Fried green tomatoes are unripe, tart, and fried in a crispy cornmeal crust.
They’re a classic side that folks in the South have been making for generations.
But do you know what to serve with fried green tomatoes?
It’s hard to believe that unripe tomatoes could make such a tasty treat.
But there’s something about the slightly sour flavor combined with a crisp, crunchy coating that makes for a divine combination.
And one that is uniquely Southern.
They’re tasty enough to enjoy on their own with sauce. But they deserve an equally as delicious element on the plate!
So, transform your fried green tomatoes into an unforgettable meal with these 14 uniquely Southern side dishes.
1. Remoulade
The most necessary thing to serve with your fried tomatoes is a dipping sauce, and a Remoulade is the classic choice.
It’s rich, creamy, a little spicy, and an ideal pairing for your zesty tomatoes.
Remoulade is mayonnaise made with unique ingredients like horseradish, and a variety of spices that make it taste like no other sauce.
It’s easy to whip up while you fry your tomatoes and makes the perfect companion for your crispy, fried green tomatoes.
2. Fried Chicken
When it comes to southern soul food another essential dish is fried chicken.
A flavorful and extra crunchy breading with juicy, tender meat on the inside? You can’t get much better than that.
Fried chicken is the epitome of comfort food and is just so finger-licking good that I look for any chance to make a big batch.
It’s the traditional dish to serve with Fried Green Tomatoes and makes for an unforgettable meal.
3. Fried Catfish
Fried Green Tomatoes are known to go super well with almost any type of seafood, but my personal favorite is some fried catfish.
Like a good fried chicken, fried catfish is flavorful and crisp on the outside and flawlessly flaky on the inside.
Spritz it with lemon, serve with your fried tomatoes and some tartar sauce and your meal is complete.
4. Crab Cakes
While we’re talking seafood, crab cakes are another tasty delicacy that goes well with Fried Green Tomatoes.
For a perfect summer cookout meal, get yourself some fresh, good quality lump crab meat, combine with eggs, mayo, and your preferred spices and flavorings, and fry these babies up.
They’re sure to be everyone’s favorite and without a doubt, all tummies will be full.
5. Cheese Grits & Gravy
Whip up some divinely gooey, cheesy grits and some gravy featuring spicy, smoky Andouille sausage and you have yourself a first-class southern dish.
Add on some seared, juicy shrimp and combine with your fried green tomatoes for a superb home style meal.
The creamy cheese, savory sausage, fresh shrimp, and tart tomatoes make an absolutely wonderful combination.
6. BLT
Spice up this simple lunch staple by using Fried Green Tomatoes instead of your usual slices of red.
You can even fry your tomatoes in the left-over bacon grease to give them some extra flavor.
This subtle difference will take your sandwich to the next level; extra crunchy, extra tangy, and oh so divinely delicious.
7. Lobster Mac N Cheese
For an extra creamy and decadent side dish, lobster mac and cheese is the ultimate pairing. It may sound gourmet, but it’s actually quite simple to make.
In fact, once you make this tasty variation, I’m betting you never go back to the traditional macaroni and cheese. You’ll be spoiled for good.
Lobster mac is a great option for special occasions and it’s decadent flavors will be nicely balanced by your fried tomatoes for a magical dining experience.
8. Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is my go-to brunch meal. I get it at every breakfast with my girlfriends and my boyfriend loves when I cook it up at home for him.
Using Fried Green Tomatoes as the base for Eggs Benedict rather than toast or biscuits takes this heavenly brunch to a whole other level.
Just picture it: the creamy hollandaise sauce, sweet ham, and oozey over easy eggs. I don’t know about you, but my mouth is watering.
9. Pork Chops
Juicy, perfectly seared pork chops are another great entree to serve with your Fried Green Tomatoes.
They’re a little simpler and less expensive than some of the dishes on this list, and the savory meat will balance out the acidic tomatoes in the best way.
For extra moisture and flavor, make a sauce for your pork chops out of chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, honey, and butter. Yum!
10. Country Fried Steak
I know there have been a lot of fried things on this list, but when eating Fried Green Tomatoes, you just have to be prepared to be a little over the top and allow yourself to enjoy your meal guilt-free.
Country Fried Steak is another favorite comfort food for me. I just can’t resist this hearty and indulgent dish, and it just happens to pair perfectly with fried tomatoes.
11. Black Eyed Peas
Black eyed peas aren’t just a pop music group.
Originally they’re a yummy, buttery bean. Mixing up black eyed peas, onions, red pepper, garlic, chard, and spices is all you need to do to make this side dish.
Plus it’s actually pretty healthy and adds some more nutrients to the meal.
12. Cucumber Salad
Keep things fresh with another seasonal veggie.
Whether you douse it in a light vinaigrette or a creamy dill sauce, a cucumber salad offers a lot of the same flavor profiles as fried green tomatoes, while enlivening and refreshing your palate.
Plus, it’s super easy to make – just slice up some cukes and onions and mix together your sauce.
The best thing I’ve had fried green tomatoes with is soup beans an cornbread with mustard greens also but you don’t have to use them or pickled beets. That’s just how I was raised I live in Northeast TN. Try it an tell me what y’all think