If you’re craving a dish that blends comfort with fresh flavors, Tomato Cobbler is your answer. This easy recipe features ripe tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flaky biscuit topping. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish shines on any table. Join me as we explore how to create this delightful meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Dairy
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
– ¾ cup buttermilk
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
When making tomato cobbler, gathering the right ingredients is key. Start with fresh tomatoes. Ripe ones give the best flavor. I often choose tomatoes that feel heavy and have a rich color. The onion adds sweetness, while garlic brings depth. These three form the base of the dish.
Next, seasonings matter. Dried oregano adds a lovely herb taste. Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors.
For the topping, I use a mix of flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This combo makes the biscuit topping rise nicely. Chilled butter gives it a flaky texture. Buttermilk adds moisture and tang, while cheddar cheese gives a nice sharp flavor.
This ingredient list is simple but packs a lot of taste. You can find the full recipe for tomato cobbler to help you get started.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Tomato Mixture
Start by cooking the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasonings. In a large skillet, set your heat to medium. Add 4 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes, 1 diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for 10-15 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. Once done, take the skillet off the heat. Let the mixture cool slightly before using it.
Making the Biscuit Topping
Now, let’s make the biscuit topping. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Next, add ½ cup of chilled and diced unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour. Keep mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs. Then, pour in ¾ cup of buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! It’s fine if there are a few lumps. Finally, fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Assembling the Cobbler
Let’s put it all together. First, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the tomato mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter on top of the tomatoes. Leave small gaps for steam to escape. Bake this in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown biscuit topping. Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. You can garnish it with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy this warm and comforting Tomato Cobbler! For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Selecting and Ripening Tomatoes
To make a great tomato cobbler, start with the best tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size. Their skin should be smooth and firm. Choose tomatoes with deep color, like red or yellow. If your tomatoes are not ripe, let them sit at room temperature. This will help them become sweet and juicy. Avoid tomatoes with bruises or soft spots. These will spoil fast and affect your dish’s taste.
Baking Tips
For a flaky biscuit topping, keep your butter cold. Cut it into small cubes and work quickly. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix it into the flour. Stop when the mix looks like coarse crumbs. Overmixing can make the biscuit tough. When adding buttermilk, stir gently. It’s okay if the batter has small lumps. This helps keep the topping light and airy.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato cobbler pairs well with many side dishes. A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. For drinks, try a chilled white wine or a light beer. Both will enhance the cobbler’s flavors. For a cozy night, serve with a warm biscuit or crusty bread. This makes each bite even more enjoyable. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on preparation.
Variations
Cheese Alternatives
You can use different cheeses to change the taste of your Tomato Cobbler. Sharp cheddar is great, but try mozzarella for a milder flavor. You can also use feta for a tangy kick. Goat cheese adds creaminess and depth. Each cheese will give the dish a new twist. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite.
Vegetables and Herbs
Adding more veggies or herbs can enhance your cobbler. Consider bell peppers for sweetness or zucchini for a fresh bite. Spinach or kale can add nutrition and color. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the dish. Just chop them up and mix them in with the tomatoes.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer great alternatives. You can also use almond flour or oat flour for a different texture. Just ensure the baking powder is gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty comfort food!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Tomato Cobbler fresh, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This helps keep flavors intact. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to cover it well.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, the goal is to keep that nice flavor and texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cobbler in an oven-safe dish. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the biscuit topping less crispy.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freezing works well! First, let the cobbler cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. Tomato Cobbler can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Follow the reheating tips for the best taste.
FAQs
What is Tomato Cobbler?
Tomato cobbler is a warm dish that features ripe tomatoes and a biscuit topping. The juicy tomatoes mix with savory flavors from onions and garlic. This dish is rich and comforting, perfect for any meal.
Can I make Tomato Cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, you can make tomato cobbler ahead of time. Prepare the tomato mixture and biscuit topping separately. Store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble and bake. This saves time on busy days.
What to serve with Tomato Cobbler?
Tomato cobbler pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some great options:
– A simple green salad
– Grilled vegetables
– Garlic bread
– Roasted potatoes
These sides will complement the cobbler’s flavors.
How do I make Tomato Cobbler vegetarian?
Tomato cobbler is already vegetarian! The main ingredients are tomatoes and veggies. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini if you want. This adds more taste and texture.
What are the nutritional details of Tomato Cobbler?
Each serving of tomato cobbler has about:
– 300 calories
– 15 grams of fat
– 30 grams of carbs
– 8 grams of protein
These values can vary based on ingredients. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. For the full recipe, check out the cooking instructions above.
In this blog post, we explored how to make a delightful Tomato Cobbler. We covered essential ingredients, from ripe tomatoes to tasty seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, baking, and serving this dish. I shared tips for selecting tomatoes and ensuring a flaky topping. Finally, we discussed storage and variations to fit dietary needs. By using these guidelines, you can enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal. I hope this inspires you to try making your own Tomato Cobbler soon!
