Fried Green Tomato Parmesan: A Southern Twist on a Classic Italian Dish

Fried Green Tomato Parmesan offers a delightful fusion of Southern comfort food and classic Italian flavors. This recipe takes the tangy, crispy fried green tomato and elevates it with layers of rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fragrant basil, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a light vegetarian meal. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Unique Flavor Combination:** The tartness of the green tomatoes is balanced beautifully by the savory tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
* **Textural Delight:** The crispy exterior of the fried green tomatoes contrasts wonderfully with the soft, melted cheese and the tender sauce.
* **Easy to Make:** While it requires a few steps, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and doesn’t demand advanced cooking skills.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, pasta, or salads.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The layered arrangement of the ingredients makes for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Fried Green Tomatoes:

* **3-4 Large Green Tomatoes:** Choose firm, unblemished tomatoes that are still green. Avoid tomatoes that are starting to ripen.
* **1 cup All-Purpose Flour:** For dredging the tomatoes and creating a crispy coating.
* **1 teaspoon Salt:** To season the flour and enhance the flavor of the tomatoes.
* **1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Adds a touch of spice to the coating.
* **1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** For extra flavor in the breading.
* **1/2 teaspoon Paprika:** Adds a smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the fried tomatoes.
* **2 Large Eggs:** Beaten, for dipping the tomatoes.
* **1 cup Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs provide the best texture and crispness, but regular breadcrumbs can also be used.
* **1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese:** Adds flavor and helps to bind the breadcrumbs.
* **Vegetable Oil:** For frying. You’ll need enough oil to reach a depth of about 1/2 inch in your skillet.

### For the Parmesan Assembly:

* **2 cups Marinara Sauce:** Use your favorite homemade or store-bought marinara sauce.
* **8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Cheese:** Sliced or shredded. Fresh mozzarella provides the best flavor and meltability.
* **1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves:** Chopped, for garnish and added flavor.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For sprinkling on top.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **3 Shallow Dishes:** For dredging the tomatoes.
* **Large Skillet:** For frying the tomatoes.
* **Tongs:** For turning the tomatoes in the hot oil.
* **Baking Dish:** To assemble and bake the parmesan.
* **Paper Towels:** For draining the fried tomatoes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Part 1: Preparing the Fried Green Tomatoes

1. **Slice the Tomatoes:** Wash and dry the green tomatoes. Using a sharp knife, slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Avoid making them too thin, as they will become too flimsy during frying, and too thick will not cook evenly.
2. **Set up the Dredging Station:** In the first shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
3. **Prepare the Egg Wash:** In the second shallow dish, beat the eggs.
4. **Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:** In the third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
5. **Dredge the Tomato Slices:** One at a time, dredge each tomato slice in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
6. **Dip in Egg Wash:** Next, dip the floured tomato slice in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s completely coated.
7. **Coat with Breadcrumbs:** Finally, dredge the tomato slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Make sure the entire surface is covered evenly.
8. **Heat the Oil:** In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of breadcrumbs dropped into the oil sizzles gently.
9. **Fry the Tomatoes:** Carefully place the breaded tomato slices in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
10. **Cook Until Golden Brown:** Fry the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
11. **Drain on Paper Towels:** Remove the fried tomatoes from the skillet with tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

### Part 2: Assembling the Fried Green Tomato Parmesan

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Spread a Layer of Sauce:** Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents the tomatoes from sticking and adds flavor to the bottom layer.
3. **Arrange the Fried Tomatoes:** Arrange a layer of the fried green tomatoes on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
4. **Top with Sauce and Cheese:** Spoon some marinara sauce over the fried tomatoes, followed by a layer of sliced or shredded fresh mozzarella cheese.
5. **Repeat Layers:** Repeat layers of fried green tomatoes, sauce, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top. A typical arrangement is two layers of fried tomatoes and three layers of cheese, ending with a cheese layer.
6. **Sprinkle with Parmesan:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella.
7. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165F.
8. **Garnish:** Remove the Fried Green Tomato Parmesan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped basil leaves.

## Tips for the Perfect Fried Green Tomato Parmesan

* **Use Firm Green Tomatoes:** Choose tomatoes that are firm and green, with no signs of ripening. Overripe tomatoes will be too soft and will not hold their shape during frying.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Fry the tomatoes in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tomatoes.
* **Use Fresh Mozzarella:** Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and has a superior flavor compared to pre-shredded mozzarella.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the marinara sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the Fried Green Tomato Parmesan to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
* **Add a touch of spice:** Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or marinara sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Experiment with cheese:** Provolone or fontina cheese are great substitutes for mozzarella, if you are looking for a different flavor profile.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Cut the Fried Green Tomato Parmesan into squares and serve as an appetizer at your next gathering.
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
* **Vegetarian Main Course:** Pair it with a side salad or pasta for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
* **Sandwich Filling:** Use it as a delicious filling for sandwiches or panini.
* **With Pasta:** Serve it atop your favorite pasta dish. It is especially good with angel hair or spaghetti.

## Variations

* **Spicy Fried Green Tomato Parmesan:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or marinara sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Smoked Mozzarella Fried Green Tomato Parmesan:** Use smoked mozzarella cheese for a smoky flavor.
* **Goat Cheese Fried Green Tomato Parmesan:** Substitute goat cheese for mozzarella for a tangy twist.
* **Eggplant Parmesan with Fried Green Tomatoes:** Create a layered dish that combines fried eggplant slices and fried green tomato slices for a hearty dish.
* **Use different herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary in the breadcrumb mixture or marinara sauce.

## Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the fried green tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, before assembling the parmesan.

You can also assemble the parmesan ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Fried Green Tomato Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

## Recipe Card

**Fried Green Tomato Parmesan**

A Southern twist on a classic Italian dish, featuring crispy fried green tomatoes layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.

**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* **Fried Green Tomatoes:**
* 3-4 Large Green Tomatoes
* 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
* 2 Large Eggs, beaten
* 1 cup Breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
* Vegetable Oil, for frying
* **Parmesan Assembly:**
* 2 cups Marinara Sauce
* 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, sliced or shredded
* 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
* Grated Parmesan Cheese, for sprinkling

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Fried Green Tomatoes:** Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Dredge in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
2. **Assemble the Parmesan:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange a layer of fried green tomatoes on top of the sauce. Spoon some marinara sauce over the fried tomatoes, followed by a layer of sliced or shredded fresh mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella.
3. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
4. **Garnish:** Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves.
5. **Serve:** Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

## Conclusion

Fried Green Tomato Parmesan is a delightful and unique dish that combines the best of Southern and Italian cuisines. Its crispy, tangy, cheesy, and flavorful profile makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation that you won’t soon forget!