Description
Crispy and flavorful oven-fried green tomatoes made by coating tart green tomato slices with a seasoned flour, egg wash, and cornmeal mixture, then baking them to golden perfection. A healthier alternative to traditional frying, this recipe yields a crunchy, savory appetizer or side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
Coating Mix
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
Breading
- 1 cup cornmeal (or breadcrumbs for a different texture)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Cooking
- Cooking spray (or olive oil for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for crisp baking.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients for flour mixture: In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika thoroughly.
- Make the egg wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with water until fully combined to create a smooth egg wash.
- Prepare the breading mix: In a third bowl, combine the cornmeal with grated Parmesan cheese if using, mixing evenly.
- Coat the tomato slices in flour: Dip each green tomato slice into the flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated on all sides.
- Dip in egg wash: Next, immerse the floured tomato slice into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Coat with cornmeal mixture: Finally, press the tomato slice into the cornmeal and Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating for maximum crispiness.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated tomato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overlap for even cooking.
- Add oil for crispiness: Lightly spray the tops of the tomatoes with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to enhance browning and crunch.
- Bake the tomatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to brown both sides evenly until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately: Serve your oven-fried green tomatoes hot with your choice of dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, remoulade, or vinaigrette as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Notes
- Using cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs enhances texture and adds a slight crunch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Flipping the tomatoes halfway through baking ensures both sides cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- For extra crispiness, you can drizzle olive oil instead of using cooking spray, but use it sparingly to avoid sogginess.
- These green tomatoes are best served immediately to maintain their crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
