Description
Crispy and flavorful oven-fried green tomatoes, breaded with a savory mix of cornmeal, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. This healthier twist on a Southern classic offers all the crunch without the need for deep frying, making it an easy and delicious appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cornmeal (or breadcrumbs for a different texture)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Binding
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
Finishing
- Cooking spray (or olive oil for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage crispiness.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In the first shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs and water until fully combined. In the third bowl, combine the cornmeal and grated Parmesan cheese if using for added flavor and texture.
- Coat Tomato Slices: Dip each green tomato slice first into the flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated all around. Next, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off to avoid sogginess. Finally, press the tomato slice into the cornmeal mixture, making sure it’s coated well for a crunchy crust.
- Arrange and Prepare for Baking: Lay the breaded tomato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil; this helps achieve a golden, crispy finish during baking.
- Bake the Tomatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip the tomato slices halfway through baking to ensure both sides brown evenly and become crispy.
- Serve: Remove the oven-fried green tomatoes from the oven and serve immediately. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, remoulade, or vinaigrette. They make a great appetizer, side, or snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory depth to the breading.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning in the breading mix to your taste, adding cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick.
