Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich
Crispy, cornmeal-crusted green tomatoes meet smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, and a zesty remoulade sauce, all tucked between toasted sourdough. A Southern classic that redefines the BLT.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook Bacon and Prepare Remoulade Sauce
- b.Place bacon slices in a single layer in a large, cold skillet. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until perfectly crisp.
- c.Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Carefully pour off the rendered fat into a heatproof bowl, reserving 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- d.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, and garlic powder to create the remoulade sauce. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up the Breading Station
- b.Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Lay them on paper towels and gently pat both sides dry to remove excess moisture.
- c.Prepare three shallow dishes for breading. In the first, combine the all-purpose flour with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- d.In the second dish, whisk the egg and milk together until smooth.
- e.In the third dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and the cayenne pepper.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bread and Fry the Green Tomatoes
- b.Working with one slice at a time, dredge a tomato slice in the seasoned flour, tapping off the excess.
- c.Next, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it's fully coated and letting any excess drip back into the dish.
- d.Finally, press the slice firmly into the cornmeal mixture, coating both sides completely for a thick crust.
- e.Heat the reserved 2 tablespoons of bacon fat and the vegetable oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of cornmeal sizzles instantly.
- f.Carefully place the breaded tomato slices in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy.
- g.Transfer the fried tomatoes to a wire rack to drain. This keeps them crispy on all sides.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Toast the sourdough bread slices to your desired crispness.
- c.Generously spread the prepared remoulade sauce on one side of each slice of toast.
- d.To build each sandwich, start with a slice of bread (sauce-side up), then layer with a lettuce leaf, 3 slices of crispy bacon, and 2-3 fried green tomato slices.
- e.Top with the second slice of bread, sauce-side down. You can secure with a toothpick if needed.
- f.Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of the warm, crispy tomatoes and cool, crisp lettuce.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best texture; ripe tomatoes will be too soft and watery.
- 2Patting the tomato slices dry before breading is a crucial step to help the coating adhere properly.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. This ensures the tomatoes get crispy and golden, not steamed and soggy.
- 4Frying in a little reserved bacon fat adds incredible smoky flavor to the tomato crust.
- 5Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the crispy tomatoes from making the bread soggy.
- 6A wire rack is better than paper towels for draining fried items, as it allows air to circulate and keeps the bottom crispy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spice Level
Add a 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the cornmeal mixture for a smoky, spicier kick.
Ingredient SwapIngredient Swap
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal for an extra-crispy, lighter coating on the tomatoes.
VegetarianVegetarian
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use a plant-based bacon substitute. Alternatively, add a slice of smoked provolone or cheddar cheese for a savory element.
SauceSauce
For a different flavor profile, try a chipotle aioli, a simple basil mayonnaise, or a classic ranch dressing instead of the remoulade.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Phytonutrients
While red tomatoes are famous for lycopene, green tomatoes contain their own set of beneficial plant compounds, including tomatine, which has been studied for its potential health benefits.
Provides Sustained Energy
The combination of carbohydrates from the bread and cornmeal, along with protein and fat from the bacon and egg, provides a substantial source of energy, making this a very satisfying and filling meal.
Frequently asked questions
The best tomatoes are firm, completely green, and unripe. They should feel heavy for their size. Avoid any tomatoes that have started to turn pink or feel soft, as they will be too watery and won't hold their shape when fried.