Recreate the comforting taste of Cracker Barrel’s beloved dumplings with this easy copycat recipe. Perfectly soft and flavorful, these dumplings make a delightful side dish or can be transformed into a hearty meal by adding chicken. Whether you’re a fan of the restaurant or new to these dumplings, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (plus more for kneading and rolling)
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Milk: 1 cup
- Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup
- Water: 2 quarts (for boiling)
- Chicken soup base: 2 teaspoons
Sauce Ingredients:
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 3-4 tablespoons
- Milk: 1 cup
- Chicken soup base: 2 teaspoons
- Dumpling cooking liquid: 1/2 to 3/4 cup
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Dough Preparation: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and oil, blending to form a dough. Knead lightly, roll out thin, and cut into pieces.
- Cook Dumplings: Boil water with chicken soup base, cook dumplings until they float, and then drain, reserving the liquid.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour and salt, and cook to form a roux. Gradually add milk mixed with sugar, stirring until thick. Incorporate dumplings and enough cooking liquid to achieve desired consistency.
Conclusion and Tips: Enjoy these dumplings as a warm, comforting side or add chunks of cooked chicken to turn this dish into a satisfying main. The secret to perfect dumplings lies in the thickness of the dough and the consistency of the sauce. Experiment with the thickness of your sauce to personalize it to your taste. Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of a Southern kitchen right in your home.