Cozy Turkey Stuffing Soup with Dumplings

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By: Clara Updated: November 1, 2026

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When leftover turkey meets warm, savory stuffing dumplings, you get a bowl of pure comfort. This Cozy Turkey Stuffing Soup with Dumplings is hearty without being fussy, and it turns holiday leftovers into a meal that feels fresh and satisfying. I especially love how each dumpling soaks up a little broth while keeping the familiar flavor of stuffing.

The soup starts with butter, olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Turkey stock makes a rich base, while shredded turkey and a pinch of poultry seasoning bring savory depth. Then, leftover or freshly made stuffing joins flour and an egg to form tender dumplings. The result is cozy, gently herby, and full of classic turkey-dinner flavor.

It is also easy to make in one pot. First, soften the vegetables and stir in flour to make a light roux. Next, add stock and turkey, then let the soup simmer while you shape the dumplings. Finally, cook the dumplings in the covered pot until they are cooked through and floating. Set aside about 15 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for cooking.

Serve Cozy Turkey Stuffing Soup with Dumplings on a chilly evening, after a holiday meal, or whenever you want to use up leftover turkey. It makes 4 servings, so it is a comforting dinner for a small family or a generous lunch to enjoy the next day.

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Why You’ll Love This Cozy Turkey Stuffing Soup with Dumplings

• It makes leftovers feel special. Instead of reheating another plate of turkey and stuffing, you turn them into a warm, filling soup.
• It is a complete, comforting meal. Turkey, vegetables, broth, and dumplings make each bowl hearty and satisfying.
• The dumplings are easy to shape. Mix stuffing with egg and flour, then form small balls. There is no need to roll or cut dough.
• You can adapt the broth. Use turkey stock or chicken stock, and adjust the seasoning to suit your leftovers.
• It is simple to prepare. The soup simmers in one pot, and the dumplings cook right in the broth.

Turkey Tips

Use cooked turkey that is moist and easy to shred or chop. Both white and dark meat work well, and a mix gives the soup a nice balance. If you have a turkey carcass or a few bones, simmer them in the soup for extra flavor, then remove them before serving. However, check carefully for small bones before adding the turkey to the pot. Since leftover turkey may already be seasoned, taste the broth before adding much salt.

Options for Substitutions

• Turkey stock: Chicken stock is an easy one-for-one swap. Choose a low-sodium stock if you want more control over the salt.
• Turkey: Use cooked chicken in the same amount if turkey is not available.
• Poultry seasoning: Substitute a pinch of dried thyme, sage, and rosemary, or use another mild herb blend.
• Butter and olive oil: Use all olive oil or another cooking oil if you prefer to skip the butter.
• All-purpose flour: For a gluten-free version, use a suitable gluten-free all-purpose blend in the soup and dumplings. Results may vary by brand.
• Stuffing dumplings: Use a different savory stuffing if that is what you have. If it is very dry, add a small amount of broth to help it hold together. Keep the egg and flour so the dumplings bind.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

Do not rush the vegetables. Cook the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until they soften and smell fragrant, but avoid browning the garlic. If it burns, it can make the broth taste bitter.

Next, stir the flour into the vegetables for a full minute or two before adding stock. Pour in the stock gradually while stirring, since adding it all at once can leave lumps in the roux.

Avoid overmixing the dumpling mixture. Stir just until the stuffing, egg, and flour hold together, then shape the dumplings gently. If you work the mixture too much, the dumplings can become dense.

Finally, keep the soup at a gentle simmer when the dumplings cook. A hard boil can break them apart. Keep the lid on for the full cooking time, and check that the centers are cooked through before serving. Also, taste before adding salt because both stuffing and stock can be salty.

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What to Serve With Cozy Turkey Stuffing Soup with Dumplings?

This soup is filling on its own, but a light side makes the meal feel complete. Serve it with a green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli. For a little crunch, add a slice of crusty bread or a few crisp crackers. Since the soup already includes dumplings, a small vegetable side is often all you need.

Storage Instructions

Store: Let the soup cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. For best texture, store the soup and dumplings together and reheat gently.

Freeze: Freeze the cooled soup in airtight, freezer-safe portions for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that dumplings may soften after freezing and thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat: Warm a portion in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring gently until hot. Add a splash of stock or water if the soup has thickened. To use a microwave, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring carefully between intervals. Make sure the soup is hot throughout.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal per serving

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1,600-1,900 kcal
• Protein: 105-130 g
• Fat: 55-75 g
• Carbohydrates: 145-185 g

These are approximate ranges. Actual values depend on the stuffing, stock, turkey meat, and portion size.

Ingredients

For the soup:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 8 cups turkey stock (chicken stock works too)
• 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped (add bones if you have them)
• 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the stuffing dumplings:

• 2 cups stuffing, leftover or freshly made
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 egg

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soften the Vegetables

Warm the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring now and then, until the vegetables soften and smell fragrant.

Step 2: Make a Light Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes so the flour loses its raw taste. Keep stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.

Step 3: Add Stock and Simmer

Pour in the stock a little at a time, stirring as you go to prevent lumps. Add the turkey and any bones, along with the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Shape the Stuffing Dumplings

While the soup simmers, mix the stuffing, egg, and flour in a bowl. Stir only until the mixture holds together. Shape it into balls about the size of a heaping tablespoon, handling the mixture gently so the dumplings stay tender.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and floating. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove any turkey bones from the pot, checking the soup carefully for small pieces. Taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot.

Conclusion

Cozy Turkey Stuffing Soup with Dumplings brings leftover turkey, vegetables, and savory stuffing together in one warm, easy meal. The broth simmers with little fuss, while the simple stuffing dumplings cook right in the pot. Make a batch for a chilly night, then save or freeze extra portions for another day. If you try it, share how your dumplings turned out, or tell us what sides you served alongside your bowl.

Cozy Turkey Stuffing Soup with Dumplings

A warm and hearty soup that turns holiday leftovers into a comforting meal with savory stuffing dumplings soaking up rich turkey broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the soup

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 8 cups turkey stock (or chicken stock) Use low-sodium stock for more control over salt.
• 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped Add bones for extra flavor if available.
• 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste Taste before adding salt since the broth may be seasoned.

For the stuffing dumplings

• 2 cups stuffing, leftover or freshly made
• 1/4 cup flour

Method

 

Preparation

1. Warm the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring now and then, until the vegetables soften and smell fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes so the flour loses its raw taste. Keep stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
3. Pour in the stock a little at a time, stirring as you go to prevent lumps. Add the turkey and any bones, along with the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. While the soup simmers, mix the stuffing, egg, and flour in a bowl. Stir only until the mixture holds together. Shape it into balls about the size of a heaping tablespoon, handling the mixture gently so the dumplings stay tender.
5. Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and floating. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.
6. Remove any turkey bones from the pot, checking the soup carefully for small pieces. Taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot.

Notes

This soup is filling on its own, but a light side such as a green salad, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli works well.