Savory Bread Dumplings for Soup
Perfect for adding a rich, comforting touch to any chicken broth or noodle soup, these Savory Bread Dumplings are a family recipe cherished for generations. Utilizing day-old bread minimizes waste and keeps costs down while delivering delightful flavor. You can easily substitute with non-dairy options like 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' for a lighter touch, or opt for Egg Beaters to suit your dietary preferences. These dumplings are best cooked just before serving, ensuring they soak up the soup's warmth and flavor. Add a hint of dried herbs or a small piece of cheese in the center for an extra touch of indulgence. They also freeze well, making for convenient future meals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
day old sliced white bread
1 loaf (sliced)
margarine or butter
1/2 cup (melted)
evaporated milk or half-and-half cream
1/2 cup (none)
eggs
4 (beaten)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
allspice
1/8 teaspoon (none)
optional dried parsley flakes
to taste (none)
optional cheese cubes
small pieces (for stuffing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the slices of day-old bread evenly on a baking sheet.
2
Toast the bread slices in the oven until golden brown on one side, then flip and toast the other side until equally brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
3
Once cooled, break the toasted bread into smaller pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor until they become fine crumbs.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fine bread crumbs with melted margarine (or butter), evaporated milk (or half-and-half), beaten eggs, salt, and allspice. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
5
Using your hands, squeeze and shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, ensuring they hold together well.
6
Bring a pot of chicken broth or vegetable soup to a gentle boil. Carefully lower 3 or 4 dumplings into the simmering liquid using a large slotted spoon.
7
Cook the dumplings for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are cooked through and puffy. Serve them immediately in your favorite soup.
8
For a richer flavor, consider adding dried parsley flakes or even a small cube of cheese in the center of each dumpling before cooking.
9
If you have extra dumplings, you can freeze them for later use. Store them in airtight containers, using them within one month for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Bread Dumplings?
Savory Bread Dumplings are a comforting family recipe made from toasted day-old bread, often served in chicken broth or noodle soup.
What type of bread is best for these dumplings?
The recipe calls for one loaf of day-old sliced white bread.
How should I toast the bread?
Spread slices on a baking sheet and toast in a 400°F oven until golden brown on both sides.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I turn the toasted bread into crumbs?
Once the toasted bread has cooled completely, break it into pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor until fine.
What kind of fat is used in the dumpling mixture?
You can use 1/2 cup of melted margarine or butter.
Can I make these dumplings dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter and use non-dairy options to suit your dietary needs.
What type of milk is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of evaporated milk or half-and-half cream.
How many eggs are needed for the recipe?
You will need 4 beaten eggs.
Can I use an egg substitute?
Yes, Egg Beaters can be used as a substitute for regular eggs.
What spices are used to flavor the dumplings?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of allspice.
How do I shape the dumplings?
Use your hands to squeeze and shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
What is the recommended size for each dumpling?
Each dumpling should be shaped into a ball approximately 1 inch in size.
How do I cook the bread dumplings?
Carefully lower them into a pot of gently boiling chicken broth or vegetable soup using a slotted spoon.
How long do the dumplings take to cook?
They should cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are puffy and cooked through.
How many dumplings should I cook at one time?
It is recommended to cook 3 or 4 dumplings at a time in the simmering liquid.
Can I add cheese to these dumplings?
Yes, you can place a small cube of cheese in the center of each dumpling before cooking for extra indulgence.
What herbs can be added to the recipe?
You can add dried parsley flakes to the mixture to taste.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is described as a German family recipe cherished for generations.
Can these dumplings be frozen?
Yes, these dumplings freeze well for future use.
How should I store extra dumplings?
Extra dumplings should be stored in airtight containers.
How long do the dumplings stay fresh in the freezer?
For optimal freshness, use frozen dumplings within one month.
When is the best time to cook the dumplings?
They are best cooked just before serving to ensure they soak up the soup's warmth.
Are these dumplings budget-friendly?
Yes, utilizing day-old bread helps minimize waste and keeps the cost of the recipe down.
What is the texture of the finished dumplings?
The dumplings become puffy and absorb the flavor of the soup broth.
Can I serve these in vegetable soup?
Yes, they are suitable for both chicken broth and vegetable-based soups.
Do I need to let the toasted bread cool?
Yes, let the bread cool completely before processing it into crumbs.
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The primary ingredient is a loaf of day-old white bread.
Can I use a blender to make the bread crumbs?
Yes, you can use either a blender or a food processor to pulse the toasted bread into fine crumbs.
Are these dumplings considered a quick meal?
Yes, they are tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe.