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Copycat Cracker Barrel Dumplings

A warm, substantial plate of chicken and dumplings is inherently comforting, and Cracker Barrel's take is a favorite for good reason. Many people who yearn for traditional Southern comfort food have fallen in love with those soft, fluffy dumplings swimming in a flavorful, rich broth. This Cracker Barrel Dumplings copycat recipe is the solution if you've ever wished you could make that famous dish in your own kitchen.
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Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Dumplings:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading and rolling
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 quarts water for boiling
  • 2 teaspoons chicken soup base
For the Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons chicken soup base
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup dumpling cooking liquid reserved from boiling dumplings

Method
 

Make the Dumpling Dough:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together milk and vegetable oil. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until a soft dough forms. If needed, add a bit more flour for easier handling.
Prepare the Cooking Liquid:
  1. In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the 2 teaspoons of chicken soup base to flavor the water.
Form and Cook Dumplings:
  1. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into strips or squares, then carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling broth. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through and tender. Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon, reserving 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid for the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
  1. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk, sugar, chicken soup base, and reserved dumpling cooking liquid. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
  1. Add the cooked dumplings to the sauce and gently coat them. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel-style dumplings!
  2. Enjoy!