Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner
Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings is a comforting dinner ready in under 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfect dumplings every time. The golden, fluffy dumplings and creamy peas will make your family beg for this 20-minute restaurant version. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Sides and Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe Perfect for Summer Dessert.
Why This Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Creamy peas with a hint of sweetness
- Fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth
- Better than takeout and so easy to make
What You'll Need for Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Crumbled bacon
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Frozen peas: You can use fresh peas if in season.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant Pot — Cooks peas and dumplings perfectly in half the time. → See on Amazon
- Food processor — Makes quick work of chopping vegetables for the dumplings. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine peas, chicken broth, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and a pinch of garlic powder. Bring to a boil.
- Step 2: While the peas are heating, make the dumplings. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined.
- Step 3: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the boiling peas. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Step 4: After 10 minutes, carefully remove the lid. If the dumplings are not quite done, let them cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley or crumbled bacon if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmix the dumpling dough. It should be lumpy for the best texture.
- Pro tip: For extra flavor, sauté some onions and garlic in the pot before adding the peas.
- Pro tip: To prevent the dumplings from sticking, make sure they're not too crowded in the pot.
- Pro tip: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storing & Reheating Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make the dumpling dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day.
Freezing Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner
Freeze cooked peas and dumplings for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the peas.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Make-ahead: You can make the peas ahead of time and reheat them with the dumplings when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your dumplings are tough, you may have overcooked them. Next time, keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as they're done.
Want to level up this recipe?
Cast iron pot — Even heat distribution ensures perfectly cooked peas and dumplings. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Pinch of garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine peas, chicken broth, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and a pinch of garlic powder. Bring to a boil.
- Step 2: While the peas are heating, make the dumplings. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined.
- Step 3: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the boiling peas. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Step 4: After 10 minutes, carefully remove the lid. If the dumplings are not quite done, let them cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley or crumbled bacon if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the peas.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Make-ahead: You can make the peas ahead of time and reheat them with the dumplings when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your dumplings are tough, you may have overcooked them. Next time, keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as they're done.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked peas and dumplings for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: You can make the dumpling dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can. Cook the peas and dumplings on low for 4-6 hours.
Your dumplings may be hard if you overmixed the dough or overcooked them. Next time, be careful not to overmix and keep an eye on them while cooking.
Yes, you can. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
Yes, you can. Cook fresh peas for a few minutes before adding the dumplings to ensure they're tender.
Peas and dumplings are a hearty meal on their own, but you can serve them with a side of cornbread or a green salad for a complete meal.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
