Fried Green Tomato BLT Recipe: Crispy Southern Comfort in Every Bite
Few sandwiches capture the perfect balance of crunch, freshness, and savory indulgence quite like a Fried Green Tomato BLT. This elevated twist on the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich swaps ripe tomatoes for crispy, tangy fried green tomatoes, creating a bold flavor experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a casual dinner, or a crowd-pleasing weekend treat, this recipe delivers irresistible texture and flavor in every bite.
The magic of this sandwich lies in the contrast — crunchy golden coating, juicy tart tomatoes, smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, and creamy sauce all layered between toasted bread. It’s a Southern-inspired favorite that feels gourmet yet remains approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best Fried Green Tomato BLT from scratch, including expert tips, variations, serving ideas, and helpful techniques to guarantee success.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Green Tomato BLT
There are plenty of reasons this sandwich has become a favorite across kitchens:
- Perfectly crispy texture with juicy interior
- Bold, tangy flavor from green tomatoes
- Smoky richness from bacon
- Fresh crunch from lettuce
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Great for lunch, brunch, or dinner
- Customizable with sauces and toppings
Unlike traditional BLTs, the fried green tomatoes add a unique depth of flavor that transforms a simple sandwich into something truly special.
Ingredients
For the Fried Green Tomatoes
- 3 medium green tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 sandwich buns or thick slices of bread (sourdough or brioche work well)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or leaf lettuce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Wash and slice the green tomatoes into even ¼-inch rounds.
- Lightly sprinkle both sides with salt and allow them to rest for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Place flour in one shallow bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
- In a third bowl, combine cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Bread the Tomatoes
- Dredge each tomato slice in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture.
- Coat thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Fry the Tomatoes
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry tomato slices in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Cook the Bacon
- In a separate skillet, cook bacon until crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 7: Toast the Bread
- Lightly toast buns or bread slices in a skillet or toaster until golden.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread sauce on both sides of the bread.
- Layer lettuce, bacon, fried green tomatoes, and additional sauce if desired.
- Top with the second slice of bread and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes
Achieving the ideal crispiness and flavor is easy with these expert tips:
Use firm green tomatoes — They should be unripe and solid for the best texture.
Don’t skip salting — This removes excess moisture and enhances flavor.
Maintain oil temperature — Around 350°F (175°C) ensures even frying without greasiness.
Avoid overcrowding — Fry in batches so tomatoes crisp properly.
Serve immediately — Fried tomatoes are best enjoyed hot and crunchy.
Delicious Variations
One of the best things about this Fried Green Tomato BLT is how versatile it can be.
Spicy Version
Add cayenne pepper to the breading and use spicy mayo or chipotle sauce.
Southern Style with Pimento Cheese
Replace mayonnaise with pimento cheese spread for a rich Southern twist.
Avocado BLT
Add sliced avocado for creamy texture and healthy fats.
Vegetarian Option
Skip the bacon and add grilled halloumi or smoked tofu for a satisfying meat-free version.
Gourmet Upgrade
Use artisan bread, heirloom lettuce, and homemade aioli for restaurant-quality results.
What Makes Fried Green Tomatoes Special?
Green tomatoes have a slightly tart flavor that becomes mellow and juicy when cooked. Their firm texture holds up beautifully to frying, creating a crisp exterior while remaining tender inside.
This combination of tanginess and crunch is what makes fried green tomatoes such a beloved Southern comfort food. When paired with smoky bacon and fresh lettuce, the flavors create a perfectly balanced sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Pickles
- Fresh fruit salad
- Corn on the cob
- Pasta salad
For drinks, consider iced tea, lemonade, or a light sparkling beverage.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While best enjoyed fresh, you can store components separately:
- Fried tomatoes: Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Bacon: Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Sauce: Store in airtight container up to 1 week
To reheat fried tomatoes, place them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating.
Fun Food History
The BLT sandwich became popular in the early 20th century, but fried green tomatoes have roots in Southern American cuisine dating back even earlier. Combining the two creates a modern comfort food fusion that celebrates both tradition and creativity.
Interestingly, fried green tomatoes gained widespread recognition after the novel and film Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, which helped introduce the dish to audiences beyond the Southern United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, though frying gives the crispiest result.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well due to high smoke points.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prep ingredients ahead, but fry tomatoes just before serving for best texture.
What bread works best?
Thick-cut sourdough, brioche, or toasted sandwich bread provide the best structure.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Green Tomato BLT recipe is the ultimate combination of crispy, smoky, fresh, and creamy flavors layered into one unforgettable sandwich. It’s a comforting yet exciting dish that works equally well for casual meals or special gatherings.
Once you try this upgraded BLT, it may just become your new favorite sandwich.
