Name: Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 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

There’s something instantly comforting about a hearty bowl of soup, and this Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe really hits that spot. It’s a delightful blend of tender turkey, cozy spices, and those fluffy, lightly sweet dumplings that make each spoonful feel like a warm hug. Trust me, it’s worth every minute in the kitchen.

A deep white pot filled with a thick stew, showing seven large, fluffy yellow dumplings floating on top. The stew underneath is a golden orange color with visible small pieces of shredded chicken, bright green peas, and round slices of orange carrots. Tiny green herb sprigs are scattered across the surface, and the stew looks creamy with specks of black pepper. The pot has a purple outside with a lid placed slightly to the side, and the whole scene 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

I honestly can’t get enough of this Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe. It manages to be simple and approachable while delivering flavors that feel thoughtful and special — perfect for those cozy evenings or when you want to impress without stress.

Comfort in a Bowl: The combination of rich turkey broth and lightly spiced sweet potato dumplings creates an irresistibly cozy meal.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet feel, it uses straightforward ingredients and step-by-step cooking that's beginner-friendly.
Versatile Ingredients: You can swap out what you have on hand and still get delicious results — like using gluten-free flour or tweaking the spices.
Perfect for Leftovers: The soup tastes even better the next day, and the dumplings keep their texture beautifully.

The image shows a pot filled with a warm stew containing several golden-yellow dumplings floating on the surface. The stew has a thick, slightly oily brownish broth with visible pieces of shredded light brown meat, small bright orange carrot slices, green peas, and sprigs of green herbs scattered throughout. The dumplings are soft, fluffy, and unevenly shaped with a rough texture, while tiny black pepper flakes are sprinkled on top. The pot has a white interior with a purple outer rim and handles. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. From earthy sweet potatoes enriching the dumplings, to aromatic fresh thyme and spices infusing the broth — each component adds layers of warmth and texture. When shopping, I always pick fresh herbs and the best turkey breast I can find, it really makes a difference!

Flat lay of fresh turkey breast tenderloins, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, two bay leaves, four celery hearts chopped, two medium carrots chopped, one medium white onion finely chopped, six garlic cloves whole, unpeeled, a small pile of kosher salt crystals, a small heap of freshly ground black pepper, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of chicken stock, a small white bowl filled with frozen green peas, a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small mound of fine yellow cornmeal, a small white bowl with melted salted butter, a small white bowl of whole buttermilk, a small portion of mashed sweet potato, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate and bowls 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 tender, great for shredding into the soup without drying out.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors — season generously!
Unsalted butter & extra virgin olive oil: A combo for sautéing veggies that adds richness without overwhelming.
Celery hearts, carrots, and white onion: Classic mirepoix base for depth and sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Love how freshly minced garlic wakes up the whole soup.
Fresh thyme and bay leaves: These give the broth herby, woodsy notes that linger.
Dried oregano, smoked paprika, Jamaican allspice: Small amounts of layered spices bring complexity but keep the soup cozy.
Turkey or chicken stock/broth: The soul of the soup — homemade is joyful, but a good-quality store-bought broth works wonders.
Frozen peas: Adds pops of sweetness and color near the end.
All-purpose flour and fine yellow cornmeal: The dry base for dumplings, the cornmeal adds subtle texture and flavor.
Baking powder: The secret to light, fluffy dumplings that puff up perfectly.
Salted butter, melted: Richness and moisture for the dumplings.
Whole buttermilk: Tangy and tenderizes the dumplings beautifully.
Mashed sweet potato or puree: Adds natural sweetness and that gorgeous orange hue — plus a lovely soft texture.

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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 the things I love about this Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe is how easy it is to adapt without losing its charm. I often mix up the herbs or swap sweet potato for pumpkin puree when fall rolls around to keep things seasonal and fresh. You should feel free to make it your own!

Variation: I’ve made this with gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose, and it still came out fluffy and delicious, so don’t hesitate to try that if needed.
Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder for a bit of warmth that wakes up the palate.
Vegetarian swap: If you want to skip turkey, you can make a hearty vegetable broth base and add extra vegetables and beans for protein.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Turkey

Start by seasoning your turkey tenderloins generously with salt and black pepper, then let them come to room temperature for about 25-30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking, and it’s one I try not to skip because cold turkey straight from the fridge can result in uneven texture. When you’re ready, heat butter and olive oil in a large pot until shimmering, then brown the turkey on each side for 2-3 minutes. You’re aiming for a nice golden color here, not to cook through — that comes later. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Next, toss in your chopped celery, carrots, and onion to the same pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits left behind from the turkey — that’s where a lot of the depth hides. Sauté until veggies are soft, around 4-5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about a minute. It’s worth being gentle here to prevent burning the garlic and developing bitterness.

Step 3: Add Herbs, Spices, and Liquids

Pop in the fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and seasonings (oregano, smoked paprika, and Jamaican allspice). Stir constantly for a minute to toast the spices just enough to release their magic. Return the turkey tenderloins to the pot, then pour in the broth, making sure the turkey is fully submerged. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it all mingle for 45-50 minutes. It’s slow enough to fully infuse the broth and cook the turkey to perfection.

Step 4: Shred Turkey and Prep Dumplings

Once the simmering time is up, remove the turkey and shred it with two forks — I find this so therapeutic and it really makes the turkey tender. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, and baking powder, then stir in melted butter, buttermilk, and mashed sweet potato just until combined. Let the batter rest for a minute so the baking powder springs to life, giving you those fluffy dumplings everyone loves.

Step 5: Dumplings Meet Soup

Add back the shredded turkey and frozen peas to your pot. Use a spoon or ice cream scooper to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture over the simmering soup, spacing them out evenly. Spoon some broth on top of each dumpling, cover, and let them cook for 10-15 minutes without lifting the lid — patience is key to letting them puff up fully. Once done, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves, then give it a gentle stir.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a good crack of black pepper. I often pair it with crusty bread for dipping, though the dumplings really soak up the broth beautifully all on their own. This is pure, soul-satisfying comfort food.

Top Tip

From making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few kitchen secrets that help it turn out just right — and I want to share those so you can breeze through it with confidence.

Room Temperature Turkey: Allow your turkey to lose its chill before searing; it helps achieve an even cook and perfect shredding texture.
Don’t Overmix Dumplings: Stir just enough to combine the dumpling dough — overworking can make them tough instead of tender and fluffy.
Keep the Lid Closed: When cooking dumplings on top of the soup, resist the urge to peek — steam is essential for their fluffiness.
Use a Wooden Spoon to Scrape: When sautéing your veggies, scraping the pan lifts all those flavorful bits won during the turkey searing step.

How to Serve Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here. Just a few flakes of freshly cracked black pepper and sometimes a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for brightness. If I’m feeling a little extra, a dollop of sour cream on top adds a lovely creamy contrast that my family always appreciates.

Side Dishes

This soup stands tall on its own, but I often serve it alongside a rustic loaf of crusty bread or some buttery garlic toast. A light green salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness, especially if you want a little freshness on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bowl the soup into large, shallow white dishes and garnish with a sprig of thyme. It feels so inviting. Sometimes I place the dumplings on one side and turkey on the other for a pretty, rustic look. Adding a drizzle of good olive oil or a swirl of cream elevates the presentation effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store the soup and dumplings together and find the dumplings hold up surprisingly well without getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is doable but I prefer freezing the soup broth and turkey separately from the dumplings because dumplings can change texture after thawing. When I want to freeze everything together, I do so for short periods and gently reheat without overcooking.

Reheating

Reheat soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the dumplings seem dense, adding a splash of broth or water helps revive their fluffiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover turkey for this soup?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this soup — just shred it and add it in during the final steps with the peas and dumplings.

What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the dumplings.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the turkey and broth with vegetable broth and add hearty vegetables and beans. For the dumplings, substitute sweet potato with pumpkin or other mashed veggies for a similarly comforting effect.

How do I prevent dumplings from sticking together?

Make sure to space the dumplings well apart when dropping them onto the soup, and avoid stirring the soup after adding them. Keep the lid closed so steam cooks them evenly without disturbing their shape.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe is a real gem in my kitchen rotation — it’s cozy, satisfying, and always brings smiles around the dinner table. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. Give yourself permission to slow down, savor the process, and share it with someone you care about. You’re going to love this one.