When chilly evenings call for something warm, comforting, and irresistibly satisfying, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of stew topped with tender cheddar Bisquick dumplings. These fluffy dumplings puff up perfectly as they steam atop a bubbling stew, absorbing the rich, savory broth and melting in your mouth with every bite. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese gives them a golden hue and deepens their flavor, making them an ideal upgrade to any stew, whether it’s beef, chicken, or vegetable-based. Think of it as the grown-up cousin of the classic chicken and dumplings—with a cheesy twist and no fuss. If you’re already a fan of the bisquick dumplings easy method, this cheddar-enhanced version will become your go-to. It’s the ultimate marriage of simplicity and flavor, and it’s comfort food done right.
Cheddar Bisquick Dumplings for Savory Stews
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 hearty portions
Mixing bowl For combining the ingredients. A medium-size bowl is ideal.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula To gently stir the dough. Avoid overmixing!
Ladle or large spoon To scoop and drop the dumplings into your stew.
Dutch oven or deep soup pot The stew needs to simmer gently and be deep enough to let the dumplings puff up.
Lid for the pot Crucial! The dumplings need a covered environment to steam properly and become light and fluffy.
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix regular or gluten free Bisquick, depending on dietary needs
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2/3 cup whole milk you can use buttermilk for a tangier flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional, for freshness and color)
Step 1: Prepare Your Stew Base
These cheddar dumplings are meant to complement a savory stew, so make sure your base is ready and hot before you drop in the dumplings. Whether it's a chicken stew, a vegetable-rich broth, or a rich beef gravy, have it gently simmering on the stove before you begin mixing your dumplings.
For an easy chicken and dumplings with Bisquick dinner, sauté onions, carrots, and celery, then stir in shredded cooked chicken and chicken broth. Let that simmer while you make your dumpling dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dumpling Dough
In your mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and parsley if using. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly. Pour in the milk and stir just until the ingredients are combined. You should have a soft, sticky dough. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it looks a little rustic.
This method is a classic for drop dumplings recipe homemade easy and has all the charm of a southern dumplings recipe, minus the fuss of rolling and cutting dough.
Step 3: Drop Dumplings into the Stew
Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the dough directly onto the simmering stew. Try to keep each dumpling about the same size so they cook evenly. Don’t stir the stew once the dumplings are added—just let them rest on top like pillowy clouds.
Cover the pot immediately with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15-20 minutes over medium-low heat. Avoid peeking too often, as letting out the steam can prevent the dumplings from cooking properly.
Step 4: Check and Serve
After 20 minutes, remove the lid and gently check a dumpling with a toothpick or knife. It should come out clean, and the dumpling should be firm but still tender. If it’s still doughy, cover and give it another 5 minutes.
Once done, ladle the stew and dumplings into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good helping of those cheesy, fluffy dumplings.
Pairings in Detail
This dish is hearty and comforting on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew and cheddar dumplings.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli – A simple veggie side brings freshness and crunch.
- Crisp White Wine or Sparkling Cider – A slightly acidic drink cuts through the richness nicely.
- Rustic Bread or Cornbread – If you're a carb lover, some buttered bread on the side won't hurt.
These cheddar dumplings also pair beautifully with a beef and mushroom stew or even a lentil stew if you’re going vegetarian. Their cheesy, savory profile adds depth to any broth-based dish.
FAQs
1. What kind of Bisquick should I use?
Classic Bisquick works beautifully, but if you're gluten-sensitive, gluten free Bisquick is a solid substitute and delivers a similar fluffy texture. For a healthier option, there’s also a heart-smart version of Bisquick with less fat.
2. Can I make these dumplings without cheese?
Absolutely! The base recipe is similar to the classic Bisquick drop dumplings. Just skip the cheese and you'll still have light and tender dumplings. But if you're going for that cheddar-rich flavor, sharp cheddar is your best bet.
3. Can I add these dumplings to any stew?
Yes! These dumplings work in any stew that simmers gently and provides enough moisture to steam them. They’re perfect for chicken and bisquick dumplings, vegetable stews, and even beef stew. Just make sure the stew isn’t too thick, or it won’t produce enough steam for the dumplings to rise.
4. What’s the best chicken to use for chicken and dumplings?
For an authentic easy chicken dumpling recipes experience, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for their rich flavor and tenderness. However, shredded rotisserie chicken or chicken breast will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
5. How do I keep my dumplings from getting soggy or dense?
Keep that lid on! Steaming is the secret to fluffy dumplings. If you uncover the pot too early or frequently, you’ll lose steam and end up with doughy, dense results. Also, resist overmixing the dough—it should be just combined for the softest texture.
