How to Make Southern Dumplings

🍲 How to Make Southern Dumplings

Introduction

Southern Dumplings are a beloved comfort food staple of the American South — soft, tender, and slightly chewy dough pillows that soak up rich broths and creamy sauces. Whether floating on a pot of chicken stew or served on their own with butter and gravy, these dumplings are the kind of hearty, soul-warming food that brings generations together around the table.

They’re simple to make, budget-friendly, and taste like pure nostalgia — the kind of dish that reminds you of your grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Dumplings have roots in many cultures, but Southern-style dumplings are uniquely American, developed in the rural South as a way to stretch simple ingredients into a filling meal.
During the Great Depression and in farming communities, flour and fat were affordable staples, and cooks transformed them into soft dumplings to add heartiness to soups and stews.

Today, Southern Dumplings remain a comfort classic — often served with chicken and dumplings, one of the most iconic Southern dishes symbolizing home, warmth, and tradition.

Ingredients and Quantities

Makes about 20 dumplings

For the Dumplings:

2 cups self-rising flour
¼ cup shortening or lard
¾ cup boiling water

For Cooking (Optional, if serving with broth):

6 cups chicken broth or stew liquid
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for flavor.
Stir in chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness.
Replace water with warm milk for a richer, creamier texture.
Brush cooked dumplings with melted butter before serving.

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the dough — mix just until combined for soft dumplings.
Use boiling water — it helps create a tender, easy-to-roll dough.
Roll evenly — about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick for traditional flat dumplings.
Cook gently — simmer, don’t boil hard, or dumplings may fall apart.
Let them rest in the broth — this helps them absorb flavor and stay moist.

Instructions

1. Make the Dumpling Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add self-rising flour.
Cut in the shortening or lard using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually pour in boiling water, stirring with a fork until a soft dough forms.
If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle with a little more flour.

2. Roll and Cut

Lightly flour a clean surface.
Roll out the dough to about ⅛–¼ inch thickness.
Cut into strips or squares (about 1½ to 2 inches each).

3. Cook the Dumplings

Bring a large pot of chicken broth (or stew liquid) to a gentle boil.
Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, until dumplings are tender and cooked through.

4. Serve

Serve hot with chicken stew, creamy broth, or buttered gravy.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Description

These Southern Dumplings are soft, tender, and slightly chewy — perfect for soaking up every drop of flavorful broth. They puff slightly as they cook, creating a hearty, comforting bite. When paired with chicken and vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce, they create the ultimate Southern comfort meal — humble ingredients turned into something magical and deeply satisfying.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving — 4 dumplings)

Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 330 mg

(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

Conclusion

Southern Dumplings are a celebration of simplicity and tradition — proof that the best comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few pantry staples, a little time, and a lot of love create a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of homey goodness. Whether served with chicken stew or as a side to gravy, it’s the kind of recipe that never goes out of style.

Recommendation

Serve with:

Southern Chicken and Gravy or Chicken Stew
Collard greens or buttered corn for a true Southern meal
Sweet tea or buttermilk biscuits on the side

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in broth to keep them soft.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

To make your Southern dumplings a bit lighter while keeping their old-fashioned flavor:

Use olive oil or light butter instead of shortening.
Try whole-wheat self-rising flour for added fiber.
Replace part of the flour with mashed sweet potato or Greek yogurt for moisture and nutrition.
Serve with vegetable broth and lean protein for a balanced meal.