German Dumpling Soup Recipe

German Dumpling Soup, or Suppe mit Klößen, is a hearty, comforting dish that embodies the essence of traditional German cooking. This soup combines rich, flavorful broth with tender, pillowy dumplings-perfect for warming up on a chilly day or satisfying your appetite during a cozy dinner. The dumplings themselves are a highlight: soft, slightly chewy, and infused with a balance of savory ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies not just in the soup itself, but in the deep-rooted cultural history behind it.

German dumplings come in many variations, but for this recipe, we’re focusing on the classic version. This soup is a blend of practicality and comfort food, using simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious and fulfilling meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family, sharing with friends, or just indulging in something that reminds you of Grandma’s kitchen, this soup will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.

This recipe brings together the soul-soothing qualities of German dumplings with the richness of a flavorful, clear broth. The dumplings are made with a combination of bread, eggs, and seasonings, then boiled in the broth to absorb all its delicious flavors.

Serves: 4-6 people

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed

To prepare this comforting dish, you’ll need a variety of ingredients to make both the broth and the dumplings. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For The Dumplings

Day-old bread (about 2-3 cups) – Stale bread gives the dumplings a slightly firm texture that’s perfect for soaking up the broth.
Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and flavor.
Eggs (2 large) – These help bind the ingredients together, making the dumplings hold their shape.
Milk (1 cup) – Provides moisture to the bread and helps the dumplings form their soft, fluffy texture.
Flour (1/4 cup) – Used to slightly thicken the mixture and give the dumplings structure.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – Brings freshness and color to the dumplings.
Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning.

For The Broth

Beef or chicken stock (6 cups) – You can use homemade stock for a richer flavor, or store-bought for convenience.
Carrot (1 large) – Adds sweetness and color.
Celery stalks (2, chopped) – For a slight herbal note.
Onion (1 medium, halved) – The key to a good base flavor.
Bay leaves (2) – Adds depth and aromatic complexity.
Whole peppercorns (1 tsp) – For a gentle heat and spice.
Fresh parsley (a handful) – To garnish.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. Don’t worry-it’s straightforward and well worth the effort!

Prepare The Dumplings

Cut the bread into small cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, pour the butter over the bread cubes.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm (but not boiling) and then pour it over the bread cubes as well. Let the bread absorb the milk and butter mixture for about 10 minutes.
Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the soaked bread mixture. Stir to combine.
Add the flour, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir well until all the ingredients are incorporated. The mixture should be sticky but firm.
With wet hands, shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). Set them aside on a plate.

Prepare The Broth

In a large pot, add the stock and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Add the carrot, celery, onion, bay leaves, and peppercorns to the pot. Let everything simmer together for about 20 minutes to develop the flavor.
Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and herbs. Return the broth to the pot, and keep it warm over low heat.

Cook The Dumplings

Once the broth is simmering gently, carefully drop the dumplings into the broth. Don’t overcrowd the pot-make sure there’s enough room for the dumplings to float freely.
Simmer the dumplings for about 15-20 minutes, until they rise to the top and are fully cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re soft and tender.
Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and set them aside.

Assemble The Soup

Return the broth to a gentle simmer, then add the dumplings back into the pot to heat through.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding salt or pepper to suit your taste.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Ingredient Insights

Bread for Dumplings: The bread you use is critical. While fresh bread can be used, day-old bread is ideal because it has dried out slightly and will soak up the milk and butter better, resulting in a firmer dumpling texture. Stale bread also adds a deeper, slightly rustic flavor that pairs beautifully with the broth.
Stock: The stock is the backbone of this soup. Homemade stock will always give you a richer, fuller flavor, but store-bought stock works well too, especially if you’re short on time. Just be sure to check the salt content, as some store-bought stocks can be salty.
Seasoning: The seasoning of the broth should be simple, yet flavorful. Bay leaves, peppercorns, and the fresh herbs bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It’s important not to overpower the delicate flavor of the dumplings with too many spices.

Expert Tips

Avoid overcooking the dumplings: Dumplings should be soft but not falling apart. Overcooking can lead to mushy dumplings that won’t hold their shape. If you’re unsure, remove one dumpling and cut it open to make sure it’s fully cooked inside.
Dumpling size: Try to keep the dumplings uniform in size so they cook evenly. If you prefer larger dumplings, you can make them bigger, but keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
Enhancing the flavor: For a deeper flavor profile, you can sauté the vegetables in a bit of butter before adding them to the broth. This will caramelize the sugars in the vegetables and add a richer taste to the broth.
For a creamier broth: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream when serving. This will give the broth a silky texture and a subtle tang that complements the dumplings.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat-based stock and use vegetable stock instead. You can also make the broth more substantial by adding mushrooms or leeks for an earthy depth.
Cheese Dumplings: Add some grated cheese like Swiss, Gruyère, or Parmesan into the bread mixture for a cheesy twist. The cheese will melt into the dumplings, adding richness and flavor.
Herb Dumplings: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, sage, or rosemary in place of parsley. These herbs lend a more aromatic, earthy flavor to the dumplings.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dumpling mixture or broth for a hint of heat and smokiness.

Final Words

German Dumpling Soup is a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. The combination of the flavorful broth and the delicate dumplings creates a balanced, satisfying meal. Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your own twist, this soup is versatile, comforting, and always delicious.

German Dumpling Soup Recipe