Crispy Southern-Style Fried Green Tomatoes with Creamy Bacon Sauce
Savor the unique flavors of Crispy Southern-Style Fried Green Tomatoes, a delightful dish that boasts a perfect combination of crunch and creaminess. Freshly sliced green tomatoes are coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture, then fried to golden perfection in savory bacon grease. Topped with a rich, creamy sauce infused with crisp crumbled bacon and a hint of green onion, this recipe promises to elevate your appetizer game. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat, these fried green tomatoes are sure to impress both family and friends.
5
Servings
240
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
green tomatoes
3 lbs (sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds)
eggs
2 (beaten well)
cornmeal
1 cup
bacon
5 slices (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
cream
1/2 cup
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
green onion
to taste (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and let cool on paper towels before crumbling into small pieces.
2
While the bacon is cooling, slice the green tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
3
Dunk each tomato slice into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
4
In a shallow dish, mix the cornmeal with salt and pepper. Dredge each egg-coated tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring an even coat.
5
Heat the reserved bacon grease in the skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated tomato slices in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
6
In the same skillet, pour in the cream and stir with a spatula to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Allow the cream to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
7
Add the chopped green onions to the cream sauce just before serving, stirring to combine.
8
Serve the fried green tomatoes on a platter, generously sprinkle with crumbled bacon, and drizzle the creamy bacon sauce over the top. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
18g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Southern-Style Fried Green Tomatoes?
They are a traditional Southern dish featuring sliced green tomatoes coated in seasoned cornmeal and fried until golden, typically served with a savory sauce.
How many calories are in one serving of this recipe?
There are 240 calories per serving.
What is the primary coating used for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes are coated in a mixture of 1 cup of cornmeal, salt, and pepper after being dipped in an egg wash.
How thick should the green tomatoes be sliced?
The tomatoes should be sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
What type of fat is used to fry the tomatoes?
The tomatoes are fried in the reserved bacon grease from cooking 5 slices of bacon.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 5 servings.
How do I prepare the bacon for this dish?
Cook the bacon in a cast iron skillet until crispy, let it cool on paper towels, and then crumble it into small pieces.
What is the purpose of the egg wash in this recipe?
The beaten eggs act as a binder to help the cornmeal mixture adhere to the tomato slices.
How long should I fry the tomato slices?
Fry the slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
How is the creamy bacon sauce made?
The sauce is made by deglazing the frying skillet with 1/2 cup of cream, scraping up browned bits, and simmering until thickened.
When should I add the green onions?
The chopped green onions should be stirred into the cream sauce just before serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 16g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide per serving?
Each serving provides 6g of protein.
What quantity of green tomatoes is needed?
You will need 3 lbs of green tomatoes.
How many eggs are required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 well-beaten eggs.
What equipment is recommended for frying?
A cast iron skillet is recommended for both cooking the bacon and frying the tomatoes.
How do I prevent the tomatoes from being too greasy?
Place the fried tomatoes on a plate lined with paper towels immediately after frying to absorb excess grease.
What are the main seasonings used?
The recipe uses salt and pepper to taste, mixed into the cornmeal.
Is this dish considered an appetizer?
Yes, it is categorized as a vegetable appetizer and comfort food.
What should I do with the bacon after crumbling it?
The crumbled bacon is used as a generous garnish on top of the finished fried tomatoes.
How much cream is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of cream.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
What does it mean to deglaze the pan?
Deglazing involves adding liquid, in this case cream, to the hot pan to loosen the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Should the tomatoes be served warm?
Yes, the recipe suggests enjoying them warm for the best taste and texture.
What is the final step in assembly?
The final step is to drizzle the creamy bacon sauce over the tomatoes and sprinkle them with crumbled bacon.
Can I use red tomatoes instead of green?
This specific recipe calls for green tomatoes because they are firmer and hold up better during the frying process.
Is there any fiber or sugar information available?
The nutritional data for fiber and sugar is not specified for this recipe.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
While specific prep time isn't listed, the frying takes about 6-8 minutes per batch plus bacon cooking and sauce reduction.
What makes the tomatoes crispy?
The combination of the cornmeal dredge and frying in hot bacon grease creates the crispy texture.