FRIED TOMATO BLT’S

FRIED TOMATO BLT’S

🥓🍅 Fried Tomato BLTs with Sweet Basil Mayo — The Glow‑Up Your Sandwich Game Needed

Crispy bacon, crunchy fried tomatoes, buttery ciabatta, and a basil‑kissed mayo that could make cardboard taste gourmet — this BLT is not just a sandwich, it’s a moment.

 

 

Let’s be honest: the BLT is already a classic. It’s the little black dress of sandwiches — timeless, flattering, and always a good idea. But sometimes, even the classics deserve a glow‑up. Enter: Fried Tomato BLTs with Sweet Basil Mayo.

This sandwich is everything you love about a BLT, but with a sassy twist. Instead of plain tomato slices, we’re talking thick‑cut, golden‑fried beauties with a crispy cornmeal crust. Instead of plain mayo, we’re whipping up a basil‑infused spread that tastes like summer in a jar. Add smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, and a chewy ciabatta roll, and suddenly your Tuesday lunch feels like a five‑star event.

Why this recipe is a keeper:

• Crispy fried tomatoes — the Southern cousin your BLT didn’t know it needed.
• Sweet basil mayo — creamy, herby, and a little bougie.
• Ciabatta rolls — because regular bread just can’t handle this level of greatness.
• Crowd‑pleasing — picky eaters, foodies, and Instagram all approve.
• Elevated comfort food — fancy enough for brunch, easy enough for weeknights.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “classic BLT forever” or team “give me all the upgrades”?

Okay, I have a confession to make. I have never tried fried green tomatoes! I’m not from the South so it’s not a staple in my diet, but when I was watching a cooking show and they were making a delicious fried green tomato blt , I knew I could put a twist on that with a yummy, delicious red tomato!

 

 

ARE FRIED GREEN TOMATOES JUST UNRIPE?

Yes, This is a question I had since I have never had them before. They are picked off the vine before they turn red. There is always a exception to the rule and there are some heirloom varieties that remain green even when they are ripe. Make sure your tomato is firm.

 

HELPFUL TIPS FOR MAKING FRIED  TOMATO BLT SANDWICH

• I like to use a thick cut of bacon.
• I used my 12 inch cast iron skillet. But any skillet will do for this. Just make sure it has a heavy bottom.
• You can add a little cayenne pepper for a little kick or you can be a sissy, like me, and choose not to add.
• Try your hardest to keep them the same width. (I recommend 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick) Plus, if you can cut off the skin of the tomato slice, the batter will stick better.
• I used red tomatoes, because that’s what I know!
• I used cornmeal coating but you can use panko instead if you like. Either way, it’s delicious!
• Dredge all your tomatoes in the coating and place them on a baking sheet. It just makes the frying process easier because the coating will stick better.

 

 

Make sure to add tons of bacon, tons of tomatoes, and slather on the sauce. It will make you so happy!

We used a hearty Ciabatta roll  for our BLT sandwich.

I can’t wait for you try this FRIED TOMATO BLT’S recipe. Savory bacon with a crunchy fried tomato, topped with butter lettuce, basil sauce and yummy bread. Tis recipe screams Summer!

 

 

 

FRIED TOMATO BLT'S

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Ingredients

• Sweet Basil Mayo:
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• Sandwich:
• 16 thick slices bacon
• 4 ciabatta rolls
• butter lettuce
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fried Green Tomatoes:
• 1 1/2 cup rice flour, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• pinch of salt
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• 8 slices tomato, 3/4 to 1-inch thick (about 2 medium tomatoes)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. For the mayo: In a food processor, puree the basil, mayonnaise, lemon juice and mustard. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
2. For the sandwich: Place the bacon slices in a large nonstick sauté pan set over medium heat and sauté on both sides until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate until ready to assemble the sandwich.
3. For the tomatoes: In a large shallow dish, add 1/4 cup flour. In a separate baking dish, beat the egg, buttermilk, baking powder and baking soda. In a separate large shallow dish, add the remaining 3/4 cup flour, cornmeal, salt and cayenne pepper. Dredge the tomatoes in the flour, followed by the egg mixture and finally coat with the cornmeal mixture, shaking off any excess in between dredges. Place the tomatoes on a wire cooling rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat the process with all the tomatoes. Pour a 1-inch layer of vegetable oil into a cast-iron skillet. Heat the oil over high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F. Carefully add 4 tomato slices to the oil and fry until the tomatoes are golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the fried tomatoes to a baking sheet or plate lined with paper towels, season with salt and cool. Repeat with the remaining slices.
4. To assemble the sandwich: Slather each slice of bread with a generous amount of the basil mayo. Top 4 of the roll sides with 4 pieces of crispy bacon, 2 fried tomatoes and top with butter lettuce. Finish by topping the sandwich off with the other slice of bread.;

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Sandwich, Serves 4)

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fat: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun

• Tomatoes: Vitamin C + antioxidants.
• Basil: Freshness + anti‑inflammatory perks.
• Bacon: Protein + smoky happiness.
• Ciabatta: Carbs = joy.
• Mayo: Creamy richness (and we’re not apologizing).

💬 Reader prompt: Do you prefer your BLTs stacked tall and messy, or neat and tidy?

 

🔄 Recipe Variations

• Spicy BLT: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mayo.
• Avocado BLT: Layer in creamy avocado slices.
• Caprese BLT: Add fresh mozzarella and balsamic drizzle.
• Breakfast BLT: Add a fried egg on top.
• Veggie BLT: Swap bacon for crispy eggplant strips.

💬 Reader prompt: Which version would your family devour first — spicy, avocado, or breakfast?

🧒 Kid Tips

• Serve mini versions on slider buns.
• Let kids help dredge the tomatoes (messy but fun).
• Tone down the cayenne for sensitive taste buds.
• Call it a “crispy tomato bacon burger” to make it sound exciting.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

• Bacon: Buy in bulk, freeze slices between parchment.
• Tomatoes: Store green tomatoes at room temp until ready to fry.
• Basil: Grow a pot on your windowsill for endless supply.
• Ciabatta: Freeze rolls and toast straight from freezer.
• Buttermilk: DIY with milk + lemon juice if you don’t have any.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you usually fry with cornmeal, or do you stick to flour only?

🎯 Reader Challenge

This week, I challenge you to make Fried Tomato BLTs and serve them in a fun way. Maybe it’s open‑faced, maybe it’s cut into sliders, maybe it’s stacked sky‑high. Post your creation with #LouLouGirlsFriedBLT so we can all drool together.

🥪 Leftover Remix

• BLT Salad: Chop everything, toss with lettuce and extra mayo dressing.
• BLT Wraps: Roll leftovers in tortillas.
• BLT Pizza: Top pizza crust with mayo, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce.
• BLT Quesadillas: Layer bacon, tomatoes, and cheese in tortillas.
• BLT Breakfast Hash: Chop and toss with potatoes and eggs.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you rather turn leftovers into pizza or quesadillas?

💭 Final Thoughts

These Fried Tomato BLTs with Sweet Basil Mayo are proof that classics can always get a glow‑up. They’re crispy, creamy, smoky, and fresh — basically everything you want in a sandwich. Plus, they’re the kind of recipe that makes everyone smile, and isn’t that the best kind of cooking?

Here’s the thing about BLTs — they’re never just sandwiches. They’re the sound of bacon sizzling, the joy of biting into something crunchy and juicy, the comfort of knowing lunch is going to be a hit.

And these Fried Tomato BLTs? They’re keepers. They’re crispy, they’re golden, they’re indulgent, they’re fun. They’re the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve turned everyday ingredients into something restaurant‑worthy.

But what I love most is how recipes like this bring us together. Food has that magic — it’s not just about eating, it’s about sharing. It’s about swapping tips, laughing over mayo‑smeared fingers, and building little traditions that make life tastier.

So here’s my challenge to you: make this sandwich, share it with your people, and then tell me your twist. Did you add avocado? Did you sneak in mozzarella? Did you double the bacon just because you could? (No judgment — I’d be first in line for that version.)

💬 Reader prompt: Should we do a “Sandwich Glow‑Up Series” next? I’m dreaming up grilled cheese with brie and jam, turkey clubs with pesto, and maybe even a dessert s’mores sandwich

Did you try our FRIED TOMATO BLT’S ? What did you think? We would love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below or tag us on Instagram! 

 

 

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