If you’re craving a cozy, heartwarming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, then the One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish features tender broccoli swimming in a rich, creamy cheddar soup, perfectly crowned with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. It’s comfort food elevated with simple, wholesome ingredients, all made effortlessly in just one pot. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers that satisfying mix of textures and flavors in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward yet powerful the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role, from building a deep savory base to creating those pillowy dumplings that soak up all the cheesy goodness. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy foundation and helps soften the onion.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses a punch of savory flavor that livens up the broth.
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped small): The star vegetable providing vibrant color and crunch.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and mild spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbaceous note that complements broccoli.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky depth that rounds out the dish beautifully.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to a luxuriously creamy texture.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Creates the savory soup base, making it hearty but light.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the broth irresistibly smooth and indulgent.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into cheesy perfection, the soul of this recipe.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings): Key for creating the fluffy dumplings that float on top.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the dumplings their lift and soft texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for dumplings): Balances the dumpling dough flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Moistens the dumpling dough for softness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for dumplings): Adds richness and helps dumplings brown lightly.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and brightness at the end.
How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook it for about three to four minutes until it becomes translucent and tender. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onion. Then, stir in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds. You want to awaken those flavors without letting the garlic burn, which creates bitterness.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli and Season
Next, add the chopped broccoli florets along with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, plus the dried thyme and smoked paprika. These herbs and spices add a lovely complexity to the veggie base. Cook everything together for two to three minutes while stirring frequently. This brief cooking softens the broccoli slightly and lets those seasonings marry beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Build the Soup
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the broccoli mixture and stir well to coat, allowing the flour to cook for another one to two minutes. This step is essential as it forms the roux, which will thicken our soup. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once combined, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for eight to ten minutes until the broccoli becomes tender and the soup thickens up.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream along with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheese melts into the soup, transforming it into a velvety, cheesy delight. The cheddar shines through here, giving the dish its signature rich, tangy depth.
Step 5: Prepare and Cook the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dumpling ingredients: one cup of flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, mixing just enough to combine. It’s important not to overmix to keep your dumplings light and fluffy. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of the dough right into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently, without lifting the lid, for about 15 minutes. This slow cooking lets the dumplings steam perfectly, soaking up the cheesy broth inside.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
After the dumplings are cooked through, remove the lid and check their fluffiness. Give the soup a gentle stir to integrate those dumplings just a bit, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Now, your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe is ready to bring warmth and comfort to your table!
How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color against the creamy backdrop. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of crispy fried onions or a pinch of extra smoked paprika can elevate the presentation and add textural contrast.
Side Dishes
This meal is incredibly satisfying on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of cheesy soup. Roasted garlic bread or oven-toasted baguette slices complement the richness beautifully without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve this dish in rustic mini cast iron skillets or pretty soup bowls, and scatter extra cheese and herbs on top. You could even scoop dumplings and broccoli cheddar into puff pastry shells to make charming handheld pot pies, turning your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe into a dazzling centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dumplings will continue to soak up some liquid, so the texture will be a bit different but still delicious and hearty.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible, but the dumplings may become a bit denser when reheated. For best results, freeze the soup and the dumplings separately if you can. Store the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or milk to revive that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well too. Just make sure to thaw and chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pot. It might release a bit more water, so simmer accordingly to reach the right soup consistency.
Is there a dairy-free version for this soup?
You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew-based cream substitute and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might shift slightly, but it’ll still be creamy and comforting.
Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum. Baking powder should be gluten-free as well—check the label to be sure for the best rise and texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’d like a lighter option, whole milk or half-and-half works perfectly well. The soup will be a little less rich but still flavorful and creamy enough to satisfy.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The whole process, including prep and cooking, takes about 50 minutes. It’s a fantastic one-pot dinner that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen long but delivers maximum comfort.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines cozy, creamy, and wholesome all in one pot, and the One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe hits every note perfectly. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or simply want to treat yourself to a little comfort food magic, this recipe is a winner every single time. I hope you love it as much as I do—go ahead and give it a try, your taste buds will thank you!
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 One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings recipe is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for cozy dinners. Tender broccoli florets simmer in a creamy cheddar cheese soup, topped with fluffy homemade dumplings that cook right in the pot. It’s a convenient, all-in-one dish that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures, ideal for vegetarians seeking a warm, flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
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 minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Broccoli & Seasonings: Add the chopped broccoli florets, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to combine flavors and slightly soften the broccoli.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and stir until the vegetables are coated evenly. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth & Simmer: Slowly pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes until the broccoli is tender throughout.
- Incorporate Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese has melted fully and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- 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—being careful not to overmix to keep dumplings light and fluffy.
- Add Dumplings & Cook: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of the dumpling dough evenly into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and allow it to simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, so the dumplings cook properly and rise.
- Finish & Serve: After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check that dumplings are cooked through by ensuring they are fluffy and firm. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Frozen broccoli can be used instead of fresh—just thaw and chop before adding to the soup.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half.
