a wonderful balance of color and heartiness.

• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): The base for your soup’s flavorful sauté, adding a rich, creamy undertone.
• White onion, diced (½): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the butter.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Provides a fragrant punch that wakes up the whole soup.
• Dried thyme, sage, and parsley (1 teaspoon each): These classic herbs infuse the broth with that quintessential holiday warmth.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon) and ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the soup and build a luscious texture.
• Chicken or leftover turkey broth (6 cups): The heart of your soup that adds savory goodness in every spoonful.
• Chopped carrots (1 cup): Adds sweetness, color, and a satisfying bite.
• Chopped celery (3 stalks): Brings a subtle crunch and earthy undertones.
• Yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (2 cups): Offer creaminess and a hearty feel to this wholesome soup.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the broth its velvety richness and balances the savory notes.
• Shredded turkey (2 cups): The star protein, tender and full of flavor.
• All-purpose flour for dumplings (1 ¾ cups): The foundation for light, fluffy dumplings.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons) and baking soda (½ teaspoon): Leavening agents that make dumplings pillowy and soft.
• Kosher salt for dumplings (½ teaspoon): Adds flavor to every bite.
• Leftover stuffing (2 cups): Packed with herbs and spices, it transforms the dumplings into little bursts of Thanksgiving joy.
• Buttermilk (1 ½ cups): Adds tang and moisture, ensuring the dumplings stay tender.

How to Make Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and cook until it turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it creates a flavorful foundation that will carry the rest of your soup.

Step 2: Build the Flavor with Garlic and Herbs

Add the minced garlic along with the dried thyme, sage, parsley, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, releasing a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen and gets you excited for what’s next.

Step 3: Create a Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 3 minutes. This will cook out the raw flour taste and help the soup thicken into a silky broth. The light browning is exactly what you want here—trust the process!

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or leftover turkey broth. This is where your soup starts taking shape. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, providing a perfect base to hold all the goodies you’ll add.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Simmer

Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, and yellow potatoes. Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften just enough so each bite is tender, not mushy, and perfectly balanced.

Step 6: Prepare the Stuffing Dumpling Batter

While the soup simmers, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add leftover stuffing and pour in the buttermilk, stirring just until combined. These flavors anchored by the stuffing are what make this recipe truly special.

Step 7: Add Cream and Turkey

Stir the heavy cream and shredded turkey into the soup base. This addition enriches the broth and ensures every spoonful has tender morsels of juicy turkey wrapped in creamy comfort.

Step 8: Drop in the Dumplings

Using a spoon or scoop, drop 1 to 2-inch balls of the dumpling mixture right into the simmering soup. You should get about 15 dumplings—each one like a little pillow of stuffing goodness floating amidst the savory broth.

Step 9: Cook the Dumplings

Cover the pot and let everything cook for 10 to 15 minutes. The dumplings will puff up and cook through — test one by cutting it open to ensure the center is no longer doughy. This patience pays off with dumplings that are delightfully light and fluffy, bursting with flavor.

Step 10: Finish and Rest

Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This resting step helps the flavors meld and allows the soup to thicken just slightly. Add a sprinkle of freshly minced parsley if you like, for a pop of freshness that brightens the bowl.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves adds a beautiful vibrant touch that enhances the earthy flavors of the soup. You could also add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for a little extra warmth and color.

Side Dishes

Since this soup is wonderfully hearty on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread is perfect to balance out the creamy richness. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans would also complement the meal with extra green goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls that show off the dumplings floating invitingly amidst chunks of turkey and vegetables. For a festive touch, ladle the soup into small, hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, cozy presentation that will impress your guests or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover soup stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to keep it well sealed to maintain the creaminess and freshness.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but dumplings can change texture slightly when thawed. If you want to freeze, consider freezing the soup and dumplings separately. Freeze the soup base in portions and the dumplings on a tray before transferring to a bag. Then combine and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to warm the dumplings through without drying them out. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating can help bring back the luscious texture if it has thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use canned or boxed stuffing for the dumplings?

Absolutely! Boxed or canned stuffing works perfectly in the dumpling batter and adds that classic holiday flavor. Just be mindful of the seasoning to avoid it becoming too salty.

What if I don’t have leftover turkey broth?

No worries. You can substitute with high-quality chicken broth or stock. If you want to boost the turkey flavor, add some turkey drippings or extra herbs while simmering.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can adapt the recipe by using vegetable broth and swapping turkey for hearty mushrooms or hearty beans. The dumplings with stuffing still add wonderful texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?

When dropping the dumpling batter into the soup, make sure there’s enough space between each scoop. Avoid overcrowding the pot, and give the dumplings room to expand and cook evenly.

Can I prepare the dumpling batter ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the dumpling batter fresh when the soup is hot and ready for them. The leavening agents work best immediately after mixing for the fluffiest results.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of a soup made from your holiday leftovers, and this Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Dumpling Soup Recipe captures that spirit beautifully. It transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal that feels new yet nostalgically familiar. I hope you give it a try and discover how delicious and comforting your leftovers can truly be!

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