Turkey and Dumplings (with Stuffing Dumplings)

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This Turkey and Dumplings soup has these amazing crispy stuffing dumplings made from leftover Thanksgiving stuffing (or any leftover stuffing). A deep rich, turkey broth with chunks of roasted turkey and crispy baked balls of leftover stuffing is all you need to keep warm and snuggly.

This recipe was originally published in November 2018. It has been updated for content and photos.

So Thanksgiving is over. You have so many leftovers. What to do, what to do....make this Turkey and Dumplings soup!!!

This stuff is super easy to make, and so full of comfort and flavors, you might even want to eat it all year round.

Roll that leftover stuffing in balls, bake until crispy and drop those suckers right into your hot, steaming bowl of turkey soup goodness for all the yums! This is one of those dishes that feels like it cures all your ailments. And it only takes 30 minutes to make!!

Got a cold? Make this soup! Just want to warm up in front of the fire? Make this soup! Just love soup? Make this soup!

If I haven't convinced you yet, just believe me, you totally want this soup in you life. Plus, remember all those leftovers? You need to use them up! Leftover stuffing is the perfect way to make dumplings for soup.

The Ingredients

Well, leftover turkey and stuffing are obviously the key ingredients here. If you don't have leftovers, any kind of turkey will do, and you can make the stuffing balls with a box of Stove-top stuffing (Yup, I said it).

And guys, if you made homemade turkey bone broth with your leftover turkey carcass, that would be the most amazing extra bonus to this recipe. Because fresh made broth is always better. However, store bought turkey broth (or even chicken broth) will work as well. I recommend buying a lower sodium broth so you can have more control over the salt content.

You can also use this crockpot chicken broth or this Instant Pot chicken bone broth.

Why This Recipe Works

1. It's the perfect way to use Thanksgiving leftovers;
2. The stuffing dumplings are baked until slightly crispy, enabling them to stay together when dropped in the soup;
3. A homemade turkey bone broth really adds richness and deep flavor to the soup;

Step By Step Instructions

I am in love with how easy this soup is guys. First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

How to Make Stuffing Dumplings

Combine the stuffing with the eggs in a large bowl.

Mix together well and form the stuffing into golf ball sized balls. If stuffing is too dry and won't stick together, add a touch of broth, but not too much. If the stuffing is too wet, add a couple tbsp. of bread crumbs or flour until they can be formed into balls.

**To ensure they stay firm, you can put them in the fridge or freezer for about 20 minutes. 

Place the stuffing balls on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

While the stuffing balls are cooking, heat the olive oil in a dutch oven and saute the onions and carrots for 3-4 minutes, until they are softened.

Add the turkey stock and bring to a boil.

Turn the heat down to simmer and add the turkey. Season with the salt and pepper; add more to taste if you need to. Simmer for about 5 minutes; remove from heat.

Ladle soup into bowls and place 2-3 stuffing balls in each bowl to serve. Garnish with fresh sage (optional).

Expert Tips

1. If stuffing is too dry and won't stick together, add a touch of broth, but not too much;
2. If the stuffing is too wet, add a couple tbsp. of bread crumbs or flour until they can be formed into balls.;
3. Using turkey bone broth instead of regular turkey broth will give you a richer soup;
4. It helps to refrigerate the stuffing dumplings before baking them if you are having trouble keeping them together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Stuffing Dumplings Be Frozen?

Place the stuffing dumplings on a baking sheet in the freezer and let freeze for about 3 hours, or until frozen through. Place them in a freezer bag and store them up to one month for the best results.

To thaw, place in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet in the fridge overnight. Place in a 400 degree oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp the outside again.

More Freezing Options

I recommend freezing the stuffing dumplings separate using the above instructions. To freeze the turkey soup, place in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month for best results.

To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. To reheat, either heat in the microwave or on the stove top until heated through. Add the stuffing dumplings when ready to serve.

What to do With Leftover Stuffing

The best part about Thanksgiving leftovers is coming up with creative new ways to use them. If you've got a crap ton of leftover Thanksgiving stuffing, try making these great recipes:

• Crispy Turkey and Cranberry Stuffing Balls;
• Leftover Turkey Stuffing Sandwiches from Dine and Dish;
• Leftover Stuffing Hash from Garlic and Zest;
• Stuffing Muffins from the Splendid Table.

What to do with Leftover Turkey

So much leftover turkey....does that sound like your house? Try these recipes to use up those leftovers:

• Bechamel Lasagna with Turkey;
• Turkey Lentil Soup
• Curried Turkey Crescent Rolls;
• Turkey Pot Pie;
• Instant Pot Turkey Chili;
• Leftover Turkey Ramen.

More Great Soup Recipes

• Chicken Curry Stew;
• New Orleans Gumbo Recipe;
• Creamy Crawfish Bisque;
• Instant Pot Pho;
• Instant Pot Ramen;
• Browse ALL the Soup Recipes!!

Did you make this turkey and dumplings soup with stuffing dumplings? Rate the recipe and leave me a comment to let me know how it turned out!