Name: Fried Green Tomato Caprese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: For the Fried Tomatoes:; Vegetable oil for frying; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp seasoning salt (such as Lawry’s); 2 to 3 large eggs; 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs; 3 large green tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices; Flaky sea salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; For the Caprese:; 12 oz fresh mozzarella, thickly sliced; ¼ cup balsamic glaze; 1 large bunch fresh basil leaves for serving

Description

Fried Green Tomato Caprese is a delicious fusion of Southern comfort and Italian freshness. Crispy, golden-fried green tomatoes are paired with creamy mozzarella, topped with sweet balsamic glaze and fresh basil. This vibrant dish is the perfect appetizer or light summer meal, offering a crispy, creamy, and tangy flavor combination that will leave everyone craving more!

Ingredients

For the Fried Tomatoes:

Vegetable oil for frying

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp seasoning salt (such as Lawry’s)

2 to 3 large eggs

1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs

3 large green tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

Flaky sea salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

For the Caprese:

12 oz fresh mozzarella, thickly sliced

¼ cup balsamic glaze

1 large bunch fresh basil leaves for serving

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Instructions

Set up the dredging station: Add about an inch of vegetable oil to a large heavy skillet and heat to 350°F. Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: one with flour and seasoning salt, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge the tomato slices: Dredge the tomato slices in the seasoned flour, dip them in the egg, and coat them with panko breadcrumbs. Repeat with the remaining slices.
Fry the tomatoes: Working in batches, fry the tomatoes for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with flaky sea salt and black pepper.
Assemble the Caprese: Season the mozzarella with salt and pepper. Alternate layering fried tomatoes and mozzarella slices on a platter.
Finish with balsamic glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

Air fryer option: For a lighter version, air fry the breaded tomato slices at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Gluten-free option: Swap the flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Balsamic glaze: To make your own balsamic glaze, reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove until it thickens into a syrup.

Tomato substitute: If green tomatoes aren’t available, use firm, underripe heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern, Italian