Indulge in a delicious fried green tomato sandwich featuring both green and red tomatoes. It’s a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese, with garden green tomatoes fried to perfection in a crispy cornmeal coating.
Fried Green Tomato Sandwich
Hi, I’m back with another green tomato recipe! I can’t get enough of making sure all our tomato harvest gets used, even the green tomatoes! You might love this sandwich so much you start picking a couple green tomatoes just so you can make it for lunch! It’s that good (seriously, it will cause a big swwwwwooon).
Green tomatoes are dipped in a crunchy cornmeal coating, frying them until they have a exterior crunch. Slices of bread are buttered and then fried, along with red tomatoes and slices of pepper jack cheese. The result is a cheesy, crunchy sandwich that you will love!
This tomato sandwich is incredibly versatile, where you can swap a few ingredients to your favorite – but the green tomatoes are the base. Check out my “recipe help” section below for more customizations for this recipe.
Need more green tomato recipes? Also try my green tomato salsa, green tomato cake and green tomato relish!
Where to get green tomatoes?
Green tomatoes can commonly be found in a few different places during peak Summer months.
- The garden! Are you a gardener or know someone is? Then you probably have an abundance of green tomatoes.
- Farmers’ markets are an excellent source for fresh, locally grown green tomatoes. Local farmers often harvest tomatoes before they fully ripen, making them available for purchase.
- Some larger grocery stores may carry green tomatoes, especially those with a well-stocked produce section. Green tomatoes are more commonly available during the summer and early fall seasons when they are in peak supply, but you can usually find them year round before they turn red!
How to Make Green Tomato Sandwich
Cut up both green and red tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick slices. You will need 1-2 tomatoes of each depending on their size.
Time to fry up the green tomatoes. First, dip them in egg, and then gently coat them in cornmeal. Shake to remove any excess cornmeal.
Fry the green tomatoes in a skillet until browned on both sides. Place on paper towels so any extra oil will be absorbed.
Butter one side of all slices of bread, this is just like making a grilled cheese sandwich. Place butter side down bread on a skillet, and then start adding the fried green tomatoes, red tomatoes, and slice of cheese. Add the top piece of bread.
Brown sandwich on both sides and serve warm! Want to add more to the sandwich, such as lettuce, bacon or pickles? Make sure to check my suggestions below!
What else can I add to this sandwich?
- I love this sandwich with pepper jack cheese because it’s a little bit of spice with the tomatoes, but you can use any type of cheese you’d like – American, Provolone, Muenster and more!
- Love pickles? Chop up a half sour pickle, or use a few of your favorite hamburger dill pickles.
- Add lettuce, or a slice of onion for a fresh Summer crunch.
- Want spice? Add in candied jalapeños or half a jalapeño pepper!
- Herb bed out of control? Add a few leaves of fresh basil.
- Need meat? Make it a BLT and use slices of crisp bacon.
What type of bread should I use for this sandwich?
When it comes to choosing the type of bread for a fried green tomato sandwich, pick your favorite! Here are a few choices I recommend.
- Sourdough: Sourdough bread offers a tangy and slightly tangy flavor that complements the tartness of the green tomatoes. Its sturdy texture holds up well to the crispy tomatoes and other sandwich fillings.
- Whole wheat or multigrain: For a healthier twist, whole wheat or multigrain bread can be used. These bread options offer added fiber and nutty flavors that pair nicely with the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- Ciabatta: Ciabatta bread has a rustic, chewy texture and a slightly tangy flavor. It provides a sturdy base for the sandwich and pairs well with the crunch of the fried tomatoes.
- Brioche: If you prefer a softer and slightly sweeter bread, brioche can be an excellent choice. Its rich and buttery flavor adds a touch of indulgence to the sandwich.
- English Muffins: English muffins are soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crispy exterior when toasted. This texture provides a pleasing contrast to the juicy fried tomatoes.
How to Serve
This makes a great lunch as is, especially during the Summer months when vegetables are fresh! For a heartier meal, serve with creamy tomato soup, slow cooker minestrone soup or roasted cauliflower soup (my fav!).
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Green Tomato Sandwich
PrintIngredients
- 1-2 green tomatoes cut up into 1/4 inch thick slices
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 4 slices bread pick your favorite
- 1-2 red tomatoes cut up into 1/4 inch thick slices
- 2 slices pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, add cornmeal. Dip slices of green tomatoes into the egg, and then into the cornmeal, shaking to remove any excess. Do this for all the green tomato slices.
- Add vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating it over medium heat. Add the green tomato slices, cooking on each side until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the tomato slices and place on paper towels to remove any extra oil.
- Using another paper towel, wipe clean the skillet to remove vegetable oil. Heat the skillet again on medium heat.
- Spread butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Place 2 slices of bread, butter side down, onto the skillet. Stack 2-3 slices of green tomatoes, 2-3 slices of red tomatoes, and a slice of cheese on each slice of bread. Top with remaining buttered slice of bread.
- Cook until the bottom of the sandwich is brown, and then carefully flip and brown the other side. Do this to the other sandwich. Serve warm and enjoy this amazing fried green tomato sandwich!
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