If you love comfort food but dread the time it takes to make dumplings from scratch, canned biscuits are your new best friend. Using canned biscuits to make dumplings is a clever shortcut that saves time without sacrificing that warm, fluffy texture we all crave. Whether you’re making classic chicken and dumplings or just want a quick snack, this method is easy, fast, and delicious. Let’s dive into how you can transform a simple can of biscuits into mouthwatering dumplings.
Why Use Canned Biscuits for Dumplings?
Canned biscuits are essentially pre-made dough that’s buttery, flaky, and tender. They contain the perfect balance of fat and flour, which means they cook up light and fluffy—just like homemade dumplings but without the fuss. Using canned biscuits eliminates the need to mix, knead, and roll dough, making your cooking process much faster and less messy. Plus, the buttermilk in many canned biscuits adds a subtle tang that enhances flavor.
What You’ll Need
– 1 can of refrigerated biscuits (buttermilk biscuits work best)
– Chicken broth or any flavorful broth
– Optional: cooked chicken, vegetables (carrots, celery, onions), herbs (thyme, bay leaf)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Butter (optional, for extra richness)
Step-by-Step: Making Dumplings from Canned Biscuits
Step 1: Prepare Your Broth or Soup Base
Start by heating your broth in a large pot or Dutch oven. If you’re making chicken and dumplings, sauté some onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until fragrant and soft. Add shredded cooked chicken, chicken broth, and seasonings like thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 2: Cut the Biscuits
Open your can of biscuits and separate each biscuit. Then, cut each biscuit into smaller pieces—quarters or eighths work well. Smaller pieces cook faster and fit perfectly into a spoonful of soup. You can also cut the dough into strips if you prefer dumpling strips instead of chunks.
Step 3: Add the Biscuit Pieces to the Simmering Broth
Carefully drop the biscuit pieces into the simmering broth. Cover the pot immediately to trap steam, which helps the dumplings cook evenly and puff up nicely. Let them cook for about 10 to 15 minutes without lifting the lid too often. Steam is key to getting light, fluffy dumplings.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
After cooking, test a dumpling by inserting a toothpick or knife. If it comes out clean and the dumpling is cooked through (no raw dough inside), you’re good to go. Avoid overcooking, as dumplings can become mushy or fall apart in the broth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your dumplings hot with the broth and chicken mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley or herbs if you like. The result is a comforting, hearty meal with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy biscuit dumplings.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings Every Time
– Cut smaller pieces for faster cooking: Smaller biscuit pieces cook quicker and are easier to eat.
– Toss biscuit pieces in flour: This can help thicken your broth slightly and prevent dumplings from sticking together.
– Don’t lift the lid too often: Keeping the pot covered traps steam, which is essential for cooking the dumplings properly.
– Use buttermilk biscuits: They add a richer flavor and better texture compared to plain biscuits.
– Add cream at the end: For a creamier broth, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half about 5 minutes before finishing cooking.
Variations You Can Try
– Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms, peas, or corn.
– Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the broth.
– Cheesy dumplings: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the dumplings just before serving.
– Slow cooker method: Cook the broth and chicken in a slow cooker, then add biscuit pieces near the end and cook until done.
Making dumplings from canned biscuits is a brilliant hack for busy cooks who want a homemade feel with minimal effort. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
With just a few simple steps, you can have a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl. Give it a try, and you might never go back to making dumplings from scratch again.
Enjoy your delicious, fluffy dumplings!