Trader Joes Dumpling Bake (Print Version)

A creamy, cheesy casserole featuring frozen dumplings baked until golden and flavorful.

# Components:

→ Dumplings

01 - 1 package (16 oz) frozen dumplings, any variety

→ Creamy Sauce

02 - 1 cup heavy cream
03 - 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Cheese

08 - 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Toppings

10 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
11 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
02 - Spread frozen dumplings in a single, even layer in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, broth, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
04 - Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the dumplings, ensuring even distribution.
05 - Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly across the entire surface.
06 - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
07 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and the top achieves a golden brown color.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours cooking when honestly, you barely spent any time at all.
  • Frozen dumplings transform into something entirely different and deeply satisfying when they meet creamy sauce and melted cheese.
  • Works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and those moments when you need to feed people something warm and genuine.
02 -
  • Don't thaw your dumplings before baking or they'll fall apart into mush—keep them frozen straight from the bag into the dish.
  • If your sauce looks too thin after mixing, don't worry; it will thicken as the dumplings release moisture during baking, and the cream will reduce slightly.
03 -
  • Shred your cheese fresh from a block if you have time—pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
  • Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil directly on top of the finished casserole right before serving for an intense flavor boost that makes people ask what that incredible aroma is.
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