What Goes With Fried Green Tomatoes – 25 Incredible Dishes to Try
There’s nothing like biting into a crispy, fried green tomato. But what goes best with it? A variety of side dishes can accompany this classic.
Some people might enjoy pairing their fried green tomatoes with hush puppies or a creamy side dish like mac and cheese. Others might prefer to have a more balanced option like a fresh garden salad.
However, what else can you serve with fried green tomatoes? In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite recipes that go great with this delicious side dish.
What Goes With Fried Green Tomatoes
- Fresh Garden Salad
- Creamy Corn Casserole
- Grilled Asparagus With Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic And Basil Orzo
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Cheesy Mac N’ Cheese
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Oven-Fried Chicken
- Cucumber Salad
- Black-Eyed Peas
Fresh Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad is the perfect side dish for fried green tomatoes. The acidity of the tomatoes brings out the sweetness of the corn, while the lettuce provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy avocado. The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad a winner.
There are a few things to keep in mind when pairing a salad with fried green tomatoes. First, the acidity of the tomatoes can overwhelm a delicate dressing, so it is best to use a vinaigrette or simple oil and vinegar.
Second, the salad should be chopped relatively fine so that it doesn’t overpower the tomatoes. And finally, be sure to use fresh, in-season ingredients for the best flavor.
Creamy Corn Casserole
Creamy Corn Casserole makes an excellent side dish for Fried Green Tomatoes. The corn casserole helps to round out the meal and adds some needed creaminess to offset the acidity of the tomatoes.
Additionally, the corn casserole pairs well with the crunchiness of the fried green tomatoes. Overall, the two dishes complement each other perfectly.
There are several reasons why Creamy Corn Casserole makes a great side dish for Fried Green Tomatoes. First, as mentioned, the corn casserole helps to balance out the meal. The creaminess of the corn casserole contrasts nicely with the acidity of the tomatoes and helps to round out the flavors.
Moreover, Corn Casserole pairs well with Fried Green Tomatoes because both dishes have a similar texture. The creamy corn casserole provides a smooth contrast to the crispy fried green tomatoes.
Lastly, Creamy Corn Casserole is a versatile dish that can be flavored in many different ways. This means that it can be easily adapted to pair with Fried Green Tomatoes no matter what other ingredients are used in the dish.
Grilled Asparagus With Parmesan Cheese
Grilled asparagus with Parmesan cheese is a versatile and flavorful side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish, and the addition of grilled asparagus with Parmesan cheese elevates the flavors of the dish.
The asparagus provides a beautiful color contrast to the fried green tomatoes, and the Parmesan cheese adds a depth of flavor that compliments the dish.
The grilled asparagus can also be used as a side dish for roasted chicken or fish. The rich flavor of the Parmesan cheese pairs well with the delicate flavor of roasted chicken or fish, and the grilled asparagus adds a pop of color to the plate.
Garlic And Basil Orzo
Garlic and basil orzo is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. Fried green tomatoes are a popular choice, but this side dish can also be used with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or fish.
The benefits of using garlic and basil orzo as a side dish are many. First, garlic is a natural antibacterial and can help to boost your immune system.
Additionally, basil is full of antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are looking to improve their overall health.
Finally, the orzo itself is a good source of complex carbohydrates and protein. This makes it a filling and satisfying option that will help to keep you feeling full throughout the day.
Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is a great side dish for fried green tomatoes. There are a few reasons for this. First, the coleslaw helps to cool down the tomatoes and balances out the flavors.
Second, the coleslaw adds a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy fried coating.
Third, the coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that compliments the softness of the tomatoes. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy cooks.
Cheesy Mac N’ Cheese
There are many reasons why cheesy mac n’ cheese makes an excellent side dish for fried green tomatoes. For one, the creamy cheese sauce helps to offset the slightly acidic flavor of the tomatoes.
Additionally, the macaroni provides a nice contrast in texture to the crispy fried coating on the tomatoes. And, of course, who doesn’t love a little extra cheese?
In terms of nutrition, macaroni and cheese are fairly well-rounded dishes. The pasta is a good source of complex carbohydrates, while the cheese provides protein and fat. This makes it a filling side dish that will help to round out a meal. Plus, it’s always a hit with kids!
When pairing mac and cheese with fried green tomatoes, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that the tomato slices are not too thick or they may overwhelm the small pasta noodles.
Second, if you’re using a pre-made cheese sauce, be sure to add some extra seasoning to taste. A little bit of garlic or onion powder can go a long way. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. A sprinkle of bacon or some fresh herbs can take this dish to the next level.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Crockpot mashed potatoes make an excellent side dish for fried green tomatoes. Here are some reasons why:
- They help to absorb the excess grease from the fried green tomatoes without weighing them down.
- The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes complements the crispy breading on the fried green tomatoes.
- The starchy quality of the mashed potatoes helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be easily dressed up or down to suit any occasion.
- They can be made ahead of time and kept warm in the crockpot, freeing up space on the stovetop.
Oven-Fried Chicken
When it comes to side dishes, oven-fried chicken is a great option to pair with fried green tomatoes. Here are some reasons why:
- Oven-fried chicken is relatively low in calories and fat compared to other fried chicken recipes. This makes it a healthier option for those watching their intake of saturated fats.
- The breading on oven-fried chicken helps to create a crispy exterior that pairs well with the juicy tomatoes.
- Oven-fried chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Some things to keep in mind when pairing oven-fried chicken with fried green tomatoes:
- The sweetness of the tomatoes may overwhelm the savory flavors of the chicken, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- The textures of the two dishes will be different, so consider serving them on separate plates or using contrasting garnishes (e.g., fresh herbs for the chicken and pickled onions for the tomatoes).
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a great choice for a side dish when you’re serving fried green tomatoes. Fresh and crispy, cucumber salad provides a perfect contrast to the richness of fried foods.
Cucumber salad also has the added benefit of being low in calories and fat, making it a healthier option than many other side dishes.
To make cucumber salad, simply combine chopped cucumbers with diced red onion, fresh dill, white vinegar, and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve chilled.
Cucumber salad can also be paired with grilled fish or chicken. For a heartier dish, add some chopped cooked bacon or crumbled feta cheese to the salad.
Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are a versatile and flavorful side dish that can be used to complement a variety of recipes.
Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish, and pairing them with black-eyed peas makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. The peas add a hearty dose of protein and fiber, while the tomatoes provide a juicy, acidic contrast.
This combination is also a great way to use up leftover black-eyed peas; simply reheat the peas and fry the tomatoes as directed. Other recipes that pair well with black-eyed peas include cornbread, collard greens, and ham.
When selecting a recipe to pair with black-eyed peas, keep in mind that the dish will add both flavor and texture. For example, if you’re making a traditional cornbread recipe, you may want to add extra spices to balance out the sweetness of the dish.
Black-eyed peas are also a great way to add protein and fiber to your diet; they’re low in fat and calories, and they offer a host of health benefits.
Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What Goes With Fried Green Tomatoes
What are some other options when choosing what goes with fried green tomatoes?
- Country Fried Steak
- Pork Chops
- Eggs Benedict
- Lobster Mac N’ Cheese
- BLT Sandwich
- Cheese Grits And Gravy Crab Cakes
- Fried Catfish
- Remoulade Sauce
- Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy
- Pimiento Cheese And Bacon
- Fried Okra
- Hushpuppies
- Biscuits
- Shrimp Remoulade
- Ranch
What are some common mistakes when choosing what goes with fried green tomatoes?
There are some common mistakes that people make when choosing what goes with fried green tomatoes. One mistake is to choose a side dish that is too heavy or filling.
Another mistake is to choose a side dish that is not complementary to the flavors of the fried green tomatoes. Finally, people often make the mistake of choosing a side dish that is not easy to prepare.
When choosing what goes with fried green tomatoes, be sure to keep these mistakes in mind so that you can avoid them and enjoy your experience when preparing and eating your fried green tomatoes.
Conclusion
When it comes to what goes with fried green tomatoes, the options are endless. You can choose a side dish that is simple and easy to prepare, or you can go for something more complex and flavorful.
No matter what you choose, be sure to select a dish that will complement the flavors of your fried green tomatoes.
With so many delicious recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your next meal!