How to Make Southern Dumplings

How to Make Southern Dumplings – A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Southern dumplings are one of those timeless comfort foods that remind us of cozy kitchens, family gatherings, and warm bowls of homemade goodness. Whether you enjoy them in a rich chicken and dumplings stew, served with a flavorful broth, or even paired with sweet fruit fillings, this recipe will guide you through making them from scratch.

The beauty of Southern dumplings is their simplicity: just a few pantry staples can be transformed into fluffy, tender bites that absorb all the flavors of your dish. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from making the dough, to shaping dumplings two different ways, and finally to cooking them perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups self-rising flour – This gives the dumplings their lift and lightness. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour plus 1 tablespoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.
• ¼ cup shortening or lard – Traditional Southern dumplings use lard or shortening, which gives the dough tenderness and a slightly flaky texture.
• ¾ cup boiling water – This helps the dough come together smoothly and creates dumplings that are soft instead of tough.

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Combine the dry ingredients: Place the self-rising flour in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut in the fat: Using a pastry blender, fork, or even your fingers, cut the shortening or lard into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The little bits of fat will melt during cooking, creating light and fluffy dumplings.
3. Add water: Slowly pour in the boiling water, stirring as you go. Add just enough water to form a dough that holds together without being sticky.
4. Shape into a ball: Once the dough is formed, gently gather it into a ball. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the dumplings tough.

Step 2: Shape the Dumplings

At this point, you have two traditional options for Southern dumplings:

Option A: Flat Dumplings (the classic chicken and dumplings style)

1. Lightly flour a clean work surface.
2. Roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
3. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into long strips and then into small squares or rectangles.
4. Place them on a floured plate to prevent sticking until ready to cook.

Option B: Drop Dumplings (rustic style)

1. Skip the rolling process.
2. Simply pinch off small pieces of dough (about the size of a teaspoon or walnut) and set them aside.
3. This method creates dumplings that are more rustic, irregular in shape, and soft in texture.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

1. Prepare your base: Have your chicken soup, broth, stew, or even sweet fruit mixture gently boiling in a large pot. The liquid should be hot and bubbling, but not at a hard rolling boil.
2. Add dumplings carefully: Drop in a few dumplings at a time, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Cover and cook: Place a lid on the pot and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for several minutes. This allows steam to cook them all the way through.
4. Simmer until done: Once all the dumplings are in, reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and fluffy inside.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the dumplings into bowls with plenty of broth or stew, making sure each serving has both the flavorful liquid and tender dumplings. You can enjoy them with:

• Classic chicken and dumplings – A Southern staple with shredded chicken, vegetables, and rich broth.
• Beef or vegetable stew – Dumplings soak up the savory flavors beautifully.
• Sweet fruit cobblers – For a dessert twist, cook the dumplings in sweetened peaches, apples, or berries for a comforting treat.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Don’t overmix the dough: The less you handle it, the softer your dumplings will be.
• Use broth with flavor: A homemade chicken broth or well-seasoned stock makes the dumplings taste even better.
• Storage: Leftover dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern dumplings are more than just a side dish—they’re a piece of culinary history. They bring warmth and comfort to any table, stretching a simple pot of broth into a hearty, filling meal. With only a few ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like home and can be adapted for both savory and sweet recipes.