Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

There’s something deeply satisfying about making homemade dumplings from scratch in a true from-the-pantry way.

The tender, pillowy bites turn a humble pot of soup into a meal that sticks to your ribs and warms you from the inside out.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make dumplings from scratch, you don’t need to run to the store.

Chances are, you already have everything on hand in your homestead kitchen.

I’m not talking about the kind of frozen dumplings you pull from the freezer section at the grocery store either.

I mean real, honest-to-goodness dumplings made with simple staples, flour you’ve stored in buckets, eggs fresh from the coop, and a pinch of salt from your long-term pantry.

In just minutes, you can pull these ingredients together to make soft, flavorful dumplings that soak up the rich broth from your home-raised chicken or garden vegetables.

Once you’ve made them this way, you’ll never want the store-bought version again.

Table of Contents

Why Every Homesteader Should Master Dumplings

Homemade dumplings aren’t just comfort food, they’re a practical skill in any self-reliant kitchen.

Here’s why they belong in your homestead recipe rotation:

Uses basic pantry staples - Flour, salt, egg, water, you probably have these ingredients on hand year-round.
Pairs with whatever’s in season - Slip them into spring vegetable soups, summer chicken stew, or hearty fall root vegetable broths.
Stretches a meal - A pot of broth with dumplings can feed more people without extra meat.
Keeps traditions alive - This is heritage cooking, simple, filling, and passed down through generations.
Perfect for off-grid cooking - You don’t need fancy tools, just a pot and a steady simmer.

On a busy homestead day, dumplings are quick, filling, and can turn garden produce and homemade stock into something memorable.

The Four Ingredients You Need

When people ask me, “What are homemade dumplings made of?”, the beauty is in the simplicity:

Flour - All-purpose works perfectly, but you can experiment with home-milled flour from your own grains.
Salt - For flavor and to balance the richness of the egg.
Eggs - Fresh from your own hens if you have them; adds richness and structure.
Water - Cool or room temperature, just enough to bring the dough together.

That’s it.

No baking powder, no processed mixes, just four humble ingredients.

Tips for Light, Tender Dumplings on the Homestead

Dumplings should be tender enough to cut with a spoon but still hold their shape in your broth.

Here’s how I keep mine soft and fluffy:

Mix gently. Overmixing makes them tough, just bring the dough together until combined.
Let the dough rest. Even 5 minutes makes rolling easier and gives the flour time to hydrate.
Cook in a gentle simmer. A rolling boil will break them apart.
Taste your broth first. Well-seasoned stock means flavorful dumplings.

Two Simple Dumpling Styles

Both work beautifully in a homestead kitchen, so try each and see which fits your cooking style:

Drop Dumplings - Scoop dough by the spoonful and drop directly into simmering broth. Perfect for when chores run long and dinner needs to be on the table fast.

Rolled Dumplings - Roll dough thin on a floured board and cut into strips or squares. These have a slightly chewier texture and work well for traditional chicken and dumplings.

Cooking Dumplings in Your Own Stock

The real magic of dumplings happens when they cook in a rich, homemade broth, whether that’s chicken stock from your own flock, a vegetable broth made with garden odds and ends, or venison stew from the last hunting season.

To cook:

Bring broth to a gentle simmer.
Add dumplings one at a time.
Cover and cook 10 minutes until puffed and cooked through.

How To Make Homemade Dumplings From Scratch

Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make tender, flavorful homemade dumplings from scratch with just flour, salt, egg, and water, perfect for soups, stews, and broths.

Author: Sheri Ann Richerson
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: main course, side dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons water (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by measuring out your ingredients. Place the flour and salt in a medium bowl.
Combine and Mix: Create a well in the center of the flour mixture, then add the beaten egg. Stir until the dough begins to come together. If the dough feels too stiff, add water one tablespoon at a time. Depending on your climate, you may need to adjust the amount of water.
Knead the Dough: Once the dough is manageable, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for 3-4 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in a lightly floured bowl. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes to one hour. This step helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Roll and Cut: After resting, roll the dough out by hand or use a pasta-making machine. Aim for even thickness, about ⅛ inch or thinner, depending on your preference. Use a pasta cutter or a knife to slice the dough into your desired dumpling shape. I prefer square ones.
Cook or Dry: You can cook the dumplings fresh or dry them for later use. Fresh dumplings only need a quick boil, about 10 minutes. If drying, use a food dehydrator to ensure even drying.

Recipe Card powered by

Flavor Variations for Homesteaders

Because homesteading means eating seasonally, you can easily adapt dumplings to what’s fresh or stored:

Herb Dumplings - Add chopped parsley, thyme, or chives from your kitchen garden.

Cheesy Dumplings - Stir in shredded cheese from your own milk supply before adding liquids.

Spiced Dumplings - A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or pepper from your spice pantry for extra warmth.

Whole-Grain Dumplings - Replace part of the flour with fresh-ground wheat or rye.

Sourdough Dumplings - add in a little sourdough starter, but remember to decrease the water.

Stretching Your Food Supply

Dumplings, like homemade noodles, are a frugal cook’s friend.

They can take a small amount of meat and vegetables and turn them into a full, satisfying meal.

When you’re feeding a big family or unexpected guests, adding dumplings to your pot is one of the easiest ways to make your food go further - without sacrificing flavor.

Storage and Reheating in a Self-Reliant Kitchen

If you’ve got leftovers:

Refrigerate: Store in broth for up to 3 days, reheating gently over low heat.

Freezing: Dumplings don’t freeze well after cooking, but you can freeze uncooked dough for up to a month.

This makes it easy to mix a double batch when you have a quiet afternoon, so you can have dumplings ready to go later.

Homemade Dumplings From Scratch - FAQ for Homesteaders

Q: How do you make homemade dumplings from scratch on the homestead?
A: To make dumplings from scratch, mix flour, salt, an egg, and water into a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls into gently simmering homemade broth, such as chicken, vegetable, or beef, then cook for 10 minutes until puffed and cooked through.

Q: Can I make dumplings without baking powder or store-bought mixes?
A: Yes. This traditional recipe uses only flour, salt, egg, and water, no baking powder needed. The egg gives the dumplings structure, while gentle simmering keeps them tender.

Q: What is the best broth for cooking homemade dumplings?
A: Rich homemade broths made from your own kitchen, like chicken stock from your flock, beef bone broth, vegetable broth from garden scraps, or game stock from hunting, will give dumplings the best flavor.

Q: How can I make dumplings with ingredients from my homestead pantry?
A: Use flour from your storage buckets, eggs fresh from the coop, salt from your bulk supply, and water from your well or filtered rainwater. Herbs from your kitchen garden can be added for extra flavor.

Q: How do I keep dumplings from falling apart in the pot?
A: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, and avoid overmixing the dough. Adding dumplings one at a time and covering the pot while they cook also helps them hold their shape.

Q: Can I make dumplings ahead of time?
A: You can mix and shape dumpling dough ahead of time, then store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to a month. You can cook them straight from fresh or frozen dough. Dumplings cooked from frozen dough can take 20 to 30 minutes to fully cook.

Q: How long should dumplings cook?
A: Dumplings generally take 10–15 minutes to cook in simmering broth, depending on size. They’re done when puffed, floating, and fully cooked in the center.

Q: Are dumplings good for stretching a meal on the homestead?
A: Absolutely. Dumplings add bulk and comfort to soups and stews, allowing you to feed more people with the same amount of meat and vegetables.

Final Thoughts for the Homesteader’s Kitchen

Learning how to make homemade dumplings from scratch is more than just a recipe, it’s a skill every homesteader can keep in their arsenal for those times when the budget is tight.

It’s the kind of comfort food that turns pantry staples and homegrown ingredients into a hearty, nourishing meal.

So the next time you’ve got a pot of your own broth simmering away, take a few extra minutes to mix up dumplings from scratch.

You’ll be carrying on a tradition that’s been feeding families for generations, and enjoying the kind of meal money can’t buy.

Cooking From Scratch

Name: How To Make Homemade Dumplings From Scratch
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 egg, beaten; 2 tablespoons water (optional)

Tips For Cooking On A Wood Stove

Cooking on a wood stove was the reality for everyone not so long ago, but today it is less common because there are more convenient ways to cook.

How To Cook In Cast Iron Pans

Photo Credit: Sheri Ann Richerson

Learning how to cook in cast iron is not hard, but you do need an understanding of cast iron pan and iron skillet care before you begin.

Benefits Of Using Cast Iron For Cooking

Cast iron cooking is a healthier alternative. Learn why using cast iron for cooking is better for you and why cast iron cookware is so versatile.

Leftover Pot Roast Recipes: Breathe New Life Into Your Leftovers

Delight in leftovers! Unlock nutritious, flavorful meals with pot roast recipes that bring creativity & variety to your table.

Easy Cast Iron Dutch Oven London Broil Recipe

This cast iron Dutch Oven London Broil recipe is a one pot meal that requires very little preparation and does not require any work during the actual cooking time.

My Easy One Pot Cast Iron Pot Roast Recipe

Do you feel like you are too busy to cook a real meal such as this pot roast recipe for your family? This pot roast is so easy to make, even if you have a really busy schedule and it is delicious too!

Raspberry Pork Chops

Fresh raspberries from the garden make the best raspberry pork chops, but if you don't have fresh, frozen or canned raspberries also work.

Delicious Ribeye Steak Recipe Plus Campfire Meal Ideas

This delicious ribeye steak recipe cooked over an open fire is sheer perfection! Learn how to make it and then pair it with these other campfire meal ideas!

The Ultimate Collection Of Best Ever Chicken Recipes

Are you looking for the ultimate collection of best ever chicken recipes? Look no further! Here is my collection of ultimate chicken recipes!

Five 30 Minute Or Less Dinner Ideas For Tonight

Check out these five dinner ideas for tonight that are ready in 30 minutes or less.

Delicious Dinner Ideas Your Family Is Sure To Love

These delicious dinner ideas are ones your family are sure to love. From meat recipes to side dishes and even one pot recipes, you'll find inspiration here!

Easy Veggie Dinner Ideas

These easy veggie dinner ideas make getting your daily serving of vegetables easy! Your entire family is sure to love these delicious vegetable recipes.

Vegetarian Dinner Ideas

These vegetarian dinner ideas are sure to please your family or guests who come to your home for dinner that are vegetarian. Vegetarian Dinner Ideas For Guests Or Your Own Family There are some great ideas here for the holidays as well.

Best Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

Photo Credit: Sheri Ann Richerson

The best cast iron skillet recipes include one pot cast iron skillet meals, meats, vegetables and desserts that are easy to make. Cast iron skillet recipes also need to taste great. Be sure to check out our easy and delicious iron skillet recipes!

Delicious Cast Iron Pot Recipes Your Family Will Love

Your family will love these delicious cast iron pot recipes! Plus these easy recipes are sure to convince you to use your cast iron pots on a regular basis.

What Can You Cook In A Cast Iron Dutch Oven?

Have you ever wondered what can you cook in a cast iron dutch oven? Or maybe why a cast iron dutch oven is a better option? Get recipes and answers here!

Instant Pot Recipes

Here is a collection of instant pot recipes from this site. Instant pots are all the rage these days because they cook food so much faster, are easy to use and easy to clean up when you are done.

Easy Wood Stove Recipe For A Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This easy wood stove recipe for a grilled cheese sandwich paired with tomato soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day.

How To Make Homemade Tomato Soup In A Dutch Oven

It is so easy to make homemade tomato soup in a dutch oven using fresh tomatoes, or if tomatoes are out of season, using tomatoes you froze or canned and the taste is unbelievably delicious!

Cast Iron Dutch Oven Garlicky Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Seasons change and with them come new recipes for my cast iron dutch oven chicken noodle soup.

Sauteed Pea Recipe With Basil, Parmesan And Sesame

This sauteed pea recipe seasoned with basil, parmesan and sesame is perfert for special occassions or as an extra special side dish through the week!

Bow Tie Pasta In A Creamy Sage Recipe Sauce

This creamy sage recipe sauce is the perfect simple pasta sauce recipe for bow tie pasta. It is quick and easy to make plus it is a great side dish!

Cast Iron Potatoes Au Gratin

This cast iron potatoes au gratin recipe is designed to be made ahead of time using dehydrated ingredients so when it comes time to make it, all you need is water.

How To Make Bird Shaped Bread Tutorial

Learn how to mkae bird shaped bread with this tutorial plus get my honey wheat bread recipe that is easy to make at home with or without a bread machine.

Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe Baked In A Wood Stove

This delicious homemade dinner rolls recipe is easy to bake in a wood stove or over an open campfire. Get the printable recipe and give it a try!

Gluten-Free Brownie Wood Stove Recipe

This Gluten-Free Brownie wood stove recipe is ideal for those times when the electricity goes down or when you want something sweet but don’t want to fire up the electric or gas oven. It is also great for people who live off-grid or cook with their wood burning cook stove all the time.

You also get tips on how to make the cookies turn out their best.

The four types of cookies covered in this eCourse includes:

Sugar Cutout Cookies
Snickerdoodles
Molasses Crinkles
Holiday Gumdrop Cookies

There is also a downloadable PDF that includes all of the recipes plus a bonus recipe for the run sugar glaze popular for icing sugar cookies.