Easy One-Pan Dumpling Bake: The Coziest Weeknight Comfort Food

Some nights just call for cozy, low-effort comfort food, and that’s exactly where this dumpling bake comes in. It’s everything we love about soft, fluffy dumplings, but baked in one pan for that golden, bubbly finish and super easy cleanup.

I first saw a version of this one-pan baked dumpling recipe making the rounds on TikTok, and honestly, I get the hype. After trying it once, I was hooked, the creamy sauce, the tender dumplings, that perfectly crisp top, it’s total comfort in a casserole dish.

Now it’s one of my go-to dinners for busy weeknights or slow Sundays, when I want something warm, satisfying, and a little nostalgic. One bite and you’ll see why this viral trend deserves all the love.

Let’s Make This One-Pan Dumpling Bake

One-Pan Dumpling Bake

Recipe by Souhail Jr

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

415

kcal

There’s something so heartwarming about this dumpling bake, it’s like a hug straight from the oven. Originating as a twist on classic American comfort food, this one-pan baked dumpling dish brings together tender, fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

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Ingredients

• For the filling

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or turkey)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 0.5 tsp dried thyme

• For the dumplings

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 0.5 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

• 0.75 cup whole milk

Directions

• Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it starts to sizzle, add the onion and garlic, cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the carrots and let them soften for a few more minutes.
• Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about a minute to get rid of that raw taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, then add the cream. Let it simmer gently until it thickens into a creamy sauce. Add your shredded chicken, peas, thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, then remove from heat.
• Now, make the dumpling dough. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and milk, stirring until it forms a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls of dough right over the creamy filling in the skillet, no need to be perfect; rustic is beautiful here!
• Pop the skillet into the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden on top and cooked through. The sauce should be bubbling gently around the edges.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, it’ll thicken slightly as it cools.

Notes

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for a melty twist.
• To make it vegetarian, swap chicken for mushrooms or lentils and use veggie broth.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• This dish pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or a simple green salad.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 6
• Calories: 415kcal
• Fat: 23g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 25g

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Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Dumpling Bake

Let’s be honest, some recipes are worth bookmarking forever, and this dumpling bake is one of them. It’s cozy, it’s creamy, and it comes together in just one pan. No juggling pots, no stovetop mess, just pure comfort baked to perfection.

Here’s why this recipe totally works:

• It’s all about simplicity. One pan does it all, mix, bake, serve. That means fewer dishes and more time to actually enjoy dinner.
• It’s cozy comfort in every bite. The dumplings bake into soft, golden pillows that soak up all the delicious, savory sauce underneath.
• Customizable goodness. Whether you’re craving something meaty, veggie-packed, or even cheesy, this recipe adjusts to fit your mood and pantry.
• Perfect for meal sharing. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast when shared with friends or family.

If you love hearty comfort food like this, you’ll probably also fall for this sausage and potato recipe, it’s another one-pan wonder that’s just as satisfying and easy to pull together.

What to Prep Ahead (So You’re Not Scrambling Later)

If you’re anything like me, you love when dinner feels effortless. A little prep makes this one-pan baked dumpling recipe even smoother to whip up on a busy night.

Here’s what you can do ahead of time:

• Chop your veggies, onions, carrots, or whatever you’re using in the filling, so they’re ready to go.
• Make your sauce early and keep it in the fridge; it’ll save you a ton of time when it’s go-time.
• Mix the dumpling dough in advance and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temp before baking.
• Cook and shred your protein (chicken, turkey, or beef) the day before to make assembly lightning fast.

It’s the same kind of prep strategy I use for recipes like these baked beans with ground beef, a bit of work upfront means you can relax later when the oven’s doing all the heavy lifting.

Little Secrets for Big Flavor (a.k.a. Pro Tips for Your Dumpling Bake)

Okay, let’s talk about how to make your dumpling bake go from “pretty good” to “oh wow, what is this magic?” Because sometimes, it’s those tiny tweaks that make all the difference.

Here are my go-to tips that never fail:

• Use room-temp ingredients. Cold milk or butter can mess with the dough texture, keep everything at room temperature for the fluffiest dumplings.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until combined; the less you work it, the lighter the dumplings will be.
• Add fresh herbs for a flavor upgrade. Chopped parsley or chives stirred into the dough gives it that homemade, restaurant-level finish.
• Taste your sauce before baking. This step seems simple, but it ensures the seasoning is perfect before the dumplings go on top.
• Let it rest after baking. It gives the sauce time to thicken and the flavors to blend beautifully.
• Try a cheesy finish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the dumplings during the last 5 minutes for an irresistible golden crust.

If you love dishes that bring big comfort with minimal effort, you’ll also adore this baked spaghetti recipe, it’s another oven-baked gem that turns weeknights into something special.

Switch It Up! Fun Variations to Try

One of the best parts about this one-pan baked dumpling recipe is how adaptable it is. Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can play around and make it totally your own.

Here are a few delicious ways to mix things up:

• Veggie Lover’s Dream: Skip the meat and pack your filling with mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. Add a splash of soy sauce for depth and bake as usual. The veggies soak up that creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake: Add steamed broccoli and a handful of cheddar for a cheesy twist that tastes like a warm hug.
• Beefy Comfort Casserole: Swap chicken for ground beef, season it with garlic and Worcestershire, and you’ll have a heartier, savory version that’s perfect for colder days.
• Lighter Seafood Spin: Inspired by this tasty salmon and rice recipe, try using flaky cooked salmon in place of chicken. Add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of dill before baking for a fresh, lighter flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Stir a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes into the sauce if you love a little heat—it balances perfectly with the creamy base.

Keep It Fresh: Storing & Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, pop a portion in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave it with a splash of cream to keep the sauce nice and silky.

Fun Ways to Reuse Your Dumpling Bake

If you somehow have leftovers, don’t just reheat, get creative! Spoon it into pastry cups for savory bites, or serve it over mashed potatoes for a double-comfort meal. And if you’re planning a cozy dinner night, finish things off with this sweet and creamy easy baked rice pudding, the perfect ending to all that savory goodness.

FAQs: Your Dumpling Bake Questions, Answered!

Let’s Wrap It Up (and Dig In!)

If you’ve been craving something cozy, easy, and totally satisfying, this dumpling bake is it. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles, simple ingredients, one pan, and pure comfort in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is one of those rare ones that always feels special. So go ahead, grab that skillet, whip up a batch, and see why everyone’s falling in love with this one-pan baked dumpling trend.