Drop Dumplings

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

Drop dumplings are soft, fluffy morsels that cook quickly in bubbling stews or soups, adding comforting texture and mild flavor. Perfect for family meals or cozy gatherings, they pair well with chicken, beef, or vegetable stews, offering a hearty, satisfying touch to your dish.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. flour
  • 3 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 c. milk

Instructions

  1. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
  2. Stir in the milk until just moistened and a soft dough forms.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto bubbling stew, chicken and gravy, or other hot liquids.
  4. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring, which helps incorporate air. If you're out of milk, you can substitute with water or broth for added flavor. Consider adding herbs or spices like parsley or garlic powder to the dough for extra taste. These dumplings are versatile and can complement various dishes, including stews and soups.

Serving Suggestions

These dumplings are perfect when served with hearty stews or casseroles. They pair beautifully with chicken and gravy or can be enjoyed alongside a rich vegetable soup. For a complete meal, serve with a fresh salad like Peas And Peanut Salad or buttery Monster Mash Potatoes for a comforting experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently steam them over simmering water for about 5-7 minutes or microwave them with a splash of water covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Avoid reheating too long to prevent them from becoming tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Drop Dumplings contains roughly 441 calories, with 12g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2146mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).

441 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.4g 25% DV
Total Fat 1.2g 2% DV
Carbs 93.1g 34% DV
Fiber 3.3g 12% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2146mg 93% DV
Potassium 131.1mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.2mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 242mg 19% DV
Iron 6mg 34% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 dumpling dough ahead of time?

It's best to prepare the dumpling dough just before cooking to maintain its fluffy texture. However, you can mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just add the milk when you're ready to cook.

What if my dumplings turn out dense?

Dense dumplings often result from overmixing the dough or too much flour. Mix the batter until just combined and avoid packing the flour when measuring. If needed, adjust the milk to achieve the right consistency for a soft dough.

Can I freeze leftover dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze leftover dumplings! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen in soups or stews, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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).

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