Take Your Fried Green Tomatoes To The Next Level And Stuff Them With Your Favorite Cheese

With their crisp coating and tangy bite, fried green tomatoes are magic all on their own — but did you know you can elevate an almost perfect experience by tucking a bit of cheese inside? The key here is to choose a cheese that can handle the heat. So while softer cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or fresh mozzarella are good if you want to give your fried tomatoes a creamy and mellow center, they'll need to be packed in snugly so they don't run out as you're frying. A firmer cheese like cheddar or provolone may do better at holding its shape inside the fried tomato. Or you could blend two types together — something a bit softer and meltier combined with something sharp — so you enjoy richness, texture, and flavor depth in every bite. 

Yes, some types of green tomatoes are just unripe red ones, and that's exactly why they can handle being fried alongside bold cheeses: Their firm and tart flesh stays intact under the heat which a ripe tomato would not be able to withstand. But to really make sure your fried tomato and cheese slices don't fall apart during cooking, hollow the tomato slices carefully with a small spoon before you press in the cheese, and then fill the opening with a little breadcrumb mixture before frying. Alternatively, you can hold your cheese between two tomato slices to create a sort of deep fried sandwich.

Stuffing fried green tomatoes with cheese is only the start; there's much more room to play with this iconic Southern dish. For a brinier kick, try using pickled green tomatoes for an extra zing instead of fresh ones. They hold up surprisingly well in the fryer and give every bite an added punch of tang which will really complement the cheese. The coating can also get an upgrade. Swap out plain breadcrumbs for a parmesan mixture to give your fried green tomatoes an even cheesier explosion.

And don't ignore how you fry them too, because if you want to lean into the Southern tradition, you should be frying your green tomatoes in bacon fat for the most flavor. Or even just dripping a little bacon fat into your vegetable oil can add a richer and smokier note that will be incredible paired with a sharp cheese like blue or gorgonzola. And when it comes to serving, think beyond dipping sauces and get drizzling instead. Imagine a drizzle of hot honey or spicy mayo with the tart tomato and melted cheese. With just a little imagination and your favorite cheese, fried green tomatoes can go from a traditional comfort food to something gooey and playful which makes it just perfect for a casual dinner party.