One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving cozy comfort in a bowl, look no further than One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings. This recipe combines the nostalgic creaminess of broccoli cheddar soup with light, fluffy dumplings—all simmered together in one pot for minimal mess and maximum flavor. Every bite hits perfectly melty cheese, tender veggies, and pillowy dumplings, making this an instant favorite for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The best part? You won’t need a culinary degree or a sink full of dishes. Just simple, honest ingredients building into pure, vegetarian bliss.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings so special is that every ingredient serves a purpose, both in taste and texture. Even the simple staples come together to create something comforting, satisfying, and downright irresistible.

• Butter: Gives a rich, silky base and brings a little indulgence to every spoonful.
• Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth of flavor that melts almost invisibly into the soup.
• Garlic: Brings that magical background aromatic you can’t put your finger on, but can’t live without.
• Broccoli florets: The star veggie adds color, nutrition, and the classic flavor we all know and love.
• Vegetable broth: Provides savory backbone and keeps the soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Whole milk: Lends a creamy texture and rounds out the richness without overpowering the broccoli.
• Dijon mustard: Sharpens up the cheese flavors and adds a subtle tang for balance.
• Salt and black pepper: Essentials for seasoning, so every taste shines.
• Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and color without being spicy.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings the unmistakable zing and meltiness that defines the dish.
• Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water): Thickens the soup to that perfect, velvety consistency.
• All-purpose flour (for dumplings): Forms the tender backbone of those fluffy dumplings.
• Baking powder: Ensures your dumplings puff up and stay light; no dense dumplings here!
• Additional salt and garlic powder (for dumplings): Gives your dumplings flavor, not just structure.
• Milk (for dumplings): Brings everything together into a soft, tender dough.
• Melted butter (for dumplings): Adds richness and helps keep the dumplings moist and delicate.

How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and let it cook for 3–4 minutes, just until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and give it another 30 seconds. You’ll notice the kitchen immediately start to smell like comfort!

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Add the chopped broccoli florets, vegetable broth, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika into the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the broccoli is just tender—this helps the flavors meld and the veggies soften perfectly without falling apart.

Step 3: Thicken and Add Cheese

Mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering soup and let it cook for 2–3 more minutes, until you see the broth begin to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Watch it melt and turn the whole pot gloriously creamy—this is what makes One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings so irresistible!

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the cheesy soup simmers, grab a small bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will look slightly shaggy and thick—resist the urge to over-mix, as that’s the secret to tender dumplings.

Step 5: Drop and Simmer Dumplings

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop dollops of dumpling dough directly onto the surface of the hot soup. Try to keep them roughly the same size for even cooking. Cover the pot with a lid and let those clouds of dough simmer gently for 12–15 minutes. No peeking! The steam is what makes them puff up beautifully, absorbing flavor as they cook through.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy

When the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked through, your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings is ready to serve. Ladle generous portions into bowls, making sure everyone gets plenty of soup and at least a few dumplings in each serving. Enjoy immediately for maximum comfort!

How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings

Garnishes

For a fresh pop and crunchy contrast, sprinkle your bowls with extra sharp cheddar, finely chopped chives, or a touch of smoked paprika. A twist of black pepper or a dollop of sour cream can also dial up the creaminess and punch up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish shines all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with a crisp green salad, garlic toast, or a simple apple slaw. These sides offer refreshing crunch and cut through the richness of the soup and dumplings perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings in individual bread bowls for a fun, rustic twist! For a dinner party, present it in small ramekins topped with a shower of cheese and a little sprig of broccoli. This also makes a cozy lunch in a thermos for a homemade touch at school or work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. The soup and dumplings will keep their flavor for up to 3 days, though the dumplings may thicken slightly as they absorb more of the creamy broth.

Freezing

While the soup base itself freezes very well, dumplings can become a bit dense or mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider storing the soup without the dumplings and making a fresh batch of dumplings when reheating. To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Gently reheat One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to keep the soup smooth, and add a splash of milk or broth if the consistency gets too thick. If reheating with dumplings, cover the pot to help them loosen up and warm all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this recipe; no need to thaw it first. Just add it directly to the pot, and it will soften as it cooks. The color and flavor might be slightly different but equally delicious.

Can I make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour in both the soup (if needed) and dumplings for a quality gluten-free blend. Also, check your baking powder and broth to ensure they’re gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but the comfort factor remains high.

Is it possible to add protein to this dish?

You bet. Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or cooked white beans after the cheese melts for a heartier meal. Either works well with the flavors of the soup, and they blend right in with the dumplings for extra staying power.

Can I puree the soup for a smoother texture?

Certainly! Just use an immersion blender right before adding the dumpling dough, or carefully transfer part of the soup to a blender. This will give it a silkier feel, while still allowing the dumplings to cook evenly on top.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is classic and gives the brightest flavor, but feel free to use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. Just be sure you’re using a good-melting cheese for that signature creamy finish!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a soul-warming dish that brings you back to childhood but still feels special enough for company, One Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Dumplings is your answer. I can’t wait for you to try it—make a big pot, share with your favorite people, and let the comfort food magic happen!

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