Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping

Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping is a delightful twist on the classic apple cobbler recipe. This dish combines the sweet and tart flavors of Granny Smith apples with the savory taste of sharp cheddar cheese, all topped with a golden, biscuit crust. It's a perfect dessert for those who love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, and it's sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner.

History

The concept of apple cobbler dates back to the early settlers in America, who adapted their traditional European fruit pie recipes to the ingredients and cooking equipment available in the New World. The addition of a cheddar cheese topping is a uniquely American twist, reflecting the country's love for cheese and its abundant apple orchards. This recipe combines these two elements to create a dish that is both comforting and uniquely flavorful.

Ingredients

0.75 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp freshly grated lemon peel
0.5 tsp cinnamon
4 tbsp butter
10 granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
3 cup flour
0.25 cup plus 1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
0.75 tsp salt
0.75 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
1.5 cup coarsely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup buttermilk

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°.
In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, lemon peel, and cinnamon.
In a 12-inch skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
Add half of the apples and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until tender.
Gently stir the cooked apples into the sugar mixture.
Repeat the process with the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and apples.
Transfer the filling to a 13" x 9" baking dish and cover to keep warm.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 tbsp of sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Using a pastry blender or 2 knives scissor-fashion, cut in the remaining butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the cheese and buttermilk.
Turn the dough onto a work surface (the dough will be crumbly).
Knead the dough until it is smooth and holds together.
Drop the dough by walnut-size pieces over the apple mixture to cover it, then sprinkle with the remaining 0.25 cup of sugar.
Bake until the filling is hot and bubbling and the biscuits are golden, for about 35 to 40 minutes.
Let the dish stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Try adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the apple mixture for added texture and flavor.
Swap the Granny Smith apples for another tart apple variety, like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, for a slightly different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking.

- Ensure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture to achieve a flaky biscuit topping.

- Shred the cheddar cheese coarsely to ensure it melts evenly throughout the biscuit topping.

- Let the cobbler stand for 15 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to thicken and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a less sweet option, a drizzle of heavy cream can complement the savory notes of the cheddar cheese.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe involve properly preparing the apple filling to ensure it's flavorful and tender, and creating a biscuit topping that's flaky and golden brown. Paying attention to the consistency of the biscuit dough and not overworking it are crucial steps to achieve the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

- In place of light brown sugar, dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.

- For a different twist, pear or peach slices can replace apples in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

The apple filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The biscuit dough can also be made ahead and kept chilled until ready to bake. Assembling and baking the cobbler just before serving ensures the topping is at its best.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cobbler in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or present it in a beautiful baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation. Garnish with fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

This apple cobbler pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling. The acidity and sweetness of the wine complement the flavors of the cobbler perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover cobbler can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the biscuit topping soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping contains approximately 450 calories. The calories are primarily derived from the carbohydrates and fats in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

This Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the apples and flour. A single serving contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from sugars in the apples and brown sugar, with the remainder coming from the flour used in the biscuit topping.

Fats

A serving of this apple cobbler contains about 20 grams of fat, with the primary sources being butter and cheddar cheese. The recipe uses butter in both the apple filling and the biscuit topping, contributing to the dish's rich flavor and moist texture.

Proteins

Each serving of the cobbler provides approximately 7 grams of protein, mainly from the cheddar cheese and buttermilk used in the biscuit topping. While not a high-protein dish, it offers a modest amount that contributes to its satiating qualities.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, particularly from the apples, which are rich in vitamin C and potassium. The cheddar cheese also contributes calcium and phosphorus, important for bone health.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as dairy (butter, cheddar cheese, buttermilk) and gluten (flour). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dish or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, this apple cobbler is a comforting, indulgent dessert that offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors. While it is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, it also provides beneficial vitamins and minerals from its fruit and dairy components.

Summary

Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping is a delightful dessert that marries the classic flavors of apple cobbler with the unexpected twist of a savory cheddar cheese biscuit topping. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something new and enjoy the combination of sweet and savory in one dish. With its rich flavors and comforting warmth, it's sure to become a favorite for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just returned from a visit to the local farmer's market. I had picked up a bushel of fresh apples that were just begging to be turned into a delicious dessert.

As I surveyed my kitchen, trying to decide what to make with my bounty, my eyes landed on an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. I flipped through the yellowed pages, filled with handwritten notes and splatters of ingredients from years of use, until I came across a recipe that caught my eye.

The recipe for Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The combination of sweet apples and savory cheddar biscuits sounded intriguing and delicious. I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need and set to work peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. As the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, I couldn't help but smile. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express myself and show love to those around me.

As the apples bubbled away on the stove, I mixed together the ingredients for the cheddar biscuits. The tangy sharpness of the cheddar cheese paired perfectly with the sweetness of the apples, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that I knew would be a hit with my family.

Once the cobbler was assembled and popped into the oven, I waited with bated breath for the final result. The scent of warm apples and cheesy biscuits wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, the timer dinged, and I pulled the cobbler out of the oven. The apples were tender and caramelized, the cheddar biscuits golden and flaky. I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I served up generous portions of the Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping, my family's eyes lit up with delight. They took their first bites, savoring the unique combination of flavors and textures.

"It's delicious, Grandma!" my granddaughter exclaimed, her mouth full of warm apple and cheesy biscuit.

I beamed with pride, knowing that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a family favorite for years to come. The Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping had earned a permanent place in my recipe book, alongside all the other cherished dishes that had been passed down through generations.

As we sat around the table, enjoying our dessert and each other's company, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the joy that cooking had brought into my life. It wasn't just about creating delicious meals; it was about creating memories and connections with the ones I loved most.

And as I took my last bite of the Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, a symbol of the love and care that went into every dish I made. Cooking had truly become my passion, my art, and my legacy to pass down to future generations.