Why We Love This Fried Green Tomato Recipe
When summer arrives I’ve only got one thing on my mind… Crunchy on the outside, soft and tangy on the inside, fried green tomatoes dunked in creamy dressing. There’s just something magical about sitting outside on a warm evening with a big, cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade, and biting into a perfectly crunchy fried green tomato. Even with a hearty crust the tomato inside stays fresh and vibrant, and simply melts in your mouth. Do you have green tomatoes coming up in your garden this year? Bring a taste of the south to your kitchen by making Fried Green Tomatoes in the Oven and skip the excess fat, calories, and mess of this traditionally fried dish!
What is the best way to cook green tomatoes?
Hands-down baking is the best method for easily making extra crunchy Fried Green Tomatoes. It creates way less of a mess, protects you from hot oil splatter, and significantly reduces the fat. You can also use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version of these oven fried green tomatoes! This recipe requires just about 10 minutes of prep, and oven “fried” green tomatoes are ready to enjoy hot out of the oven in less than 30 minutes. Easy, quick, healthy, crispy, juicy, and flavorful: These baked Fried Green Tomatoes seriously are the BEST!
Ingredients You Need
This is one of those beautiful dishes that stays simple and focused on just a few key ingredients. The crust should be substantial but light, with seasonings that highlight (and don’t overpower) the fresh green tomato flavor. Here is what you need to make the Best Oven Fried Green Tomatoes:
Unripe green tomatoes – like plum or heirloom tomatoes Panko bread crumbs – or gluten free panko Buttermilk All-purpose flour – or your favorite gluten free flour Cajun seasoning – AKA creole seasoning Salt Ground cumin Cooking oil – vegetable oil or olive oil (or cooking spray) Caesar or Ranch dressing – for dipping
Cook’s Notes: Notice in the photos, green tomatoes do not need to be fully green. They should just be at least partially green and extra firm, so they have a sharp, tangy flavor. Also, no egg mixture or cornmeal is required for this oven recipe. However, you can swap the breadcrumbs with coarse cornmeal if you like! If you can’t find Cajun seasoning, combine a simple mixture of onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes (in the Oven)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and set out a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the oil on the baking sheet and spread it around with a spoon or brush. Prep the tomatoes by slicing them into ¼ inch rounds. Set out 3 shallow bowls: Pour the flour in one bowl, and the panko in the second bowl. In the third bowl combine the buttermilk, Cajun seasoning, salt, and cumin, and whisk well. One at a time, dredge the slices of tomato in the flour. Shake off the excess flour and dip the tomato slice in the buttermilk. Then, shake off the excess buttermilk over the bowl. Lastly, dip the slice in Panko breadcrumbs. Gently press the tomato into the breadcrumbs to get a nice, thick coating. Lay each coated tomato slice on the baking sheet, then flip it so it is coated in oil on both sides. Repeat with the remaining green tomato slices. (You can also use good-quality cooking spray instead of oil.) Bake for 12 minutes. Use a small spatula to flip the tomato slices over. Then bake again for 12 minutes, until perfectly golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Fried tomatoes are a delicious appetizer or side dish that goes with a number of other dishes! First, I recommend serving them with a side of dipping sauce like remoulade sauce, comeback sauce, Caesar dressing, or ranch dressing for dipping. Our healthier oven-baked Fried Green Tomatoes are perfect for enjoying as an appetizer, over cheesy grits, or even on top of a bed of fresh greens for a hearty summer salad that’s full of great textures and southern flavor. For a heartier meal, try serving them with hot honey chicken, cornmeal fish fry, or grilled blackened chicken!
How do I store and reheat fried green tomatoes?
These Fried Green Tomatoes baked in the oven are great for making in a large batch and saving leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or the freezer for up to 3 months. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in a single layer, not stacked on top of each other, to prevent the tomatoes from getting soggy. To reheat I recommend baking in a 350-degree F oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for several minutes to get nice and crispy again. Total time will depend on if they were refrigerated or frozen!
Can I make gluten-free fried green tomatoes?
You can easily swap the all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
How can I fry green tomatoes instead of baking them?
If you prefer to fry your tomatoes in a pan, I recommend using a large cast iron skillet. Using a neutral oil like canola oil, fry the breaded green tomatoes until they are crispy on both sides. Be sure not to flip them too many times or you will lose the breading on the tomatoes. Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with paper towels and a wire rack. Place the fried tomatoes on the wire rack so that they don’t get soggy and the oil will drain onto the paper towels!
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A simple buttermilk substitute is to combine regular milk with either a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, and let stand at room temperature for at least 5 minutes before using.
Where can I buy green tomatoes?
You can sometimes find green tomatoes at your local grocery store, especially during the summer. If you can’t find them and don’t have a summer garden, then you can also try searching for green tomatoes at the farmer’s market!
What else can you do with fried green tomatoes?
On top of serving them as-is for appetizers, you can pile them on grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, salads, or use them as a base for stacked snacks with charcuterie and cheese!
Looking for More Classic Southern Recipes for Summer? Be Sure to Try:
Southern Shrimp and Grits Oven Baked “Fried” Pickles with Garlic Sauce Jalapeno Hushpuppies Recipe Grandma’s Best Ambrosia Salad Southern Tomato Pie Recipe
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