Buttermilk Dumplings
Buttermilk dumplings are light, fluffy, and tender, perfect for adding comforting texture to chicken broth or soups with a mild tang and savory flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, then measure and resift three times with baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk to the dry ingredients and mix lightly with a fork.
- Turn the mixture out onto a floured board.
- Knead lightly 4 or 5 times.
- Roll to a 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut into 1 x 3-inch rectangles with a floured knife.
- Drop the dumplings into boiling chicken broth.
- Cover and boil gently for 12 minutes.
- Do not uncover during cooking.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the batter after adding buttermilk. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and vinegar (1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar). For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like parsley or thyme into the dough. Additionally, make sure your broth is well-seasoned, as the dumplings will absorb its flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the buttermilk dumplings hot, directly from the broth they were cooked in. They pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside chicken stew or beef pot pie. They also complement soups well, making them a versatile option for various dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the broth over low heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings tough. If freezing, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttermilk Dumplings contains roughly 39 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2091mg per serving (91% 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 the dumplings ahead of time?
While it's best to cook dumplings fresh, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours. However, the texture may change slightly when cooked later. If you want to freeze, consider rolling them out and cutting them into shapes before freezing on a baking sheet, then transferring to a bag.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will provide a rich flavor while keeping the dish suitable for vegetarian diets. You can also use mushroom broth for a deeper, umami flavor that complements the dumplings nicely.
How do I know when the dumplings are done cooking?
The dumplings are done when they have expanded and are no longer doughy in the center. They should be light and fluffy. It's important to avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can cause them to collapse. Stick to the 12 minutes cooking time for best results.
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).