You know those days when only the most comforting of comfort foods will do? Enter the Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It's a delightful twist on our beloved classic, marrying the tangy bite of green tomatoes with oodles of melty cheese. And oh, that crispy crunch from the fried tomatoes? Pure heaven.
So, if you're in the mood for a Southern-inspired adventure, you're in the right place. Let’s get to it and make some grilled cheese magic. Every bite is bound to make you say, "Oh, that's good!"
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WHAT MAKES THIS GREEN TOMATO SANDWICH RECIPE SO GOOD?
So, why is this Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich a game-changer?
1. Green tomatoes: These tangy treats fry up to a crisp delight, offering a unique taste and crunch.
2. The cheese: Melted to perfection, it brings creaminess and binds the sandwich together.
3. The bread: Toasted just right, it's the crunchy counterpart to the whole sandwich.
Simply put, it's a mashup of textures and flavors that makes each bite memorable.
MARY'S TWO CENTS
Absolutely! This Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich falls right into our "cheap" category. Not only does it pack a flavor punch, but it's also easy on the wallet. You get a scrumptious meal for one or two without breaking the bank. It's another win from Oh, That's Good where good taste and budget go hand in hand!
INGREDIENTS
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
INGREDIENT NOTES
Let's look into some ingredient highlights for this delicious Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- Green tomatoes: The star of the show! Tangy and firm, these tomatoes bring a unique flavor profile that’s unlike the usual ripe ones. They fry up crispy and add the signature taste to our sandwich.
- Buttermilk: In both the sauce and the tomatoes, buttermilk gives a creamy tanginess. It helps in getting a perfect batter for frying those green tomatoes too.
- Sourdough bread: This bread offers a slightly tangy, chewy texture which complements the fried tomatoes beautifully. Plus, when toasted, it gets an irresistible crispy crust.
- Cheddar cheese: Rich and melty, this cheese adds depth to the sandwich, making it creamy and indulgent.
- Pickled jalapenos (optional): For those who want a little kick in their sandwich. It’s a subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the tangy tomatoes.
Remember, every ingredient matters when whipping up magic from the kitchen!
SUBSTITUTIONS
Sometimes we've got to work with what we have, right? Here are some handy substitutions for your Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe:
- Green Tomatoes: If you can't find green tomatoes, you can use firm, slightly underripe regular tomatoes. While the flavor will differ a bit, you'll still get a good crunch.
- Buttermilk: If you're out of buttermilk, mix ¼ cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you've got yourself a homemade buttermilk substitute.
- Sourdough Bread: Can't find sourdough? No worries! Any sturdy bread like ciabatta or a good quality whole wheat bread will do the trick.
- Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar with other melty cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack if you're feeling adventurous!
- Pickled Jalapenos: If you're looking for a different kind of heat, consider using pickled banana peppers or even a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour & Plain Breadcrumbs: You can use cornmeal or a gluten-free flour mix if you're catering to specific dietary needs. The texture might vary slightly, but you'll still achieve a nice crispy coating.
Remember, making substitutions can lead to delightful new flavor combinations. Have fun experimenting, and as always, keep it tasty! We're all about flexibility in the kitchen.
VARIATIONS
Looking to shake things up a bit with the Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich? Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Spicy Kick: Swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack and add a few slices of fresh jalapeno for an extra spicy kick!
- Herb Delight: Sprinkle some fresh basil or cilantro between the cheese layers for a refreshing herbaceous touch.
- Bacon Lover's Dream: Add a couple of crispy bacon strips inside the sandwich for a smoky twist.
- "Pimento" Touch: Mix in some diced pimentos with your mayonnaise spread for a Southern-inspired flair. Yum!
- Going Mediterranean: Swap the cheddar for feta, add some sliced olives, and a drizzle of pesto for a Mediterranean vibe.
- Sweet and Tangy: Spread a thin layer of fig or apricot jam on one side of the bread to contrast the tang of the tomato with a touch of sweetness.
- Veggie Stacked: Add thin slices of avocado or some sprouts for added texture and freshness.
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, salt, and hot sauce to a small bowl.
STEP 2: Mix well with a small whisk or fork. Chill until ready to use.
STEP 3: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Slice green tomatoes ½" thick.
STEP 4: Add egg and buttermilk to a small dish.
STEP 5: Mix the eggs and buttermilk well. Add flour and breadcrumbs to small dishes for the dredging station.
STEP 6: First add the tomato slices into the flour and coat both sides well.
STEP 7: Next add the tomatoes to the egg mixture and coat well on both sides.
STEP 8: Add the tomato slices to the breadcrumbs and coat well. Set aside until all the slices are breaded.
STEP 9: Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet. Fry the tomatoes on both sides until golden brown.
STEP 10: Place the bread butter side down a a large skillet and cook until golden brown. Flip and warm the unbuttered side to help melt the cheese.
STEP 11: Add the sauce to both sides of the bread and leave in the skillet long enough to melt the cheese.
STEP 12: Place tomatoes on one side and add jalapenos if desired in the cheese side.
STEP 13: Put the sandwich together and cut it in half. Share one half with a friend or have the whole sandwich to yourself. Keep extra sauce nearby for dipping. Enjoy, because it's a long time until green tomato season rolls back around!
I THINK YOU'LL LOVE OUR OTHER GREEN TOMATO RECIPES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain their crispiness.
Absolutely! While sourdough offers a lovely tang and texture, feel free to use what you have on hand. Just make sure it's sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients.
Using a cast-iron skillet can give you that extra crispy texture on the bread. Also, make sure to press down slightly with a spatula while grilling.
Green tomatoes have a distinct tangy flavor and firmness which hold up well when fried. Ripe tomatoes tend to be juicier and might not provide the same texture.
For the best texture, it's recommended to enjoy them fresh. However, you can prep your fried green tomatoes ahead and assemble and grill the sandwiches when ready to eat.
Dip them thoroughly in flour, then the buttermilk, and finally breadcrumbs. Make sure each layer is evenly covered before moving to the next.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Split the sandwich and share it with a friend alongside a refreshing salad like my Golden Beet Salad or a handful of my Oven Roasted JoJo Potatoes.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Tomato Thickness: Slice your green tomatoes evenly, about ½ inch thick. This ensures consistent cooking and a balanced tomato-to-cheese ratio in each bite.
- High-Quality Bread: The bread is half the experience! Choose a good quality sourdough that can hold up to the fillings and gets crispy when grilled.
- Watch Your Heat: Fry your green tomatoes on medium heat. This will cook them thoroughly without burning the breadcrumb coating.
- Butter is Better: Don’t skimp on the butter when grilling the sandwich. It gives that golden, crispy crust we all love. Room-temperature butter spreads easier and more evenly on the bread.
- Press for Success: While grilling your sandwich, give it a gentle press with a spatula. This helps in even cooking and melting the cheese perfectly.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying the tomatoes, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil. This ensures your sandwich isn't too greasy.
- Season Immediately: Sprinkle a little salt on the fried tomatoes right after they come out of the pan. It sticks better and enhances the tomato's flavor.
- Experiment & Enjoy: Feel free to add or tweak ingredients as per your taste. Whether it's a different cheese or an added spread, make the sandwich your own!
Equipment
- Small bowl
- 3 Shallow dishes for dredging station
- Non-Stick skillet
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- pinch salt
- hot sauce to taste
For the sandwich:
- 2 green tomatoes sliced ½ inch thick
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 small egg or 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 3 pinches salt
- 3 pinches black pepper
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons butter room temperature
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapenos optional
Instructions
- Add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, salt, and hot sauce to a small bowl.
- Mix well with a small whisk or fork. Chill until ready to use.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Slice green tomatoes ½" thick.
- Add egg and buttermilk to a small dish.
- Mix the eggs and buttermilk well. Add flour and breadcrumbs to small dishes for the dredging station.
- First, add the tomato slices to the flour and coat both sides well.
- Next, add the tomatoes to the egg mixture and coat well on both sides.
- Add the tomato slices to the breadcrumbs and coat well. Set aside until all the slices are breaded.
- Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet. Fry the tomatoes on both sides until golden brown.
- Place the bread butter side down a a large skillet and cook until golden brown. Flip and warm the non-buttered side to help melt the cheese.
- Add the sauce to both sides of the bread and leave in the skillet long enough to melt the cheese.
- Place tomatoes on one side and add jalapenos if desired in the cheese side.
- Put the sandwich together and cut it in half. Share one half with a friend or have the whole sandwich to yourself. Serve with pickle wedges, extra sauce, and jalapenos.
Notes
Nutrition
The Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a beautiful meld of tangy, crispy green tomatoes with rich, melty cheese sandwiched between two perfectly toasted slices of sourdough. Its textures and flavors can turn any ordinary day into something special.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just dabbling in the kitchen, this sandwich is a testament to the joy of simple ingredients coming together in the most harmonious way. And while it's fabulous on its own, remember that cooking is all about personal touch. So, feel free to sprinkle in your own magic and make this recipe truly yours.
Thanks for visiting. As always, every dish, every bite, every moment spent in the kitchen is a celebration. Happy eating!
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