Waffle-Topped Tomato Basil Casserole

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 45 min cook

Ingredients

• 2 lb ripe tomatoes
• 1 cup packed fresh basil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 cups waffle mix
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 1 large egg for waffle batter
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels
• 1 medium bell pepper

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. 2Core and thickly slice the tomatoes. Arrange half the slices in a single layer across the bottom of the dish.
3. 3Mince the garlic and chiffonade most of the basil, reserving a few pretty leaves for garnish. Dice the bell pepper and cut corn from the cob if needed.
4. 4In a bowl, stir ricotta with one egg, half the Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Dollop spoonfuls over the tomato layer and gently spread.
5. 5Scatter half the mozzarella, the diced pepper, corn kernels, minced garlic, and most of the basil over the ricotta. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. 6Layer the remaining tomato slices on top and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. 7Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the tomatoes are juicy and the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
8. 8While the casserole bakes, preheat the waffle maker. Whisk waffle mix with milk, melted butter, and the remaining egg until just combined.
9. 9Cook the batter into thin, crisp waffles, about 3 to 5 minutes each, until golden with defined grids. Cool slightly on a rack so they stay crisp.
10. 10Remove the casserole from the oven. Tear or cut the waffles into rustic pieces and arrange them over the top like a savory cobbler crust.
11. 11Return the dish to the oven for 8 to 10 minutes so the waffle topping warms and the edges turn a deeper gold.
12. 12Rest 5 minutes, scatter reserved basil leaves over the top, then scoop into bowls so each serving gets melty tomato layers and crunchy waffle pieces.