Crispy Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches with Bacon and Pimento Cheese
There's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a crispy fried green tomato sandwich, especially when it’s piled high with bacon and slathered in creamy pimento cheese. Trust me, this dish is a Southern classic that’s perfect for any gathering or just a casual lunch at home. The combination of crunchy, tart green tomatoes, savory bacon, and that rich, tangy pimento cheese creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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What’s great about these sandwiches is how simple they are to prepare, yet they feel like a treat you’d find at a fancy restaurant. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to make them your own, whether that’s adding some hot sauce for a spicy kick or switching up the bread.
You’ll see why this recipe is a go-to in my backyard cooking arsenal!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavors in this sandwich are out of this world. The crispy fried green tomatoes provide that perfect crunch, while the bacon adds a smoky richness that perfectly complements the tangy pimento cheese. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will have your taste buds dancing.
Seriously, these sandwiches disappear faster than a cold beer in July!
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is how easy it is to make. Whether you're a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting out, I've got you covered. The steps are straightforward and the ingredients are pretty accessible.
Plus, with a little prep, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for a quick lunch or an impressive dinner.
Ingredients & Tools You'll Need
Let's talk about what you'll need to create these delicious sandwiches. First off, you’re gonna want to grab yourself some green tomatoes. They're the star of the show, and their tartness is what makes this dish special.
You'll also need thick-cut bacon because, let’s be real, everything’s better with bacon. And don’t skimp on the pimento cheese; I go heavy on the cheese here to ensure every bite is creamy and decadent.
How To Make It
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff-making these sandwiches! It’s all about layering those flavors and getting that perfect crunch on the tomatoes.
Preparation
Start by mixing your brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and some pepper in a bowl. This sweet and spicy blend is going to give your bacon an incredible flavor boost, so make sure to coat each slice evenly on both sides. I like to bake mine on a wire rack with a pan lined with aluminum foil underneath to catch the drippings.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until it’s nice and crispy.
While that bacon is baking, mix up your dry ingredients. Combine the flour and cornmeal in one bowl, and in another bowl, whisk together your eggs, buttermilk, and the remaining seasoning. Slice your green tomatoes about 3/8 of an inch thick so they fry up nicely.
Now, dip each slice first into the dry mix, then the wet mix, and back into the dry. This double-dipping is key for that crispy texture!
Cooking
Now it’s time to fry up those green tomatoes. Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet until it's shimmering. Carefully place the coated tomato slices in the hot oil.
You want to fry them for about 2 to 4 minutes on each side. Look for that golden brown color and a nice crispiness. You’ll hear a delightful sizzle when they hit the oil, and the smell will be absolutely mouthwatering.
Once they're fried to perfection, set them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Start with a slice of your favorite bread, layer on that pimento cheese, pile on the crispy bacon, and top it off with those golden fried green tomatoes.
Finish it off with another slice of bread, and if you're feeling fancy, give it a quick grill for a gooey cheese pull.
Serving & Variations
These sandwiches are best served fresh and hot, but they also make great leftovers. If you have any extras, store the components separately to keep everything crispy. You can mix things up too!
Try adding some spicy pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick. A drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate the flavors if you like a bit of heat.
A common consensus among home cooks is that fresh herbs can take this sandwich to the next level. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a nice touch of color and flavor. Pair these sandwiches with a side of coleslaw or a simple garden salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Fried green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes that are sliced, breaded, and fried until crispy. Any sturdy bread works well, but sourdough or ciabatta are great choices for holding the filling. Yes, you can prepare the fried green tomatoes and keep them warm in an oven set to 200F until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches. They pair well with a side salad, coleslaw, or potato chips for a complete meal. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce or using different types of peppers in the sauce.Frequently Asked Questions
What are fried green tomatoes?
What type of bread is best for the sandwich?
Can I make the fried green tomatoes ahead of time?
What can I serve with fried green tomato sandwiches?
How spicy can I make the sauce for the sandwich?
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks! Crispy fried green tomato sandwiches with bacon and pimento cheese that are sure to impress. They’re easy to whip up and packed with flavor-perfect for any occasion.
Give this recipe a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Recipe created by Big Ks Que for Trust Me Try It.
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Ingredients
- 2-4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 green tomatoes
- 1 pound thick cut bacon
- Pimento cheese of your choice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 cup AP flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbs buttermilk
Instructions
- Start by mixing brown sugar , 1 tsp pepper , & red pepper flakes together
- Then evenly coat each slice of bacon on both sides
- I like to bake mine on a wire rack with a pan lined with aluminum foil underneath
- Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes
- Then mix onion powder , garlic powder , paprika , salt and pepper
- In a seperate bowl mix flour and cornmeal, place half of the seasoning you just mixed into the dry ingredients
- In a seperate bowl mix eggs and buttermilk and other half of seasoning
- Slice green tomatoes about 3/8 of an inch thick
- Then add your sliced tomatoes into the dry mix , then the wet and back into the dry
- Place on a wire rack while oil heats to
- Fry 2-4 minutes on each side
- Then build your sandwiches and enjoy!










