There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with tender turkey and the surprise of fluffy, sweet potato dumplings. This Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe truly brings warmth and a touch of cozy sweetness to your table that I always find irresistible.

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

I remember the first time I made this soup — the combination of juicy turkey and those pillowy sweet potato dumplings blew me away. It’s the kind of recipe that feels rich and satisfying but still light enough to enjoy all year round.

Unique Twist: Incorporating sweet potato dumplings adds a subtle sweetness and texture that’s unlike any soup you’ve had before.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with butternut veggies, herbs, and lean turkey, this recipe is wholesome and deeply nourishing.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy days or batch cooking.
Comfort with a Kick: The smoked paprika and Jamaican allspice bring a subtle warmth that elevates every bite.

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

This soup combines simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor, from fresh herbs to rich broth. Each component plays its role—whether boosting depth or enhancing texture—making this dish truly memorable.

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 tender, they shred easily into juicy bites after simmering.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Basic seasoning helps bring out the turkey and veggie flavors perfectly.
Unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil: A combo that adds richness and helps veggies caramelize beautifully.
Celery hearts and carrots: Classic mirepoix ingredients that deliver subtle sweetness and crunch.
White onion and garlic: These aromatics infuse the soup with depth and a gentle warmth.
Fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves: Herbal hints that layer in complexity and freshness.
Dried oregano, smoked paprika, Jamaican allspice: Spices that transform the broth from everyday to unforgettable.
Turkey or chicken stock: The base that ties everything together, giving the soup a hearty, savory soul.
Frozen peas: Bright pops of color and natural sweetness.
All-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder: The dry mix for dumplings, giving them structure and fluffiness.
Salted butter, buttermilk, mashed sweet potato: Ingredients that create dumplings with creamy, delicate flavor and 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

This recipe invites a bit of creativity, so I often tweak it based on the season or what I have on hand. You’ll find it easy to make it your own!

Variation: Instead of turkey breast, I’ve experimented with using leftover roast turkey or even chicken thighs for a richer taste — either works beautifully.
Dietary Swap: For gluten-free dumplings, I swap out all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend without any noticeable change in texture.
Spice Level: If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne or a dash of chili flakes adds just the right kick.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Turkey

I start by seasoning the turkey tenderloins generously with salt and pepper, then let them sit at room temperature for about 25 minutes. This step helps the turkey cook evenly and keeps it juicy. Next, I heat butter and olive oil in my Dutch oven until they sizzle, then sear the turkey on both sides for a quick golden crust—just 2-3 minutes per side. Browning doesn’t cook the meat through but locks in flavor. After that, I set the turkey aside while I prep the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Build Flavor

Into the same pot, I toss in finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion, stirring them into that butter-oil mix to soak up every flavorful bit stuck to the bottom. I cook until they soften—about 4-5 minutes—then add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, which takes only a minute. This base is the heart of the soup, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Spice It Up and Simmer

Next, I add fresh thyme, bay leaves, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and a pinch of Jamaican allspice. Stirring continuously for about a minute helps toast those spices lightly, releasing their aromas. Then it’s time to nestle the turkey back into the pot and pour in the turkey stock till everything is covered. I reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 45-50 minutes, until that turkey is fall-apart tender.

Step 4: Shred the Turkey & Prepare Dumplings

After removing the turkey from the pot, I shred it with two forks—this is so satisfying and ensures every bite feels tender. While the soup simmers uncovered, I mix the dumpling ingredients: flour, cornmeal, baking powder, melted butter, buttermilk, and sweet potato puree. Stirring until just combined keeps the dumplings light, and letting the batter rest 1-2 minutes allows the baking powder to activate and make those dumplings fluffy.

Step 5: Cook Dumplings in the Soup

Once I stir frozen peas into the soup, I use a spoon to drop small dollops of dumpling dough across the surface, then spoon some broth back on top to keep them moist. I cover it again and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until dumplings puff up and cook through. Then I remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves, ladle generous portions into bowls, and usually add a crack of fresh pepper right on top.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe shine and help your cooking go smoothly.

Room Temperature Turkey: Letting the turkey sit out before searing helps it brown evenly and cook more predictably.
Don’t Overmix Dumplings: I always stop stirring as soon as the ingredients come together to ensure dumplings stay light, not dense.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keeping your soup at a gentle simmer prevents the broth from getting cloudy and keeps flavors delicate.
Check Dumpling Doneness: I poke one with a toothpick after 10 minutes; if it comes out clean, they’re perfect.

How to Serve Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme to brighten the rich flavors, plus an extra grind of black pepper. Sometimes a small drizzle of olive oil over the dumplings adds a subtle gloss and richness that makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Because this soup is so hearty, I often keep sides simple. Crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls are my go-to for soaking up every last bit of broth. Light salads with vinaigrette balance the meal nicely if you want to add some green.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or when friends come over, I serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls with a sprig of thyme on top and a little ramekin of extra spice blends on the side so everyone can customize. It’s a simple touch that feels thoughtful and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and it generally stays great for about 3-4 days. The flavors tend to deepen on day two, making it even tastier.

Freezing

This soup freezes well without the dumplings, so I usually freeze the broth and turkey separately and make fresh dumplings when reheating. This keeps their texture fluffy instead of doughy after thawing.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’ve made fresh dumplings while reheating, add them in once the soup is warmed through and cook covered until fluffy again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of raw tenderloins?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works beautifully in this soup. Just add it during the last 10 minutes to warm through instead of simmering raw meat for 45 minutes. This also prevents overcooking the turkey.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for the dumplings?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing ¾ cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using, and your dumplings will stay tender and fluffy.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

I don’t recommend making the dumplings too far in advance because the baking powder activates quickly. It’s best to mix them right before you drop them into the simmering soup to ensure fluffiness.

Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute vegetable broth for the turkey stock and skip the turkey meat. For dumplings, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives. Adding mushrooms or lentils can replace some protein and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual family dinner, it’s always a hit, simple to prepare, and nourishing. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do!