🥣 How to Make Southern Dumplings
Soft, tender, and soul-warming — Southern dumplings are the heart of comfort food. Whether you’re dropping them into a rich chicken stew or serving them with a side of gravy, this timeless recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a bowl full of pillowy dumplings that taste just like Grandma used to make.
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Dumplings:
2 cups self-rising flour
¼ cup shortening or lard
¾ cup boiling water
That’s it. Three ingredients for perfect Southern dumplings every time — no eggs, no milk, just simple magic.
🔪 Instructions:
1. Make the Dough
Start by placing the self-rising flour in a large mixing bowl. If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt (see tip below).
Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the shortening or lard until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs — similar to making a biscuit dough. The fat should be broken down into small, pea-sized pieces throughout the flour.
Then, slowly pour in the boiling water, a little at a time, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula. The hot water helps activate the flour and melt the fat slightly, bringing the dough together into a soft, pliable ball. It should be slightly sticky, but not too wet.
2. Shape the Dumplings
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead gently just a few times to bring the dough together (don’t overwork it!). Pat or roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips or small square pieces — however you like your dumplings. Smaller pieces will be lighter and fluffier, while larger ones will be more doughy and dense.
3. Cook the Dumplings
While the dough rests, prepare your broth or stew. These dumplings are traditionally boiled in hot broth or stock, such as:
Chicken stock (with shredded chicken for chicken and dumplings)
Beef stew or gravy
A simple veggie broth for a lighter version
Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Do not overcrowd the pot.
Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low, simmering the dumplings for about 15–20 minutes or until they are tender and cooked through. They’ll puff up beautifully and soak in all the savory flavor from the broth.
💡 Tips & Tricks:
✳️ No Self-Rising Flour? No Problem.
Make your own by combining:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
✳️ Shortening vs. Lard:
Both work wonderfully, but lard adds a more traditional Southern flavor. If you’re out of either, cold unsalted butter can be used as a substitute.
✳️ Flavor Boost:
Want more flavor in your dumplings? Add a teaspoon of dried thyme, cracked black pepper, or finely chopped parsley into the flour before mixing.
✳️ Thickening the Broth:
For a thicker, gravy-like base, mix 1 tablespoon flour with ¼ cup of cold water and stir it into your broth before adding dumplings. Let it simmer and thicken while the dumplings cook.
🥘 What to Serve with Southern Dumplings
These dumplings are most often seen floating in bowls of homemade chicken and dumplings, but they’re versatile and can be used in:
Beef stew or pot roast
Creamy turkey soup
Southern-style sausage gravy
Vegetable stews
Serve them with:
A side of cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
Steamed green beans
Collard greens
Or just on their own — they’re filling and satisfying!
❄️ Storage & Reheating:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freeze: While cooked dumplings don’t freeze well due to texture changes, uncooked dough can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month.
🍴 Why These Dumplings Work:
Southern dumplings are minimalist comfort food at its finest. The boiling water activates the flour and fat to create a dough that’s soft but sturdy, perfect for simmering in flavorful broth without falling apart.
They’re:
Simple (just 3 main ingredients!)
Satisfying and hearty
A nostalgic dish passed down through generations
Great for batch cooking and feeding a crowd
👩🍳 Pro Tips from Southern Kitchens:
Don’t overmix: It’s key to keep the dough tender.
Use boiling water: It helps bind the dough without making it heavy.
Let them simmer: A gentle boil gives you soft, fluffy dumplings. A rolling boil can make them tough or fall apart.
Customize: Add herbs or even shredded cheese for a twist on tradition.
❤️ Southern Dumplings: A Dish Full of Comfort
There’s something deeply comforting about spooning into a bowl of Southern dumplings. It’s a dish that doesn’t rush you — from the slow stir of the dough to the gentle simmer on the stove, everything about it invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
Whether you grew up on chicken and dumplings or you’re discovering this dish for the first time, making dumplings from scratch connects you to the simple joys of home cooking. And in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a bowl full of warmth, nostalgia, and flavor.
📌 Final Thoughts:
Homemade Southern dumplings are more than just dough — they’re a hug in a bowl, a heritage recipe, and a go-to comfort meal for generations. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked for life.
Next time you’re craving something cozy, skip the takeout and stir up a pot of these classic dumplings. Your family will thank you — and your kitchen will smell like a Southern grandma’s on a Sunday afternoon.