BLFGT Sandwich Ups Your BLT Game
This BLFGT Sandwich has crispy bacon, refreshing lettuce, and tangy fried green tomatoes. It will make your taste buds sing!
The hubs and I went south of us in search of antique glassware. I miss doing that. Getting into the car and driving to find some hidden gems that may be worth way more than you paid for it. Since the mid 90’s I’ve helped Dad with his antique glass business. He used to be a picker way back in the day before I was old enough to even be in the kitchen. So, having something like that Dad and I can do together is so fun! And it’s even more fun that the hubs enjoys it, too.
On this particular trip, I started to get hangry. That’s never fun. When I get hangry it’s not just me getting pissy. It’s a physical thing where my body starts to shake and I get light headed. Not fun. So, we decided to stop and head to the closest place to get something to eat. And that was Jack’s Shop Kitchen. On their lunch menu, they have a fried green tomato BLT. Since I LOVE fried green tomatoes, I had to try it. And then I had to make recreate it at home. Because it was oh so delicious.
What is the origin of fried green tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes have a rich history that spans back to the early days of Southern cuisine. This beloved dish is said to have originated in the South, where cooks would fry unripe green tomatoes to make use of the harvest before the frost. The result is a crispy, tangy treat that adds a unique touch to any dish, including the classic BLT sandwich. The practice of frying green tomatoes has since become a staple in Southern cooking, earning a spot in the hearts and stomachs of many including me.
What do fried green tomatoes taste like?
Fried green tomatoes have a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from their ripe, red counterparts. They are very tangy. This pairs perfectly with the crispy, savory coating. The contrast between the tartness of the green tomato and the richness of the breading creates a perfect balance of flavors that is both delicious and satisfying. If you’ve never tried fried green tomatoes before, you’re in for a treat with this unexpected twist on a classic sandwich ingredient.
How to Make Perfectly Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes
To make perfectly crispy fried green tomatoes, start by slicing the green tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Season the slices with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
While the tomatoes are resting, prepare a breading station with three separate bowls: one with flour mixture, one with the tempura style beer batter, and one with toasted panko breadcrumbs. It is worth it to toast your panko because it makes everything you oven fry crisper and crunchier. The panko breadcrumbs are a nice golden brown and super crunchy after toasting. Dredge each tomato slice in the flour, then dip it in the batter, and finally coat it in the panko mixture.
These fried green tomatoes are oven fried. That means they go into the oven. Make sure you have a baking pan with a rack. This will allow the air to get all around those tomatoes and make them crispier. Spray one side with cooking spray or spritz with oil and bake at 375 F for 7 minutes. Make sure to put your rack in the upper third of your oven so the top gets nice and crispy. Flip the tomatoes, spritz again, and bake an additional 7 to 10 minutes until the tomatoes are fork tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Yes, you can probably air fry them. I haven’t tried that yet so I can’t really tell you how well it will turn out. I imagine it would best to cook them at a lover temperature since the air fryer is a smaller appliance. Maybe try 350 for 7 to 8 minutes a side. That way the tomatoes are tender in the middle and crispy on the outside. Mine has a roast and air fry option, so I would set them to air fry at 400 F for 2 to 3 minutes a side to make sure they’re super crispy.
How do you make a BLFGT sandwich?
If you want to bake your bacon instead of microwaving it, then I suggest starting with that. You could put the bacon in the oven while you preheat it to cook the tomatoes. At least that’s how I cook bacon in the oven. I put it on a rack on a baking sheet and put it in a cold oven to start with. Once it’s nice and crispy, I take it out and let it cool to room temperature for these sandwiches.
If you don’t bake your bacon, then I’d start with the tomatoes. They will take a little bit to cook. And while those are oven frying you can microwave the bacon. Put your bacon on a paper towel lined plate and microwave for 3 minutes and check to see how crispy it is.
If it’s not crispy enough for you, continue to microwave at one-minute intervals until it’s crispy. Thicker bacon will take longer to cook. Remove the bacon from the microwave and cool to room temperature. My plate gets super hot so be careful when you take it out of the microwave.
Prep the lettuce and buns to finish assembling your sandwich. Yes, I went with a bun instead of bread. I wasn’t thrilled with the bread options from the store when I made this sandwich. I wanted an artisan thick sliced bread which I couldn’t find that week. So, I went with a bun. If you want bread, just make sure it’s a hearty bread that can hold up to all the ingredients.
Your tomatoes and bacon are cooked, lettuce is turn, and you’re ready to assemble! I put mayonnaise on the bottom bun and put the lettuce on top of the mayo. Most put the lettuce on top, but I like a lot of lettuce on my sandwich, so I put it on the bottom to make it easier to eat.
Next goes those crispy and tangy fried green tomatoes that are the start of this sandwich. Then the bacon, some salt and pepper, cheese if you want, and the top bun also spread with mayonnaise. It’s the perfect stack of deliciousness for a sandwich.
What does this bacon and friend green tomato sandwich taste like?
These sandwiches were so good. They had delicious crunch from the panko. The green tomatoes came to the plate with that tangy flavor I was expecting to taste. Then there was the smoky, salty, and delicious bacon. This BLFGT sandwich is a kicked up version that brings all the flavors and textures to the plate. I’m drooling. You drooling?
Part of this recipe comes from the fish sliders I made. The dredging liquid has a slight tempura type quality to it and really adds delicious beer batter flavor to these tomatoes. You can’t totally use sparkling water if you’d prefer. I loved the hint of beer flavor in these tomatoes and in this sandwich giving it an extra layer of flavor.

BLFGT Sandwich
This BLFGT Sandwich has crispy bacon, refreshing lettuce, and tangy fried green tomatoes. It will make your taste buds sing!
Ingredients
- 1 cup panko
- 1 cup flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup cold beer
- 2 large, green tomatoes
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 8 slices bread or 4 buns
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Combine 1/2 of flour with the salt and pepper in a shallow. Stir with a fork until well blended.
- Combine the remaining flour with the cornstarch, egg white, and beer in a shallow dish. Stir with whisk until the flour and cornstarch are blended into the beer.
- Place the panko on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Toast the panko until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before placing in a shallow dish.
- Dredge the tomatoes in the flour, then dip into the batter, and then coat with panko before placing on a baking sheet fitted with a rack.
- Spray the tomatoes with cooking spray (or use an oil mister). Place the baking rack in the upper third of your oven and bake the tomatoes for 7 minutes. Turn the tomatoes over, spray again, and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes depending on the thickness of your tomatoes.
- While the tomatoes are cooking, prepare your bread or buns. Spread the mayonnaise on the bread, top with one or two leaves of lettuce, and 2 slices of bacon.
- Once the tomatoes are cooked, allow to cool slightly before placing two slices on top of the bacon (or place the bacon on top of the tomatoes. It’s your sandwich) and serve with chips and a pickle.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 788Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 75mgSodium 1759mgCarbohydrates 109gFiber 6gSugar 12gProtein 28g
Copycat Recipes
- Barbecue Pork and Shrimp Egg Rolls (Chinese Take-out Style) from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- BLFGT Sandwich from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels from Hezzi-D’s Recipe Box
- Mrs. Field’s Peanut Butter Dream Bars from That Recipe
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Oh how I wish green tomatoes were available where I live! I had them in South Carolina while traveling and loved them. This sounds delicious.
I don’t find them here often, either. But they’re worth it when you can find them.
this sandwich look delicious !!
Thank you!
I worked in a sandwich shop for many years and I’d bet this would have been a smashing hit!
Thank you! Maybe someone will put it on their menu.
I love fried green tomatoes with a drizzle of ranch dressing! I know I would LOVE this sandwich! And my dad loved fried bologna! Those edges so crispy because he liked to fry everything to death! Oh to have one more time to sit and eat that with him. I loved it on toast with yellow mustard. I am going to have to make on again soon! Thank you for the delicious recipe and bringing to mind a wonderful memory!
You’re so welcome! Those are one of my fave sandwiches. Dad made the best ones.
I think you know how I feel about fried green tomatoes! This is my kind of sandwich!
So so delicious, aren’t they?
Great sandwich Christie, thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Your sandwich looks and sounds sooo good Christie! Great tip on browning the panko before the tomato phase. My niece’s husband would love the beer accent, too =) Thank you for the keeper recipe =)
You’re welcome! It’s great on the fish sliders, too. The beer adds a nice little hint in the background.
I would have never thought to make a sandwich with fried green tomatoes, but it’s such a fabulous idea!! It looks scrumptious!!
Thank you, Liz! They’re pretty good.
I love fried green tomatoes…will definitely be adding them to my next BLT.
I hope you like them! I thought you’d get a kick out of the beer accent in the batter.
I’ve never had a fried green tomato sandwich but after seeing this I won’t rest until I have one, looks fabulous!
They’re delicious! I hope you like them.