Drop Dumplings Recipe

When it comes to hearty comfort food, few dishes can compete with the satisfaction of Drop Dumplings. These light, fluffy dough balls are perfect for soups and stews, absorbing the rich flavors of the broth while adding a soft, pillowy texture. Whether you're making a classic chicken and dumplings dish or adding them to a beef stew, this easy drop dumplings recipe will elevate your meal. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make them a go-to for a cozy and filling addition to any dish. Read on for step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations!

this Recipe

What Are Drop Dumplings?

Drop Dumplings are soft, biscuit-like dough balls that are "dropped" directly into simmering broth, stew, or soup. Unlike rolled dumplings, which are flattened and cut into shapes, drop dumplings are spooned or dropped by hand into the pot. As they cook, they puff up and absorb the flavors of the dish, creating a tender, fluffy bite with a slightly doughy interior. These dumplings are often used in classic comfort dishes like chicken and dumplings, but they can also be added to beef stews, vegetable soups, or even chili for extra texture and substance.

Ingredients List for Drop Dumplings

To make Drop Dumplings, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Baking powder: 1 tablespoon, for a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, cold and cut into small cubes (or shortening).
• Milk: ¾ cup, whole milk works best for a rich texture.
• Fresh herbs (optional): 1-2 tablespoons, chopped (parsley, thyme, or chives).

Ingredients List for Drop Dumplings (For Emphasis)

Let’s highlight the key ingredients to make sure you have everything ready:

• Flour: Forms the base of the dumpling dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise, making them light and fluffy.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dumplings.
• Milk: Combines the dry ingredients into a dough and ensures a tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor.
• Herbs (Optional): Fresh herbs add a nice touch, especially in savory dishes like chicken and dumplings.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe for Drop Dumplings is easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations and substitutions to consider:

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative, such as margarine or coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Buttermilk Dumplings: Replace regular milk with buttermilk for a tangy, tender dumpling with a slight sourness.
• Cheesy Dumplings: Add ½ cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Herb Variations: Use dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, dill, or parsley to give the dumplings extra flavor and complexity.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes to the dough for a touch of heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make perfect Drop Dumplings for your favorite soups, stews, or casseroles:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the dough.
2. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The small bits of butter in the dough will help create a tender, flaky texture when the dumplings cook.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft but not overly sticky. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon more of milk at a time until the dough holds together.
4. Form the Dumplings: Use a spoon to drop the dough by tablespoonfuls directly into your simmering broth, stew, or soup. Space the dumplings apart so they have room to puff up as they cook.
5. Cook the Dumplings: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 10-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking, as the steam trapped in the pot is what helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy. The dumplings are done when they’ve puffed up and are firm to the touch.
6. Check for Doneness: After 10 minutes, insert a toothpick or fork into one of the dumplings. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are ready. If not, cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the dumplings in the stew, soup, or broth. Enjoy them warm, and make sure to spoon some extra broth over them for added flavor!

How to Make Drop Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide

To make sure your Drop Dumplings turn out perfectly light and fluffy, follow these essential steps:

• Step 1: Whisk together the dry ingredients to evenly distribute the baking powder, ensuring even rising.
• Step 2: Cut in the butter until the flour mixture looks crumbly, similar to making biscuit dough.
• Step 3: Stir in the milk just until combined. Overmixing can make the dumplings tough.
• Step 4: Drop the dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth, and cover the pot to cook with steam.
• Step 5: Don’t peek! Keeping the lid on ensures the dumplings steam properly, giving them that soft, tender texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Drop Dumplings:

• Overmixing the Dough: Stir the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can result in tough dumplings instead of light, fluffy ones.
• Peeking Too Soon: Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as this can release the steam needed to help the dumplings rise.
• Undercooking: Make sure to cook the dumplings for at least 10-15 minutes without lifting the lid. They may look done on the outside, but if they’re gummy inside, they need more time.
• Broth Too Thin: If your broth or stew is too thin, the dumplings may not hold together well. A thicker broth will help support the dumplings as they cook.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Drop Dumplings are best served hot, directly from the pot. Here are some ideas for how to present and serve them:

• Chicken and Dumplings: The classic combo! Serve drop dumplings over a hearty chicken stew, filled with tender chicken, carrots, celery, and peas.
• Beef Stew: Add drop dumplings to a rich beef stew with slow-cooked beef chunks and vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions.
• Vegetarian Stew: Pair the dumplings with a chunky vegetable stew made from mushrooms, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and beans for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
• Soup: Drop dumplings are a fantastic addition to thick soups, like chowders or split pea soup.

How to Serve Drop Dumplings

Here are a few ways to serve Drop Dumplings for the best texture and flavor:

• In Broth or Stew: Let the dumplings sit in the broth or stew to absorb the flavors, making them tender and flavorful.
• On the Side: If you want the dumplings to maintain their structure, you can remove them from the pot and serve them on the side, spooning broth or stew over them just before serving.
• With a Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives) over the dumplings right before serving for a pop of color and added flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Drop Dumplings

To make your Drop Dumplings look as good as they taste, here are a few presentation ideas:

• Rustic Style: Serve the dumplings directly from the pot for a rustic, homey presentation. Let people scoop their own dumplings along with stew or broth.
• Plated Elegance: Arrange a few dumplings in shallow bowls with a ladle of stew or soup over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs for a colorful, elegant touch.
• Family-Style: Serve the dumplings in a large dish next to a pot of stew or soup, allowing guests to help themselves.

Drop Dumplings Recipe Tips

• Fluffy Dumplings: For extra fluffy dumplings, sift the flour before mixing it with the baking powder and salt. This will help create a lighter dough.
• Flavor Boost: Add finely chopped herbs, shredded cheese, or spices to the dumpling dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Broth Flavoring: Make sure your broth or stew is well-seasoned before adding the dumplings. The dumplings will absorb some of the liquid and flavors during cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze drop dumplings?
A: While it's best to enjoy drop dumplings

fresh, you can freeze cooked dumplings. Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. To reheat, warm them in broth or stew until heated through.

Q: Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to cook the dumplings immediately after mixing the dough.

Q: How do I keep dumplings from falling apart?
A: Make sure the broth or stew is simmering, not boiling, when you add the dumplings. Also, be gentle when dropping them in, and avoid stirring the pot once the dumplings are added.

Q: Can I use water instead of milk?
A: Yes, you can use water, but milk will give the dumplings a richer flavor and softer texture.

Conclusion

Drop Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food addition to any stew, soup, or broth-based dish. Their soft, fluffy texture and ability to soak up all the delicious flavors of the dish make them an ideal choice for a cozy, hearty meal. Whether you’re making chicken and dumplings, beef stew, or a vegetarian soup, this simple recipe ensures perfectly tender dumplings every time. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, satisfying goodness of homemade drop dumplings!

Print