Cheesy Dumpling Bake Casserole (Viral Easy Dinner)
Cheesy Dumpling Bake Casserole: The Ultimate Viral Easy Dinner for Busy Weeknights!
Craving comfort food that’s ridiculously easy to make and tastes like a warm hug? Look no further than this incredible Cheesy Dumpling bake Casserole! It’s a viral sensation for a reason, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, savory dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Forget complicated recipes – with our clever frozen dumpling hacks, you’ll have a heartwarming meal on the table in no time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful casserole. Most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store, making this a convenient and affordable meal option.
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and cheese pierogies (dumplings)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation Instructions
Whipping up this Cheesy Dumpling bake is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a stress-free cooking experience. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time, leveraging effective frozen dumpling hacks for speed and convenience.
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until you have a smooth, well-combined sauce.
3. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the frozen potato and cheese pierogies (dumplings) and the cooked shredded chicken (if using) into the soup mixture until everything is evenly coated.
4. Transfer to Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Initial Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is visibly bubbly around the edges and the pierogies are tender when pierced.
6. Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and lightly golden brown.
7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting casserole!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
Spice up your Cheesy Dumpling Bake with these creative variations:
Broccoli Cheddar Twist: Add 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets along with the pierogies for added veggies and flavor.
Buffalo Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce to the soup mixture and use cooked shredded chicken for a spicy kick. Top with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing before serving.
Loaded Baked Potato Style: Swirl in some sour cream after baking, and top with cooked crumbled bacon and green onions before serving.
Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty meatless option.
Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, mix 1/2 cup of crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before the final bake.
FAQ
Q: Can I use different types of dumplings?
A: Yes! While potato and cheese pierogies are classic, you can experiment with other frozen dumplings or gnocchi. Cooking times might vary slightly.
Q: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
A: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be good substitutes, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Q: Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
A: It can be frozen, though the texture of the pierogies may become a bit softer upon thawing and reheating. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate Cheesy Dumpling bake Casserole, a dish that promises both ease and incredible flavor. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with smart frozen dumpling hacks, can create a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed to bring joy and comfort to your dinner table without the stress. Give it a try tonight and discover why this viral sensation is here to stay!
Recipe Note
For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden crust, consider sprinkling a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Dumpling bake
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main course
Servings: 6
Calories: 650 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1.5 cups mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), thawed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk (for the filling)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- For the Dumplings:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (for the dumplings)
Instructions
1.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, thawed mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup milk, chicken broth, dried thyme, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
3. To prepare the dumplings: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk to the flour and butter mixture, stirring with a fork until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the baking dish. If you are using cheese, sprinkle it over the dumplings.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
8. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
Chef’s Notes: A hearty and comforting one-dish meal perfect for a family dinner. Feel free to use leftover cooked chicken or turkey to save time. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms or canned cannellini beans.
