Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a Southern classic that’s sure to impress! The irresistible combination of crispy bacon, tangy fried green tomatoes, and creamy pimento cheese creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something delicious, this Bacon and Fried Green Tomato Pimento recipe is the perfect choice. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you can bring a taste of the South right into your kitchen. Dive in and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to share!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon
- 2 green tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds and set them aside. Crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for frying the tomatoes.
- While the bacon is cooking, set up a breading station. In a shallow dish, pour the cornmeal and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
- Take each slice of green tomato and dredge it in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring that both sides are well-coated. Shake off any excess cornmeal.
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, heat the pan over medium-high heat. Once the grease is hot, carefully add the breaded green tomato slices in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tomatoes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the tomatoes are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Continue frying the remaining slices, adding more bacon grease if necessary.
- To assemble the dish, take a serving plate and start with a layer of fried green tomatoes. Spread a generous dollop of pimento cheese on top of each slice. Crumble the crispy bacon over the pimento cheese.
- Optionally, you can garnish with additional salt and pepper, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while the tomatoes are warm and the pimento cheese is slightly melted.
- Enjoy your Southern-inspired Bacon and Fried Green Tomato Pimento dish with friends and family!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Look for firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best frying results. They should be slightly tart, which complements the richness of the bacon and pimento cheese.
- Perfectly Crispy Bacon: To achieve perfectly crispy bacon, cook it over medium heat and allow it to render its fat slowly. This will give you that delicious crunch without burning.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t skimp on seasoning the cornmeal! A well-seasoned breading will elevate the flavor of the fried green tomatoes, so be generous with salt and pepper.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying the tomatoes. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that golden brown color.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the dish right after assembling. The combination of warm fried tomatoes, melted pimento cheese, and crispy bacon is unbeatable!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and flavor, while a drizzle of hot sauce can bring an extra kick.
- Pair with a Side: Consider serving this dish with a light salad or a refreshing slaw to balance out the richness. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
