If you are on the lookout for a comforting yet effortless meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings, this dish combines creaminess and heartiness in every spoonful. The best part is that everything cooks in just one pot, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. It’s a dish that instantly becomes a favorite, whether you’re cooking for family or craving some cozy solo comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that you don’t need a complicated ingredient list to create something spectacular. Each element brings a unique flavor or texture, from the sharpness of the cheddar to the light fluffiness of the dumplings, culminating in a dish that’s bursting with taste and color.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): The luscious base that adds richness and helps soften the aromatics.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Adds just the right amount of savory punch to the overall flavor.
- Fresh broccoli florets, chopped small (3 cups): The star vegetable, providing vibrant color, texture, and nutrients.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a fragrant herbal note that pairs beautifully with broccoli and cheese.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle smoky warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Works as a thickening agent to give the soup a creamy, velvety texture.
- Vegetable broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into the soup for a gorgeous cheesy depth.
- All-purpose flour for dumplings (1 cup): The foundation to create light, fluffy dumplings.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the dumplings rise and stay tender.
- Salt for dumplings (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the dumplings’ subtle flavor.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Moistens the dumpling dough for the perfect texture.
- Melted butter for dumplings (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and softness to the dumplings.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh and colorful garnish that brightens each bowl.
How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic just until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds, so it doesn’t burn. Adding the chopped broccoli alongside salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika introduces a wonderful blend of flavors and starts to soften the vegetable. Cook everything for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.
Step 2: Create the Soup Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to coat everything. This step is crucial as it helps thicken the soup later. Keep stirring and cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to fully cook out the raw flour taste. Next, slowly pour the vegetable broth into the pot while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender and the soup base thickens slightly. The aroma at this point will be absolutely inviting!
Step 3: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated. Now, gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to help it melt smoothly into the soup. This step transforms the base into a rich, creamy concoction that perfectly complements the broccoli and spices. Keep stirring gently until the mixture becomes velvety and the cheese is completely melted and luscious.
Step 4: Prepare and Cook the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring just until the dough comes together—careful not to overmix, as that can make dumplings tough. Using a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dumpling dough gently into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes undisturbed — this keeps them light and fluffy. After 15 minutes, lift the lid and check that dumplings are cooked through. They should be tender and perfectly puffed.
How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely pop of green color and a mild herbal note that refreshes each bite. If you want to add a little extra flair, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple crusty bread or a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. Roasted root vegetables or a light coleslaw can also complement the creamy texture and bring some balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in wide, shallow bowls to showcase those beautiful dumplings nestled in the rich cheddar broth. For a cozy gathering, ladle it into mini cast-iron skillets or rustic mugs—presentation becomes part of the fun and makes the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The soup will keep well for up to 3 days; the dumplings may absorb some liquid, so they may become a bit softer, but the flavors remain just as comforting.
Freezing
While soup is often freezer-friendly, the dumplings in this One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe may suffer texture changes when frozen and thawed. If you do freeze leftovers, expect the dumplings to be less fluffy, so you might want to freeze the soup base separately without dumplings for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or milk to loosen it up and revive that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe—just make sure to thaw and chop it before adding to the pot. This can be a convenient and affordable option without sacrificing flavor.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can swap the heavy cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift slightly, but it’ll still be deliciously comforting.
Can I make the dumplings without baking powder?
Baking powder is important for light, fluffy dumplings, so it’s best not to skip it. However, if you don’t have any, you can try substituting with a small amount of baking soda plus an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar, but expect a slight difference in texture.
How spicy is the smoked paprika in this recipe?
Smoked paprika adds a gentle smoky warmth rather than heat, so it’s mild and won’t spice up the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount if you prefer more or less smokiness.
Can I double this One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales up nicely. Just use a larger pot and increase cooking times slightly to ensure the broccoli becomes tender and the dumplings cook through evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a bowl of this One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that not only fills your stomach but also soothes your soul, perfect for cozy nights in or when you want something simple yet impressive. Don’t wait to give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food.
Print
One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings recipe combines tender broccoli and rich cheddar cheese in a creamy broth topped with fluffy homemade dumplings. Perfect for a cozy vegetarian dinner, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop with a combination of savory spices and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dumpling Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook broccoli and spices: Add the chopped broccoli, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to combine the flavors.
- Make roux base: Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour and stir until the vegetables are coated. Cook for 1–2 minutes more to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add broth and simmer: Slowly pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Finish soup base: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Prepare dumpling dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Add dumplings to soup: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dumpling dough gently into the simmering soup.
- Cook dumplings: Cover the pot with a lid and simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to allow dumplings to cook through.
- Serve: After 15 minutes, uncover and check doneness of dumplings. Stir gently to combine, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Frozen broccoli can be used; just thaw and chop before adding to the soup.
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half.
- Do not overmix the dumpling dough to keep dumplings tender and fluffy.
- Keep the lid on while dumplings cook to ensure even steaming.
