Fried Green Tomato and Bacon Grilled Cheese
Fried Green Tomato and Bacon Grilled Cheese. Crisp and tangy Fried Green Tomatoes, bacon, and lots of gooey cheese make this grilled cheese sandwich a southern treat.
Fried Green Tomato and Bacon Grilled Cheese. Crisp and tangy Fried Green Tomatoes, bacon, and lots of gooey cheese make this grilled cheese sandwich a southern treat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- butter
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup flour
- sugar
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 green tomatoes cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1/2 cup bacon grease save from cooking bacon
- â…” cup cornmeal
- 8 slices white bread preferably texas toast
- 8 slices bacon cooked
- 2 teaspoons chives chopped, optional
- Carbohydrate 55.1626914751802 g
- Cholesterol 131.600584781221 mg
- Fat 75.1723919668145 g
- Fiber 2.14334265746859 g
- Protein 30.3895443875244 g
- Saturated Fat 33.0041392222801 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (363g)
- Sodium 1638.09191587651 mg
- Sugar 53.0193488177116 g
- Trans Fat 5.46313109091727 g
- Calories 1017 calories
Step-by-step
- Whisk eggs, milk, paprika, and garlic powder in a pie pan or bowl.
- In another pie pan or on a plate, mix together flour, cornmeal, salt and pepper.
- Dip tomatoes into egg mixture and then coat with flour mixture.
- Heat bacon grease in a large cast iron skillet or regular skillet over medium heat. When hot, fry 4 to 5 tomatoes at a time. When golden brown on one side, flip and cook until golden brown on the other side. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with sugar and salt.
- For each sandwich, layer 2 to 3 fried green tomatoes on a piece of bread, top with 2 slices bacon, and about ½ cup Cheddar cheese and ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle with chives and top with another bread slice.
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Place a pat of butter on the surface of the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out as it melts. Place a sandwich on top and cook until golden brown. Lift sandwich off pan with a spatula, place another pat of butter down and flip sandwich over onto the melted butter. Cook until cheese is melted, turning heat down if it starts to brown too quickly.
My Southern Comfort Food: A Fried Green Tomato and Bacon Grilled Cheese Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes offer the biggest rewards. This Fried Green Tomato and Bacon Grilled Cheese sandwich is a perfect example. It’s a taste of home, a reminder of lazy Sunday afternoons spent with family, all wrapped up in a crispy, cheesy, utterly delightful package. It's a dish that transcends the ordinary grilled cheese, elevating it to a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
The inspiration for this recipe came from a trip to my grandmother’s house in the South. Her kitchen was always filled with the aroma of frying bacon and the sizzle of green tomatoes hitting a hot skillet. The air itself seemed to hum with Southern hospitality and the promise of delicious food. Her fried green tomato sandwiches were legendary, each bite a burst of tangy freshness contrasted with the salty crunch of bacon and the creamy richness of melted cheese. I’ve tried to recreate that magic in my own kitchen, and this recipe is the result. It’s my attempt to bottle that feeling of warmth, love, and of course, incredible taste.
The beauty of this sandwich lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. Just fresh, high-quality ingredients, a little patience, and a whole lot of love. The process of making it is therapeutic, a small ritual that brings me peace and quiet in the middle of a busy day. The rhythmic sizzle of the tomatoes, the intoxicating aroma of bacon, and the satisfaction of watching the cheese melt perfectly between golden-brown bread slices – it's all part of the experience.
The key to a truly exceptional sandwich is using good quality ingredients. The bread should be substantial enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy. Texas toast is a personal favorite for its slightly sweet and sturdy texture. Don't be afraid to use fresh, ripe green tomatoes, as their vibrant acidity is essential to the sandwich's character. And of course, the bacon should be crispy, smoky, and bursting with flavor. I often find myself sneaking a few slices before they even make it to the sandwich. Finally, the cheese – a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack – provides the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. It's important to note, grating your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded makes a world of difference.
This sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory, a taste of home, a quick escape from the everyday grind. It's the kind of recipe that I can easily whip up after a long day at work, a perfect reward for a job well done. And the best part is, it's versatile. It can be enjoyed for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a delightful brunch treat. This recipe has become a staple in my home and a go-to when I want to treat myself to something truly special, yet easy. I have served it to friends, family and colleagues, and it’s been a hit every time. Give this sandwich a try, I believe it will become a family favorite.
More than just a culinary creation, this Fried Green Tomato and Bacon Grilled Cheese is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life – the warmth of a home-cooked meal, the comfort of familiar flavors, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. So next time you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal that's both comforting and delicious, look no further. This is the one. Enjoy!
