Description
These Volcano Cheese-Stuffed Dumplings are gooey, golden, and built to impress! Each soft homemade dumpling is packed with molten cheese and baked in bubbling marinara—topped with more melty cheese, of course. Serve it straight from the skillet for the ultimate pull-apart dinner or party dish. Bonus: add a flame finish for extra drama!
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm water (adjust as needed)
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Cheese Filling:
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (cubed or shredded)
½ cup cheddar cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese
For the Sauce Layer:
2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: Flame Finish
2 tbsp warmed vodka (for flambé, optional)
Instructions
Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix and knead until smooth. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
Form the Dumplings: Divide the dough into small golf-ball-sized pieces. Flatten each one, then place a little mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese in the center. Pinch the edges tightly to seal.
Assemble the Skillet: Spread marinara sauce into a cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Arrange the sealed dumplings on top, seam-side down.
Top & Bake: Brush the tops with melted butter. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Optional Volcano Effect: For dramatic flair, drizzle warmed vodka into the center and (safely!) ignite. The flame will burn off quickly.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot, letting everyone pull apart their dumplings to reveal that molten cheese lava!
Notes
Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for best meltiness—it really makes a difference.
Don’t Overfill: A small amount of cheese in each dumpling is enough. Overstuffing may cause them to burst open.
Sauce Swap: Try pesto, alfredo, or even a spicy arrabbiata for a different flavor profile.
No cast-iron? Any oven-safe dish works—just make sure it’s deep enough to hold sauce + dumplings.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire skillet a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.
Flambé Safely: Only do the flame effect if you’re comfortable and safe using fire. Always ignite away from flammable items.