Few foods are as nostalgic and comforting as a warm bowl of tomato soup. Whether it reminds you of childhood lunches, rainy evenings, or simple nostalgic comfort, tomato soup has a special place in the world of cozy meals. But when you elevate it with soft, fluffy, savory cheese dumplings that melt into the broth? You get something magical — a gourmet-level dish that remains simple, affordable, and soul-warming.

Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings transforms a classic tomato soup into a full, hearty, satisfying meal. The dumplings soak up the tomato broth, becoming tender and cheesy on the inside while staying fluffy on the outside. Each spoonful gives you creamy tomato richness balanced by melty cheese pockets and aromatic herbs.

This recipe is perfect for weeknights, busy days, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a warm hug in food form. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for everyday cooking — truly the best of both worlds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A comforting twist on classic tomato soup
• Fluffy, cheesy dumplings cook directly in the soup — no extra dishes
• Creamy, rich tomato broth with a gourmet feel
• Budget-friendly and family-friendly
• Customizable with herbs, cheeses, spices, or add-ins
• Perfect for cold weather or cozy nights

If you’ve ever wanted tomato soup that feels like a full meal — not just a side — this is it.

All About the Cheese Dumplings

The dumplings are the star of this dish. Soft yet structured, cheesy yet delicate, they provide the perfect contrast to the smooth tomato soup. Made with simple ingredients like flour, egg, cheese, and herbs, they puff up beautifully in the hot broth.

Inside each dumpling, melted cheese creates gooey pockets of flavor. They’re tender, aromatic, and surprisingly easy to make.

What makes these dumplings special?

• They cook directly in the soup — the broth seasons them naturally.
• They take only minutes to prepare.
• They’re made with pantry-staple ingredients.
• They transform a simple soup into a hearty main course.

Ingredients

For the Tomato Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

For the Cheese Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

1. Start the soup.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
2. Add tomatoes and seasoning.
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer.
   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Blend (optional).
   Use an immersion blender for a smoother soup.
5. Add cream.
   Stir in heavy cream if using. Keep soup at a gentle simmer.

Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings

A rich, comforting tomato soup topped with fluffy, cheesy dumplings that cook directly in the broth. A cozy twist on a classic soup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients

  

Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups broth vegetable or chicken
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup heavy cream optional

Cheese Dumplings

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp parsley or chives chopped

Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, then simmer 15 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream if using.
4. For dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, and salt, then add egg, milk, and melted butter.
5. Fold in cheese and herbs.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized portions into simmering soup.
7. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.
8. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not remove lid while dumplings cook.

Make the Cheese Dumplings

6. Mix dry ingredients.
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Add wet ingredients.
   Add egg, milk, and melted butter. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.
8. Fold in cheese and herbs.
   Add shredded cheese and parsley/chives, stirring until evenly distributed.

Cook the Dumplings

9. Drop dumplings into soup.
   Use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering tomato soup.
10. Cover and cook.
    Cover the pot and cook for 12–15 minutes until dumplings are puffed, cooked through, and soft.
11. Do not lift the lid early.
    This can cause dumplings to collapse.
12. Serve hot.
    Ladle soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets several dumplings.

Tips for Perfect Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings

Don’t overmix dumpling batter

This keeps dumplings soft and fluffy.

Simmer gently

Rolling boils can break dumplings apart.

Use freshly shredded cheese

It melts better than packaged shredded cheese.

Add herbs for brightness

Parsley, basil, thyme, or chives work wonderfully.

Add spices for heat

Include cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Variations

Cheddar & Chive Dumplings

Use sharp cheddar + chives for bold flavor.

Mozzarella Dumplings

Soft, stretchy cheese pockets inside the dumplings.

Creamy Tomato Basil Version

Blend fresh basil into the soup and add extra cream.

Spicy Tomato Soup

Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Vegetable Tomato Soup

Stir in carrots, celery, or bell peppers before simmering.

What to Serve With This Dish

• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Garlic bread
• Side salad
• Roasted veggies
• Crispy chicken tenders
• Herb focaccia

It’s also perfect on its own as a full, satisfying meal.