Name: One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small; 1 medium carrot, shredded; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 cup milk

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If you’re craving that ultimate bowl of cozy, cheesy comfort with a playful twist, this One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings checks every box. Creamy sharp cheddar cloaks tender broccoli and sweet carrots, while fluffy homemade dumplings float on top like edible clouds. Everything comes together in one big pot (so cleanup is a breeze), making it perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy Sunday suppers. Whether you’re feeding your family or just yourself, this is that feel-good favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a unique role in building flavor, heartiness, and that signature vibrant color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip any of these!

Butter: Kicks off the dish and brings that luscious, rich flavor base for both the soup and dumplings.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a savory backbone that ties every ingredient together.
Garlic: For that irresistible aromatic kick—don’t skimp!
Broccoli florets: The star of the show, chopped small so you get a bit in every bite.
Carrot: Shredded for subtle sweetness and a pop of orange color throughout the soup.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Lends a savory depth; choose the one that suits you best!
Whole milk: Makes the base beautifully creamy without being too heavy.
Salt: Brings out the flavors in both the soup and the dumplings.
Black pepper: Just the right amount of peppery warmth to balance the cheese.
Smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle depth and smoky complexity.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts right into the soup, giving you that classic cheddar hug.
Cornstarch slurry (optional): Thickens things up if you like your soup extra creamy.
For the Dumplings:
All-purpose flour: The foundation for fluffy, tender dumplings.
Baking powder: Helps those dumplings puff up perfectly.
Garlic powder: An extra hint of savory goodness in the dumplings.
Cold unsalted butter: Ensures each dumpling is soft and rich—work it in while chilly!
Milk (for dumplings): Brings everything together into that perfect spoonable dough.

How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by melting your butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it turns translucent and wonderfully fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for just 30 seconds. This step lays down the rich, aromatic backbone for your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings.

Step 2: Build the Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Next, pile in the chopped broccoli, shredded carrot, broth of your choice, milk, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, plus that all-important smoked paprika. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then turn down to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10 minutes—just long enough for the broccoli to turn tender but still delightfully green.

Step 3: Melt In the Cheese

With your veggies soft, it’s time for the best part: stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts right into the soup. If you like your base on the thicker side, go ahead and stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer the mixture for two or three extra minutes. It’ll turn extra creamy and luxurious!

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While the soup base does its thing, grab a mixing bowl and make the dumplings. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter, mixing until you see coarse breadcrumb-like bits. Pour in the milk and stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms—don’t overwork it!

Step 5: Drop and Steam the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dough (about a tablespoon per dumpling) directly into your simmering soup—no need to fuss with perfection. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let everything cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! Letting all that steam stay inside ensures the dumplings puff up just right and cook through to fluffy tenderness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked, gently stir the soup to nestle everything together. Ladle your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings into bowls and get ready for smiles all around. It’s creamy, comforting, and supremely satisfying with every bite.

How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings

Garnishes

For that final flavor pop, try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a scattering of freshly chopped chives or parsley, or even a few grinds of cracked black pepper. A tiny dash of smoked paprika dusted over each bowl makes it look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also shines alongside a crisp green salad, a pile of oven-roasted potatoes, or a thick slice of crusty bread for dunking—the ultimate soup-and-bread moment!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party wow-factor, try serving your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings in individual soup crocks, or hollow out bread bowls for a cozy, edible twist. Smaller ramekins are perfect for lunchbox-sized leftovers too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooled leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings hold their shape and absorb even more flavor, so don’t hesitate to revisit this soup for lunch or a lazy dinner.

Freezing

Although One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Freeze the soup and dumplings together, or just the soup and whip up fresh dumplings when reheating—both ways are delicious!

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the consistency if needed. Microwave works too—just cover your bowl and use shorter intervals to avoid drying out the dumplings.

FAQs

Can I make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and be sure to choose a gluten-free baking powder. You may need a splash more milk to get the dough just right.

What kind of cheddar works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but extra-sharp or a white cheddar version also brings fantastic tang. For an extra-gooey finish, blend in a bit of mozzarella or Monterey Jack with the cheddar.

How can I make the soup base creamier?

Use half-and-half instead of milk for even more richness, or blend a cup of the soup (before adding dumplings) and stir it back in for a silky, thickened broth.

Can I add other veggies?

Definitely! Diced potatoes, cauliflower florets, sweet corn, or even baby spinach mix in beautifully. Just make sure heavier veggies are chopped small and added early so they’re tender by the time the dumplings go in.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use vegan butter, your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk, and a plant-based cheddar cheese. For the dumplings, plant milk and vegan butter are quick swaps—just check the packaging for salt content and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings enough if you’re after cheerful, wholesome comfort on any night of the week. Grab that big soup pot and give this recipe a go—you might just find it becomes your newest staple for sharing warmth at the table. Enjoy every spoonful!

One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting and hearty One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings recipe that combines the richness of cheddar cheese with tender broccoli and fluffy dumplings in a single pot.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Soup:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1 medium carrot, shredded
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

Main Soup: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, then add broccoli, carrot, broth, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer covered for 10 minutes. Stir in cheddar until melted. For a thicker base, add cornstarch slurry and simmer for additional 2–3 minutes.
For the Dumplings: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in milk to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes without lifting the lid. Stir gently before serving warm.