Healthy Baked Green Tomatoes Recipe: Easy, Crispy, and Delicious

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to fried green tomatoes? Look no further! Our baked green tomatoes recipe is the perfect solution. This easy-to-make dish delivers all the crunch and flavor you crave without the added oil and calories. Perfect for a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these baked green tomatoes are a must-try.

Why You’ll Love Baked Green Tomatoes

• Healthy Alternative: These tomatoes are baked, not fried, making them a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and breadcrumbs creates a savory, crispy coating that enhances the natural tartness of green tomatoes.
• Versatile: Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with a variety of meals.
• No Mess: Baking these tomatoes on parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These baked green tomatoes are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients for Baked Green Tomatoes

• Green Tomatoes: Firm and tart, green tomatoes are perfect for baking and hold up well in the oven.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the tomato slices.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy coating. You can use regular, panko, or whole wheat breadcrumbs.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Paprika: Brings a mild heat and beautiful color to the coating.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the tomatoes.
• Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice and complements the other seasonings.

How to Make Baked Green Tomatoes

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and slice the green tomatoes, removing the stems. Aim for uniform slices for even cooking.
3. Whisk the Egg: Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
4. Mix Breadcrumbs and Spices: On a plate, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder and paprika. Mix well.
5. Coat the Tomatoes: Dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, then coat both sides with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated tomato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the tomatoes are golden brown and crispy.
8. Season: After baking, sprinkle the tomatoes with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• As an Appetizer: Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, aioli, or spicy mayo.
• Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty salad.
• Topping: Add them to sandwiches or burgers for an extra crunch and flavor.
• Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a healthy, savory snack

Tips for Success

• Uniform Slices: Ensure your tomato slices are of equal thickness to promote even cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Egg: The egg wash is crucial for making the breadcrumbs stick to the tomatoes.
• Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
• Use Parchment Paper: This helps prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
• Check for Doneness: The tomatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Breadcrumbs: Use panko for an extra crunchy texture, or whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like cayenne pepper for heat, Italian seasoning for a herbaceous touch, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Low Carb: Use almond flour instead of bread crumbs
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you have dietary restrictions.
• Vegan: Replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).

Make-Ahead Options

• Prep Ahead: Slice the tomatoes and prepare the breadcrumb mixture in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Freeze: Coat the tomato slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover baked green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?

Green tomatoes are firmer and less juicy than red ones, which makes them ideal for baking. Red tomatoes may not hold up as well and could become too soft.  With this in mind, you can still use the red tomatoes they’ll just be softer than the green ones.

What dipping sauces go well with baked green tomatoes?

Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, aioli, or even a tangy barbecue sauce are all great options.  Here are some recipes for homemade dipping sauces:

• Creamy Horseradish Sauce
• Bang Bang Sauce
• Homemade Ranch
• Spicy Mayo
• Avocado Sauce
• Homemade Thousand Island
• Sweet And Spicy Sauce

Can I make these baked green tomatoes in an air fryer?

Yes, please see my recipe for air fried green tomatoes.

Are baked green tomatoes keto-friendly?

This recipe can be made keto-friendly by using almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

Can I add cheese to the breadcrumb mixture?

Absolutely! Adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture will add extra flavor and crispiness.

More Oven Baked Side Dish Recipes

If you like baked green tomatoes, you will also enjoy these side dish recipes:

• Rice In The Oven
• Simple Cornbread
• Baked Spaghetti Squash
• Crispy Spinach Chips
• Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Crispy Baked Green Peas
• Baked Pita Chips
• Baked Green Beans With Potatoes
• Baked Broccoli And Carrots

See also:

• Keto Green Tomatoes
• Marinated Tomatoes
• Parmesan Tomatoes