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Garlic Butter Cheddar Biscuit Dumplings

There is something wonderfully comforting about a pot of tender dumplings simmering in a rich, savory broth. These Garlic Butter Cheddar Biscuit Dumplings take that classic comfort food idea and give it an irresistible upgrade with buttery garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, and fluffy biscuit-style dumplings.

The dumplings are soft and tender on the inside, with little pockets of melted cheddar throughout. A generous amount of garlic butter adds warmth and richness, while the savory broth brings everything together into a cozy, satisfying meal. Best of all, this recipe comes together in one pot, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love These Dumplings

These dumplings are different from traditional plain biscuit dumplings because the dough is packed with cheddar and flavored with garlic butter. The result is incredibly flavorful without requiring complicated techniques.

The outside of each dumpling gently absorbs some of the savory broth while the center stays soft and fluffy. The cheddar melts into the dough, creating small pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.

This recipe is also flexible. You can serve the dumplings with a creamy chicken stew, vegetable soup, mushroom gravy, or simply simmer them directly in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Biscuit Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
¾ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons of the prepared garlic butter

For the Broth

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 small onion, finely diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
½ cup heavy cream
Fresh parsley for serving
Extra shredded cheddar for topping

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Begin by making the garlic butter that will flavor both the dumplings and the broth.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly. The garlic should become fragrant but should not turn dark brown, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Set the garlic butter aside while you prepare the rest of the recipe.

Step 2: Build the Savory Broth

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.

If you’re using cooked chicken, you can add it now or wait until the dumplings are nearly finished.

Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Make the Cheddar Biscuit Dough

While the broth is heating, prepare the dumpling dough.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Add the cold cubed butter.

Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. A few small pieces of butter remaining in the mixture are perfectly fine. Those pieces will help create tender, fluffy dumplings.

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and gently toss it through the flour mixture.

Pour in the milk and add 2 tablespoons of the prepared garlic butter.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Do not overmix the dough. Once there are no large patches of dry flour remaining, stop stirring.