Name: Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds turkey breast tenderloins; kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 celery hearts, chopped; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 1 medium white onion, finely chopped; 6 cloves garlic, finely minced; 6-8 sprigs fresh thyme; 3 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Jamaican allspice; 8 cups (2 quarts) turkey or chicken stock/broth; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 3/4 cup whole buttermilk; 1/4 cup mashed sweet potato or sweet potato puree

Nothing quite warms the soul like a hearty bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s as cozy and comforting as this Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe. The tender turkey melds perfectly with fluffy, subtly sweet dumplings, making this one of my absolute go-to dishes on chilly evenings.

A purple pot filled with a warm, golden-yellow stew that has soft, uneven dumplings floating on top. The stew contains small bits of shredded light brown chicken, bright orange carrot slices, green peas, and green sprigs of thyme scattered throughout. The broth looks thick and smooth with a slightly shiny surface, seasoned with small black pepper flakes. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simple ingredients in a way that feels fancy but is totally doable any night of the week. I've made turkey soup countless times, but adding sweet potato dumplings took it to another level that I’m excited for you to try.

Perfect Comfort Food: The rich broth paired with fluffy sweet potato dumplings is like a warm hug in a bowl.
Impressively Simple: Despite the luscious flavors, it uses everyday ingredients you can find easily.
Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves it, making dinner-time stress-free.
Flexible and Flavorful: There’s room to tweak spices and dumpling add-ins to suit your taste and pantry.

A large white pot filled with a thick soup showing about eight uneven, yellow dumplings floating on top. The soup has a light brown, creamy broth with visible pieces of shredded light brown meat, small orange carrot slices, green peas, and some small green herbs like thyme. The dumplings look soft and slightly textured with a sprinkle of black pepper on them. The pot has a purple handle and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe has its role, from building a savory broth base to enriching the dumplings with a hint of natural sweetness. When shopping, I like to pick fresh herbs and good-quality stock to boost the flavor even more.

Flat lay of fresh turkey breast tenderloins with clean white shells of two whole eggs, a small pile of finely chopped celery hearts, two medium peeled and chopped carrots, one medium white onion finely chopped, six peeled garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, three whole bay leaves, a small white bowl of dried oregano powder, a small white bowl of smoked paprika powder, a small white bowl of Jamaican allspice, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with clear turkey broth, a small white bowl of frozen peas, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of fine yellow cornmeal, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of whole buttermilk, a small heap of mashed bright orange sweet potato puree, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Turkey breast tenderloins: Lean and mild, they cook up tender and shred easily without falling apart.
Butter and extra virgin olive oil: Create a rich fat base for browning and layering flavor early on.
Celery, carrots, and onion: Classic soup trio that gives texture, subtle sweetness, and an aromatic base.
Garlic: Provides that wonderful depth and warmth that rounds out savory dishes perfectly.
Fresh thyme and bay leaves: Bring earthy, herbaceous notes that infuse the broth beautifully.
Dried oregano, smoked paprika, and Jamaican allspice: Add a hint of complexity and gentle spice without overpowering.
Turkey or chicken stock: The backbone of the soup, homemade or store-bought works well for a deep, savory taste.
Frozen peas: A pop of bright green and a subtle sweet burst that brightens the soup.
All-purpose flour and yellow cornmeal (for dumplings): Create a tender yet sturdy dumpling with just the right mouthfeel.
Baking powder: Gives the dumplings their signature fluffy lift.
Salted butter, whole buttermilk, and mashed sweet potato: These ingredients make the dumplings irresistibly moist, flavorful, and slightly sweet.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this turkey soup is how adaptable it is. I encourage you to play around with the spices or try swapping out peas for green beans or corn. It’s your kitchen—make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce for a subtle kick, which balances beautifully against the sweet dumplings.
Dietary swaps: If you want to go gluten-free, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings—they turn out great.
Seasonal twists: In fall, swap thyme for rosemary and toss in some diced roasted pumpkin for an extra autumn vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Turkey Tenderloins

Start by seasoning those turkey tenderloins generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—this little bit of patience upfront makes all the difference. Letting them rest at room temp for about 30 minutes helps them brown evenly. When you brown them in butter and olive oil, don't rush—aim for a nice golden crust, about 2–3 minutes per side. This step seals in the juices and builds flavor, but remember, the turkey isn’t fully cooked yet, so don’t skip the simmer later!

Step 2: Build Your Veggie Base and Seasonings

Next, toss in the chopped celery, carrots, and onion straight into that flavorful fat left behind. Stir while they soften for about 4–5 minutes—you want them tender but not mushy. Add the minced garlic last, cooking just until fragrant, around a minute. Then, sprinkle in your herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, oregano, smoked paprika, and Jamaican allspice. Toasting these spices for a minute intensifies their aroma and taste, so keep stirring!

Step 3: Simmer the Turkey and Soup

Pop the turkey back into the pot and cover it with 8 cups of turkey or chicken stock. Make sure all the turkey is submerged—that’s how it’ll get tender and flavorful. Bring the heat down low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes. This slow cooking time is when the magic happens—the turkey shreds beautifully and the broth deepens.

Step 4: Shred Turkey and Mix Dumplings

Once the turkey is fork-tender, take it out and shred it using two forks—it’s therapeutic, promise! Meanwhile, whisk together your flour, cornmeal, and baking powder for the dumplings. Add melted butter, buttermilk, and your mashed sweet potato, stirring just until combined—less is more here, so don’t overmix or the dumplings get dense. Let the batter sit briefly to activate the baking powder; you’ll notice it gets airy and fluffy, which leads to the best dumplings.

Step 5: Add Dumplings and Finish Cooking

Add peas to the soup, then drop spoonfuls of your dumpling mixture all over the bubbling broth. I like to use a spring-loaded scooper for even dollops. Spoon broth gently over each dumpling to keep them moist. Cover and let simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes—during this time, the dumplings puff up and cook through, creating light little pillows in your soup.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves, ladle the soup into warm bowls, and grind some fresh black pepper on top. I love pairing a cozy soup bowl with crusty bread for dunking. Now, all that’s left is to savor every comforting, flavorful bite!

Top Tip

Having cooked this Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few things that really elevate the outcome. These tips can save you from common pitfalls and make the process more enjoyable.

Rest the turkey before searing: Letting the turkey tenderloins come to room temperature helps them brown evenly without steaming.
Don’t overwork dumpling dough: Mixing just until combined keeps dumplings light and fluffy, rather than tough.
Simmer, don’t boil: Keeping a gentle simmer during cooking keeps the broth clear and the turkey tender.
Activate baking powder: Letting your dumpling batter rest for a minute or two after mixing lets the baking powder start working, resulting in fluffier dumplings.

How to Serve Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—just a few fresh thyme leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens things up visually and flavor-wise. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in just before serving can also add a lovely brightness, balancing the richness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this soup are crusty whole-grain bread or garlic-rubbed toasted baguette slices. A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs well, keeping the meal balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes serve the soup in mini Dutch ovens or rustic ceramic bowls, and top with a small dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream for a luscious touch. Adding edible flowers or microgreens makes it feel extra festive without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings soak up some broth as it sits, so when reheating, I add a splash of stock or water to loosen the consistency back up to soup-like.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but the dumplings can become a bit dense after thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider storing soup and dumplings separately. Reheat the soup gently, then add freshly steamed or pan-fried dumplings when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add extra stock or water to reach your preferred consistency. This keeps both broth and dumplings tender and fresh-tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover cooked turkey for this soup?

Yes! Leftover cooked turkey can be added during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking to warm through. Just skip the initial searing step and adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I make the dumplings vegan?

Absolutely, you can swap buttermilk with a plant-based milk combined with a little lemon juice or vinegar to mimic acidity, and replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. The dumplings will still be deliciously tender.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sweet potatoes?

You can substitute mashed pumpkin or butternut squash for sweet potatoes in the dumplings. They have a similar sweetness and moisture, making them excellent alternatives.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the soup (without adding dumplings) a day ahead. Reheat gently and add freshly made dumplings when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely think this Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that’ll become a staple in your home too. It’s rewarding to make, comforting to eat, and the dumplings add that extra-special touch you won’t find in many turkey soups. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again when the weather cools or whenever you need a little homemade comfort.