Fried Green Tomato BLTs are where comfort food meets southern tradition, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is iconic. Picture this: crispy, golden fried green tomatoes layered with crunchy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise, all sandwiched between slices of your favorite bread. It’s a delightful twist on the classic BLT that showcases the unique flavor of green tomatoes, which are tangy and satisfying in their own right. The dish is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a sunny weekend brunch, or even a delightful picnic. Having whipped up countless variations of this dish, I can assure you it’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a fun cooking adventure that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
What makes this recipe special
Finding reasons to make a Fried Green Tomato BLT is easier than you might think. Here are just a few!
- Quick and Easy: With a cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table without spending the entire evening in the kitchen.
- Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients are inexpensive and readily available, making this dish a perfect choice for families or anyone looking to keep their grocery bills low.
- Kid-Approved: The combination of crispy bacon and fried tomatoes is not only appealing to adults but also loved by kids, making it an excellent option for family meals.
“This is the best twist on the classic BLT! I never thought green tomatoes could taste so good! My kids devoured them!” – Jamie, a satisfied home cook.
Now that you understand what makes this recipe shine, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and see how to put this delicious sandwich together.
Step-by-step overview
Making a Fried Green Tomato BLT is a straightforward process that brings together simple, fresh ingredients to create a fantastic meal. You’ll start by frying the green tomatoes, then cooking the bacon to perfection, followed by assembling the sandwich with fresh ingredients. It’s that easy!
Gather these items
- Fried Green Tomatoes: The star of the dish – look for firm, unripe green tomatoes.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut for the best flavor and crispiness.
- Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg works well for crunch.
- Tomato: A ripe, juicy tomato can elevate your sandwich even more.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and flavor that balances the crunch of the fried tomatoes.
- Bread: Choose your favorite kind, whether it’s classic white, whole grain, or a hearty sourdough.
Ingredients
What you’ll need
- 2 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices of bacon
- Lettuce leaves (your choice)
- 1 ripe red tomato, sliced
- Mayonnaise
- 4 slices of bread
Feel free to substitute the buttermilk with plain yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for variations to fit your dietary needs. Using gluten-free flour adds flexibility for those avoiding gluten.
Directions to follow
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the Green Tomatoes: Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Drench in Buttermilk: Place the tomato slices in a bowl and soak them in buttermilk for about 10 minutes. This will help the coating stick and enhance the flavor.
- Coat the Tomatoes: In another bowl, mix together the cornmeal and flour. Dredge the soaked tomato slices in the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Fry the Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated tomato slices to the pan. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove them and drain on paper towels.
- Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, add the bacon slices. Cook until crispy and then transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Toast the Bread: If desired, lightly toast the slices of bread until golden.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Layer with fried green tomatoes, crispy bacon, lettuce, and slices of regular tomato. Top with another slice of bread and cut in half.
- Serve: Plate your mouthwatering Fried Green Tomato BLT and enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving suggestions
When serving your Fried Green Tomato BLT, consider pairing it with a refreshing side salad or crispy fries to complement the richness of the sandwich. You could also serve it with:
- Potato Chips: The crunchiness of kettle-cooked chips makes for a delightful pairing.
- Pickles: A side of dill pickles can cut the richness and brighten the meal.
- Fresh Gazpacho: A cold soup like gazpacho can nicely balance the warm, fried elements of the sandwich.
Don’t forget a sweet tea or a cold lemonade to sip on while you enjoy this flavorful meal!
How to store & freeze
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers, here are some helpful storage tips.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While fried green tomatoes can be frozen, it’s recommended to freeze them before frying to maintain the best texture. Simply bread and freeze the tomato slices on a baking sheet for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven to restore some crispy texture rather than using a microwave, which may make the sandwich soggy.
Pro chef tips
Extra advice for success
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a kick of flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Consider adding avocado or a slice of cheese for added creaminess and richness.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to the tomatoes and lettuce, will make a huge difference in taste.
Creative twists
Recipe variations
You can put your unique spin on this Fried Green Tomato BLT with these ideas:
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeño slices or a spicy mayonnaise to amp up the heat.
- Vegan Option: Use tempeh bacon instead of regular bacon and vegan mayo for a delightful plant-based alternative.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or cilantro to the mayo for an extra layer of flavor.
Your questions answered
Common questions
- What is the prep time?
- The total preparation time is about 10-15 minutes, with cooking time adding about 15-20 minutes.
- Are there any good substitutions?
- If you can’t find cornmeal, you can use breadcrumbs. Substitute traditional bacon with turkey bacon or a vegan alternative for dietary preferences.
- Can I freeze Fried Green Tomatoes?
- Yes! Freeze the breaded un-fried green tomatoes for the best results.
- How long can I store leftovers?
- Fried Green Tomato BLT leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy them cold or reheat for a crispy treat again!
Feel free to experiment with this delightful sandwich, and may your kitchen be filled with the sizzle of fried green tomatoes and the aroma of crispy bacon!
Print
Fried Green Tomato BLT
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delicious twist on the classic BLT featuring crispy fried green tomatoes, crunchy bacon, and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices of bacon
- Lettuce leaves (your choice)
- 1 ripe red tomato, sliced
- Mayonnaise
- 4 slices of bread
Instructions
- Prepare the green tomatoes: Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Drench in buttermilk: Place the tomato slices in a bowl and soak them in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
- Coat the tomatoes: In another bowl, mix together the cornmeal and flour. Dredge the soaked tomato slices in the mixture.
- Fry the tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom over medium heat. Add the coated slices and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Cook the bacon: In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy.
- Toast the bread: Lightly toast the slices of bread until golden, if desired.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread mayonnaise on each slice of bread, then layer with fried green tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and slices of regular tomato. Top with another slice of bread and cut in half.
- Serve: Plate your Fried Green Tomato BLT and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, bread and freeze tomato slices before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Fried Green Tomato, BLT, Sandwich, Southern Food, Comfort Food