If you have yet to try a sandwich that masterfully combines Southern charm with bold, crunchy layers of flavor, then this Crunchy Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine thick-cut, crispy bacon nestled alongside perfectly fried green tomato slices that crackle delightfully with each bite, all brought together by a tangy, spicy remoulade sauce on toasted white bread. This sandwich is a celebration of textures and tastes—crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh—that feels like a comforting hug and a culinary adventure all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Crunchy Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich Recipe just right is all about balancing simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the smoky bacon, the crisp green tomatoes, or the zesty homemade sauce that elevates every bite.
- Thick-cut bacon: Provides rich, smoky crispness and is the savory backbone of the sandwich.
- Green tomatoes: Their firm texture and tangy flavor make the perfect crispy star after frying.
- Cornmeal and all-purpose flour: This blend ensures a crunchy, golden coating on the tomatoes.
- Spices (salt, black pepper, cayenne, sugar): Add balanced seasoning and a subtle kick to the breading.
- Milk and egg: Together, they create the ideal batter to help the coating stick to the tomatoes.
- Vegetable or canola oil: For frying, making sure the tomatoes get their signature crunch without greasiness.
- High-quality white bread: Toasted to a perfect golden brown, it embraces all the fillings beautifully.
- Duke’s mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, pickle juice, horseradish, paprika, Cajun spice, hot sauce: Combined into a vibrant remoulade that ties every component together with tang and heat.
- Lettuce leaves: For a fresh, crisp contrast to the fried elements.
How to Make Crunchy Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Cook Bacon and Slice Tomatoes
First, get that thick-cut bacon sizzling in a skillet until it reaches your desired crispness—whether chewy edges or fully crunchy, it’s up to you. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to capture excess grease. While the bacon cools, slice your green tomatoes into even 1/4 inch thick rounds. This thickness is the sweet spot for frying—thin enough to be crispy, but thick enough to hold their juicy texture inside.
Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Stations
It’s time to get organized. Whisk together the milk and egg in a shallow bowl to create your egg wash, which will help the breading stick beautifully. In another bowl, mix the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and sugar. This aromatic, flavorful mixture will give the tomatoes their irresistible crunchy coating that’s packed with zing.
Step 3: Fry the Green Tomatoes
Heat half of your oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat—test the temperature by flicking a drop of water into the pan; you want it to shimmer and sizzle right away. Dip each tomato slice into the egg wash, then thoroughly coat it in the cornmeal mixture. Fry the slices in batches, careful not to crowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes per side until each is a beautiful golden-brown. Once cooked, drain the fried tomatoes on newspaper or brown paper bags to keep them crisp and oil-free.
Step 4: Whip Up the Remoulade Sauce
Next, grab a small jar and combine Duke’s mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, pickle juice, freshly grated horseradish, paprika, Cajun or Creole spice mix, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and fully blended. Allow it to rest for a few minutes so the bold flavors have time to marry perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Toast the white bread slices to your preferred level of golden perfection. Spread a generous layer of the spicy remoulade sauce on each slice. Layer on fresh lettuce leaves, the crunchy fried green tomato slices, and finally pile on the crispy bacon. If you want, add your own twist with extra toppings, but this combination truly shines just as it is. Serve your Crunchy Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich Recipe warm and prepare to savor each vibrant bite.
How to Serve Crunchy Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pop, garnish your sandwich platter with pickle spears or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. A few pickled jalapeños can bring a lovely heat contrast that complements the sandwich’s spice blend.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh side dishes like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a tangy cucumber salad. The crunch and acidity in the sides complement the rich, fried elements beautifully and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the sandwich halves stacked on a rustic wooden board for a homespun, inviting look. Add a small ramekin of extra remoulade for dipping, and perhaps even wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper with a twine bow for a casual picnic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Crunchy Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 1 to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Because this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh to keep the crunch intact, freezing is not recommended. The fried tomato slices especially lose their texture upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sandwich in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to revive the toast and warm the bacon without making the fried tomatoes soggy. Avoid the microwave as it tends to soften the crispy coating.
FAQs
Can I use red tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
While red tomatoes are sweeter and juicier, green tomatoes hold up better when fried due to their firmness and tartness, which balances the sandwich perfectly. For authentic crunch and flavor, stick with green tomatoes.
Is this sandwich vegetarian-friendly?
Since it contains bacon, this sandwich is not vegetarian. However, you could substitute the bacon with a smoky tempeh or grilled mushroom for a vegetarian twist, though the traditional Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato experience will differ.
What kind of bread works best?
High-quality white bread is traditional here because it toasts well and provides a neutral canvas for the bold sandwich flavors, but feel free to experiment with sourdough or whole wheat if you prefer.
How spicy is the remoulade sauce?
The remoulade sauce has a pleasant but noticeable kick, balanced by the creamy mayonnaise and tangy pickle juice. You can adjust the hot sauce quantity to tame or amplify the heat to your liking.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends and use gluten-free bread. Just be sure to select gluten-free cornmeal and verify your spices and condiments are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich Recipe is a true celebration of Southern flavors with a crunchy, crispy twist that awakens your taste buds and comforts your soul. Whether sharing it with family or surprising friends with something uniquely delicious, this sandwich is bound to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create such unforgettable magic!
Print
Crunchy Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Crunchy Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich recipe combines crispy fried green tomatoes, savory thick-cut bacon, fresh lettuce, and a tangy homemade remoulade sauce, all layered between toasted white bread. Perfect for a flavorful and hearty meal, this sandwich delivers a delightful crunch and a burst of southern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
For the Bacon and Tomatoes
- 1 to 2 pounds thick-cut bacon, cooked
- 3 green tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne spice
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup oil (for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil)
For the Sandwich Assembly
- 12 pieces high-quality white bread
- 1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
- 2 teaspoons pickle juice
- 1 to 2 teaspoons grated horseradish
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun or Creole spice mix
- 4 dashes hot sauce
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon and Prepare Tomatoes: Cook the thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches your preferred level of crispness. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. While the bacon is cooling, slice the green tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick slices to ensure even frying.
- Prepare Breading and Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg to create an egg wash. In another shallow bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne spice, and sugar to make the breading mixture.
- Fry the Green Tomatoes: Heat half of the oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat until hot (test by dropping a small amount of water into the oil to see if it shimmers and sputters). Dip each tomato slice first into the egg wash, then fully coat with the cornmeal mixture. Fry the tomatoes in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on newspaper or brown paper bags to remove excess oil.
- Make the Remoulade Sauce: In a small pint-sized jar, combine Duke’s mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, pickle juice, grated horseradish, paprika, Cajun or Creole spice mix, and hot sauce. Seal the jar and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Let it rest for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toast Bread and Assemble Sandwiches: Toast the white bread slices to your desired level. Spread a generous amount of the remoulade sauce on each piece of toast. Layer fresh lettuce leaves, fried green tomato slices, and cooked bacon onto the bread. Add any additional toppings as preferred. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and tangy flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use thick-cut bacon to add a hearty texture and flavor to the sandwich.
- If you prefer a spicier sandwich, increase the cayenne spice in the breading or add extra hot sauce to the remoulade.
- The oil temperature is crucial for crispy fried tomatoes; avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even frying.
- Use fresh, firm green tomatoes for optimal frying without sogginess.
- You can substitute the white bread with your preferred sandwich bread such as sourdough or whole wheat.
