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If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, the Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe is your new best friend. This dish takes leftover turkey and transforms it into a cozy, hearty meal with tender veggies, flavorful herbs, and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the rich broth. It’s comfort food made simple, perfect for family dinners or anytime you want to savor something truly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe are straightforward but essential, creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every spoonful a delight. Each one plays a crucial part in balancing the hearty turkey and soft dumplings with fresh, aromatic elements.
- 2 lbs. leftover turkey, shredded or cubed: Using turkey you already have adds wonderful texture and protein–plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste.
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth: This forms the rich, flavorful base of the soup; using leftover turkey drippings adds depth but make sure they are degreased for the best taste.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped: Onions provide a sweet, savory backbone that enhances the broth.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Carrots bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- 3 celery ribs, sliced: Adds a subtle crunch and earthy flavor that balances the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses warmth and a subtle zing that awakens the palate.
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp. dried thyme: Thyme ensures fresh, herbaceous notes that marry beautifully with poultry.
- 1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped or ½ tsp. dried (can substitute oregano): Sage adds a woodsy aroma that deepens the turkey flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dumpling dough, providing structure and fluffiness.
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder: This gives dumplings their light, airy texture.
- ½ tsp. salt: Enhances and balances the flavor in the dumplings.
- 1 cup whole milk: Moistens the dumpling dough, making it tender and rich.
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create perfectly soft dumplings.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Begin by placing the shredded or cubed leftover turkey into your slow cooker. Add the turkey or chicken broth, chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, minced garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the flavors start mingling right away.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover your slow cooker and let the soup simmer on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This is where the magic happens—watch those vegetables soften, the herbs infuse, and your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas that announce a meal you’ll look forward to all day.
Step 3: Prepare Dumpling Dough
About 30 minutes before the soup finishes cooking, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in the milk and melted butter, then stir gently just until the dough comes together—overmixing can make dumplings tough, so keep it light and easy.
Step 4: Add Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough right onto the surface of the simmering soup in your slow cooker. Gently press down so the dough is covered by the warm broth, which will keep the dumplings moist and help them rise beautifully.
Step 5: Cook Dumplings
Cover the slow cooker again and switch to HIGH heat, cooking for an additional hour. Resist the temptation to lift the lid, as keeping the steam inside is crucial for those dumplings to puff up and cook through perfectly.
Step 6: Finish Soup
Once the dumplings are tender and fully cooked, give the soup a gentle stir to spread those fluffy bites of goodness throughout the pot. This final mix ensures every bowl has the perfect balance of broth, turkey, veggies, and dumplings.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s piping hot, and prepare yourself for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace from your favorite food.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme are perfect for brightening up the rich soup just before serving. Their vibrant green color and fresh aroma elevate the dish aesthetically and flavor-wise, adding that final touch of homemade charm.
Side Dishes
Simple sides keep the focus on the soup’s comforting nature: crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are ideal for dipping in the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also bring refreshing contrast to this hearty dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe extra special by serving it in warm, rustic bowls lined with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. For gatherings, ladle soup into mini crockpots at the table for a fun, interactive presentation that keeps things hot and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store leftovers in airtight containers to preserve freshness and flavor, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to freeze the soup and dumplings separately if possible to maintain texture; however, if frozen together, expect a slight softening of the dumplings. Make sure to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, and use within 2 to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Adding a splash of broth or water can refresh the consistency if the dumplings soak up too much liquid during storage.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe shines using leftover turkey, you can cook fresh turkey breast or thighs first, shred them, and then add them to the slow cooker. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is tender before adding dumplings.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can dried herbs work?
Yes, dried herbs work perfectly in this Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe. Use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs called for when substituting dried, since they have a more concentrated flavor.
How thick should the dumpling dough be?
The dumpling dough should be slightly sticky but hold together when scooped. Avoid overmixing to keep dumplings light and fluffy rather than dense or tough.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in peas, green beans, or even corn close to the end of the cooking time for added color and sweetness. Just be mindful of cooking times so veggies stay tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in the dumplings and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly makes you feel at home. It’s easy, hearty, and packed with classic flavors that comfort the soul without fuss or stress. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone wanting to transform simple ingredients into a memorable, nourishing meal. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to add to your regular dinner rotation!
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Print
Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings recipe transforms leftover turkey into a hearty and flavorful soup. Slow-cooked with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, it features tender, fluffy dumplings cooked right in the broth, making it perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 lbs. leftover turkey, shredded or cubed (about 3–4 cups)
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth (can use leftover turkey drippings that have been degreased)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 tbsp. fresh sage chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried (can substitute with oregano)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dumpling Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the shredded or cubed leftover turkey, broth, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly mix all ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender and flavorful.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: About 30 minutes before the soup has finished cooking, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring gently until just combined to form a slightly sticky dough.
- Add Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly onto the surface of the soup in the slow cooker. Gently push the dumplings down so they are covered by the broth.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for an additional hour, keeping the lid closed the entire time. The dumplings will puff up and cook through during this time.
- Finish Soup: Once the dumplings are fully cooked, gently stir the soup to incorporate the dumplings and distribute them evenly throughout.
- Serve: Ladle the turkey and dumpling soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness.
Notes
- Make sure to degrease the turkey drippings if using them as broth to avoid a greasy soup.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity to one-third if using dried.
- Do not lift the slow cooker lid while the dumplings are cooking to ensure they puff up properly.
- If leftover turkey is not available, cooked chicken or store-bought roasted turkey can be used as substitutes.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check baking powder is gluten-free.
