Southern Fried Green Tomatoes(Makes 6 Servings)
Golden crispy fried green tomatoes and eggplant layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese create a comforting, savory dish full of Southern flavor and Italian influence, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 extra large egg ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. milk ⓘ
- 1 c. cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 green tomatoes, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. eggplant, unpeeled, 1/4-inch slices ⓘ
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 c. packaged seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (26 oz.) jar marinara sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 4 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan ⓘ
Instructions
- Dip eggplant slices into beaten eggs; coat with seasoned bread crumbs.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook eggplant in 3 batches until browned, about 2 minutes per side, adding more oil as needed.
- Transfer cooked eggplant to a plate.
- Let the skillet cool slightly, then wipe clean.
- Spread 3/4 cup marinara sauce in the skillet.
- Arrange half of the eggplant slices on top of the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture. If you want a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy dipping sauce. You can also substitute eggplant with zucchini for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Southern Fried Green Tomatoes as a delightful appetizer or side dish alongside grilled meats or with a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving with Hungarian Pinched Noodles or a light pasta dish. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fried green tomatoes in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as this may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Fried Green Tomatoes(Makes 6 Servings) contains roughly 2325 calories, with 38g protein, 284g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and protein (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2284mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes for this recipe?
However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Just remember to fry them fresh for the best texture.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
Feel free to experiment with different sauces to find your favorite.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).