Bread Dumplings
Bread dumplings are soft, hearty, and flavorful, perfect as a comforting side dish or main course, with tender bread, onions, herbs, and a delicate fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir chopped onion in butter until tender.
- Cut bread into 1/2 inch cubes, about 3 1/2 cups.
- Add bread cubes to the onion mixture and cook until golden brown.
- Cool the bread and onion mixture.
- Mix eggs, milk, parsley, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the cooled onion-bread mixture to the egg mixture.
- Let stand until the bread is thoroughly moistened, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in enough flour to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Heat water to boiling in a Dutch oven.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls.
- Dip hands in cold water periodically to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the dumplings into boiling water.
- Simmer uncovered until the dumplings rise to the surface, about 2 to 4 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 to 9 minutes.
- Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme to the onion mixture. Day-old bread works best for this recipe, as it absorbs moisture without becoming too mushy. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh bread with pre-packaged bread crumbs. Adjust the amount of flour based on the moisture of your mixture to achieve the perfect dumpling texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve bread dumplings with a rich gravy or alongside roasted meats for a comforting meal. They pair beautifully with Czech Potato Dumplings for a delightful combination. Add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. These dumplings also make an excellent side dish for soups or stews.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simmer in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can lightly sauté them in butter for a crispy exterior. For longer storage, consider freezing dumplings for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Dumplings contains roughly 1747 calories, with 10g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 159g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2043mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bread dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you're ready to cook, shape the mixture into balls and proceed with the boiling instructions. This allows for easy meal prep, especially if you're planning for a gathering.
What type of bread works best for dumplings?
Stale bread is ideal for this recipe as it holds up better during cooking. Use a mix of white and whole grain breads for added flavor and texture. Avoid using bread with strong flavors or too much moisture, such as sourdough, which may alter the taste of the dumplings.
Can I add other ingredients to the dumpling mixture?
Absolutely! You can incorporate ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded cheese into the mixture for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as this can affect the dumpling's texture. Experimenting with different mix-ins can make this dish even more versatile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).