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Growing up, I thought dumplings were something you only got at fancy restaurants or from scratch-making grandmas. My mom wasn’t much of a baker, so we rarely had them at home. It wasn’t until I discovered Bisquick dumplings that I realized how wrong I was.
These dumplings are basically foolproof – just mix, drop, and cook. No fancy techniques or special skills needed. And while they might not be exactly like the ones your grandma used to make, they’re pretty darn close and take less than half the time. For busy home cooks like me, that’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love These Dumplings
- 2-ingredient recipe – With just Bisquick mix and milk, you can make fluffy, delicious dumplings without any fuss or complicated ingredients.
- Quick preparation – These dumplings come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you need something fast.
- Foolproof recipe – Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up – just mix, drop, and cook!
- Budget-friendly – Using pantry staples you probably already have on hand, these dumplings are an economical way to bulk up any soup or stew.
What Kind of Bisquick Should I Use?
The original Bisquick mix is your best bet for making these dumplings, though you can also use the Heart Smart version if you’re watching your fat intake. While the store-brand baking mixes will work in a pinch, I’ve found that genuine Bisquick tends to produce more consistent results and better texture. Just make sure your Bisquick isn’t too old – it can lose its leavening power over time, which might leave you with dense, heavy dumplings. If you see any clumps in your mix, give it a quick sift or whisk before measuring to ensure your dumplings turn out light and fluffy.

Options for Substitutions
Don’t have Bisquick on hand? No worries! Here are some helpful substitutions for making these dumplings:
- Bisquick mix: You can make your own Bisquick substitute by mixing 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 6 tablespoons cold butter (cut the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly). This homemade mix will work just the same as store-bought Bisquick.
- Milk: Regular milk can be swapped with plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk or soy milk. You can also use buttermilk for extra tang, but you might need to add a little more since buttermilk is thicker. If using non-dairy milk, stick to plain, unsweetened varieties to maintain the right flavor.
- Additional note: Keep in mind that the texture of your dumplings might be slightly different with substitutions, but they’ll still be tasty! Just make sure your liquid-to-dry ingredient ratio stays the same to get the right consistency.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making Bisquick dumplings is overmixing the dough – stir just until the ingredients are combined, as excessive mixing will result in tough, dense dumplings instead of light and fluffy ones.
Another crucial mistake is lifting the pot lid while the dumplings cook – resist the temptation to peek, as each lid lift releases the steam needed for proper cooking and can lead to heavy, doughy centers.
For the best texture, make sure your soup or stew is at a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) when you drop in the dumplings, and keep them roughly the same size (about 2 tablespoons each) so they cook evenly.
A final tip: let the dumplings cook for the full recommended time (about 15 minutes) – they’re done when you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean.

What to Serve With Dumplings?
These soft, pillowy dumplings are perfect floating in a warm bowl of chicken and vegetable soup – it’s the most common way to enjoy them! You can also drop them into any hearty stew, whether it’s beef stew, turkey, or even a vegetarian mushroom stew. If you’re making them on their own, try serving them with gravy and your favorite roasted meat (chicken is especially good), along with some simple steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans on the side. For a complete comfort food dinner, add a side of mashed potatoes or buttered corn to round out the meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once cooked, these dumplings are best enjoyed right away while they’re soft and fluffy. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture might change a bit as they sit.
Make Ahead: You can mix the dry Bisquick mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to cook, just add the milk and drop them into your simmering soup or stew. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights!
Warm Up: To enjoy leftover dumplings, gently warm them in your soup or stew over low heat. If you’re reheating them separately, a quick 20-30 seconds in the microwave will do the trick. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 25-30 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 16-20 g
- Fat: 16-20 g
- Carbohydrates: 140-160 g
Ingredients
- 2 cups classic bisquick™ mix
- 2/3 cup milk
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl until a soft dough forms.
Make sure the mixture is well combined, with no dry spots remaining.
The dough should be moist and pliable.
Step 2: Add Dough to Stew
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the surface of your boiling stew.
Space the spoonfuls evenly to ensure proper cooking and expansion.
Then, immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
Allow the dumplings to cook uncovered for 10 minutes to set their shape.
After 10 minutes, cover the pot and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
This allows the dumplings to steam and become tender and fluffy.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once the dumplings are fully cooked, carefully lift them out of the stew using a slotted spoon.
Serve them hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color.