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Tomato Cobbler with Parmesan-Basil Biscuits Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 37 reviews

This Tomato Cobbler with Parmesan-Basil Biscuits is a delightful savory dish combining a rich, simmered tomato filling topped with crispy, cheesy biscuits infused with fresh basil. The hearty tomato base with mozzarella adds a comforting, flavorful punch, while the biscuit topping offers a golden, buttery crust that perfectly complements the vibrant vegetable filling. Ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner, this recipe brings a fresh twist to the classic cobbler format with a Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Filling:

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for brushing
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large sprigs fresh basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 3 large tomatoes (about 1 3/4 pounds), cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 2 cups mixed cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine or halved bocconcini)

Biscuit Topping:

  • 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into thin slices
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomato Filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh basil sprigs, and crushed red pepper; cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the chopped large tomatoes and 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt to the skillet. Bring everything to a simmer and cook until the tomatoes just begin to soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and discard the basil sprigs.
  3. Add Cherry Tomatoes and Flour: Stir in the halved cherry or grape tomatoes and the all-purpose flour gently to coat the tomatoes evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  4. Transfer and Add Mozzarella: Pour the tomato mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Dot the filling evenly with the mini mozzarella balls. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
  5. Prepare the Biscuit Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the cold butter slices and use a pastry cutter or fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized pieces remain.
  6. Combine the Biscuit Dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil. Gently mix with a fork just until a sticky dough forms; be careful not to overwork the dough to keep it tender.
  7. Assemble the Cobbler: Drop heaping tablespoons of the biscuit dough over the tomato filling in the baking dish, covering the surface unevenly. Brush the biscuit dough tops with a little olive oil for a golden finish.
  8. Bake the Cobbler: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the tomato filling is bubbly.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving warm, letting the flavors settle and the filling thicken slightly.

Notes

  • Using fresh, ripe tomatoes will greatly enhance the flavor of the tomato filling.
  • Be careful not to overmix the biscuit dough to keep it light and flaky.
  • The mozzarella balls add creaminess but can be substituted with shredded mozzarella if unavailable.
  • Serve this cobbler warm as a main dish or a side to roasted meats or salads.
  • The biscuit topping can be brushed with a little extra buttermilk or an egg wash for a richer brown color if preferred.

Keywords: tomato cobbler, parmesan basil biscuits, savory cobbler, mozzarella tomato bake, vegetarian casserole

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/tomato-cobbler-with-parmesan-basil-biscuits-recipe/