When I first discovered this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole, it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It wasn’t fancy or complicated—just that perfect blend of cozy, cheesy comfort that felt like a warm hug after a hectic day. I remember the moment I nailed this recipe after a few tries; the dumplings were just fluffy enough, the cheese melted in all the right spots, and that golden crust had me hooked. Since then, this dish has been my go-to whenever I want something satisfying without fuss.
This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole fits right into my cooking routine, especially on those days when I want to serve up something hearty and soothing but don’t have hours to spend over the stove. It brings me that wonderful feeling of comfort food without overwhelming effort, and honestly, it fuels my kitchen confidence too. Every time I bake it, that familiar bubbling cheese aroma fills the air—it’s like the best kind of kitchen therapy.
If you’re a fellow home cook looking for a recipe that delivers on flavor, fuss-free prep, and that crowd-pleasing warmth, I encourage you to give this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole a try. It’s a simple recipe that invites your own twists and always turns out reliably delicious. Plus, if you enjoy dishes like cheesy pizza dip or a cheesy crowd pleaser corn dip, you’ll appreciate how this casserole hits those same cozy notes. So pull on your apron, and let’s dive into making a dish that feels like a family favorite from the very first bite.
What You’ll Need for This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is your base for the fluffy dumplings. No whole wheat here; it changes the texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps those dumplings rise perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed – Adds richness and flakiness to your dumplings. Don’t skip this!
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Use a good melting cheese for that ooey-gooey feeling. You can switch to mozzarella for a milder taste in this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole if you prefer.
- 1 1/2 cups milk – Whole milk works best but 2% will do just fine.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed – Adds protein and makes the casserole filling. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a budget-friendly swap.
- 1 cup cream-style corn – You can find this in most grocery stores near canned vegetables. It adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup sour cream – For that creamy, tangy bite. Feel free to substitute plain Greek yogurt if you want a bit more protein.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory depth that pulls the whole dish together.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – To taste.
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese – Sprinkled on top for a golden crust.
This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole keeps its ingredients simple because good cooking should be accessible. Don’t have cream-style corn? A cup of creamed peas or even chopped green beans works perfectly in this casserole. If you’re watching your budget, this casserole comes together with pantry staples and modest proteins, making it an affordable comfort food casserole with cheese that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
A quick tip: prep your chicken ahead or grab a rotisserie chicken from the store to save time. Butter stays fresh in the fridge for weeks, and cheese freezes well if you have leftovers to store for later.
Here’s my little secret that makes this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole extra special: I always include a little extra shredded cheddar cheese folded into the dumpling dough itself. It adds pockets of cheesy goodness that make every bite a joy.
How to Make This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It helps to have the oven ready while you mix everything up. This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole will bake perfectly at this temperature.
- Prepare the dumpling dough first. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Then, cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the shredded cheddar into the dry mix. Stir it gently to distribute the cheese.
- Pour in the milk and sour cream. Stir just until combined; don’t overmix or the dumplings risk turning tough. This step is where your Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole starts to come alive.
- Mix the cooked chicken, cream-style corn, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Spread this mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over the chicken mixture. Try to cover as much as possible but no need for perfection; this rustic look fits a comforting casserole just right.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This adds a lovely golden crust during baking.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing when this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole is ready. The dumplings should be golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese bubbly on the sides.
If your Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole looks a little loose in places right after baking, don’t worry. The flavors will settle as it cools. Try to let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
From start to finish, this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole takes about an hour, but most of that is hands-off baking time. While it cooks, you can tidy up the kitchen or prep a side salad.
If you want a shortcut, you can substitute canned biscuit dough for the dumpling topping for a simpler cheese dumpling bake. Just add shredded cheese on top before baking for that cheesy goodness.
I’ve tested this recipe several times, and the key is not rushing the mixing step and letting the dumplings bake fully. A missed shortcut cut back on the melting time once—I’ve learned that patience pays off with your Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole.
If you’re curious about other savory dumpling casserole options, you might like this creamy sausage and dumpling casserole recipe shared in this Instant Pot cooking group Creamy sausage and dumpling casserole recipe.
Serving Your Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole:
This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole truly shines when served fresh from the oven with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. The lightness of the salad balances the rich, cheesy dumplings.
I love pairing it with a side of roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. These fresh sides cut through the richness nicely.
This cheese dumpling bake is perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings when you want impressive comfort food without fuss. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time and has warmed many hearts at my table.
For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving to add a pop of color.
Leftovers? They reheat beautifully and transform into great sandwich fillings or even spooned over cooked rice for a quick lunch. I’ve found a little hot sauce on the side wakes it up during reheats.
Seasonally, I’ve swapped the cream-style corn for fresh, roasted sweet corn in late summer, which gives a lovely sweetness to the savory dumpling casserole.
My family and friends always ask for seconds when I bring out this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole, and many have claimed it as their new favorite comfort food casserole with cheese.
If you enjoy this casserole, you might love some of my other cheesy favorites like cheesy rotel sausage balls or this cheesy pizza dip—both easy crowd-pleasers with that same melty cheese comfort.
Common Questions About This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole:
Can I make parts of this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dumpling dough and chicken mixture separately up to a day in advance. Store each in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble just before baking. This saves time on busy evenings.
What’s a good substitute for the cream-style corn?
I’ve successfully swapped cream-style corn for canned creamed peas or even diced cooked potatoes. They add texture and moisture without overpowering the cheese dumplings.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! I found a great gluten-free dumplings recipe for casseroles and stews Gluten Free Dumplings (for Stews, Casseroles and Soup) that works as a substitute for the flour base in this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole.
How can I adjust this recipe for more or fewer people?
This casserole scales well. For fewer servings, halve all ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish. For larger groups, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan with a slightly longer baking time.
Can I use other meats or make this vegetarian?
Certainly! Try cooked sausage or ground turkey for a tasty twist. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or extra corn and beans. The cheese dumplings recipe still works great.
What if my dumplings aren’t cooking through?
If you notice dumplings are still doughy in spots, cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes. Check often to avoid overbaking.
Is there a way to make this recipe quicker?
For a speedy version, use canned biscuit dough topped with shredded cheese as your dumpling layer. This shortcut makes a delicious cheese dumpling bake you can pull together in under 30 minutes.
If you enjoy savory dumpling casserole recipes and want ideas, this Facebook post I saw shares some creative versions I saw this one casserole dish dumpling dinner on @allrecipes and … that you might find inspiring.
Final Thoughts on This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole:
This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole holds a special place in my heart and recipe collection because it’s that perfect blend of simple, satisfying, and cozy. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a family hug in every bite, yet it’s straightforward enough for even the busiest home cooks to make with confidence.
My Top Tips for This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole:
– Don’t skip chilling your butter before mixing; it makes fluffy dumplings every time.
– Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—overmixing makes dumplings tough.
– Let the casserole rest about 10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
I enjoy making variations, like swapping the chicken for spicy sausage or using mozzarella and parmesan together for extra cheesy goodness. My most requested version is the classic cheddar and chicken combo—always a winner at the table.
If you’re up for trying something similar, my cheesy rotel sausage balls and cheesy crowd pleaser corn dip share that same easy, melty cheese comfort you’ll love.
So friends, whether this is your first time making a savory dumpling casserole or you’re adding a new recipe to your comfort food repertoire, I hope you find as much joy and ease in making this Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole as I do. It’s about cooking with heart and sharing good food with people you care about.
Happy cooking and enjoy every cheesy, dumpling-filled bite!
For more backyard-pleasing comfort recipes, don’t forget to check out these favorites:
And if you want alternatives for dumplings or inspiration for casseroles, these are great resources:
- Gluten Free Dumplings (for Stews, Casseroles and Soup)
- Creamy sausage and dumpling casserole recipe
- I saw this one casserole dish dumpling dinner on @allrecipes and …
Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole
This Baked Cheesy Dumpling Casserole combines tender dumplings with a rich, melted cheese topping for a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk and melted butter to form a soft dough. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, black pepper, thyme, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over the chicken mixture, covering the surface as evenly as possible.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the dumplings are golden and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.