You know that moment when a regular burger just won’t do? This is your answer. The Green Tomato BLT Burger isn’t just different—it’s downright unforgettable. Picture crispy fried green tomatoes, smoky bacon, and spicy mayo stacked between buttery brioche buns.
It’s a little messy, wildly flavorful, and 100% worth skipping the drive-thru.
Forget Everything You Know About Burgers
Burgers are boring. There, we said it. The same old beef patty, lettuce, and tomato routine won’t cut it anymore.
Enter the Green Tomato BLT Burger—a crispy, tangy, Southern-inspired masterpiece that’ll make your taste buds throw a party. Imagine juicy bacon, crunchy fried green tomatoes, and creamy sauce stacked on a buttery bun. Still craving that dry, overcooked beef patty?
Didn’t think so.
Why This Green Tomato BLT Burger Hits the Spot
This burger brings everything you love—and then some. The green tomato delivers that perfect crunch and tang, the bacon is crispy and rich, and the spicy mayo brings it all home with a creamy kick.
It’s bold, Southern-inspired, and still totally weeknight-friendly.
What You’ll Need
- 4 brioche or potato buns (soft but sturdy)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is your friend here)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 green tomatoes, sliced ½-inch thick
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (or more if you’re feeling bold)
- Lettuce leaves, optional but recommended
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
- Fry the bacon until golden and crisp. Save the grease if you want next-level fried tomatoes.
- Soak the tomato slices in buttermilk for 10 minutes—non-negotiable for tenderness.
- Dredge tomatoes in a mix of cornmeal and smoked paprika. Press that coating on.
- Fry the tomatoes until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Cook the burger patties with salt and pepper. Medium-rare is the move.
- Mix the mayo and hot sauce for a quick, creamy spread.
- Assemble: toasted bun, lettuce, patty, bacon, fried tomato, spicy mayo, top bun. Serve warm.
How to Store This Masterpiece
Honestly? It’s best fresh. But if you’re prepping ahead:
Fried tomatoes: Store in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer.
Burgers + bacon: Keep cooked for 3–4 days in the fridge.
Spicy mayo: Lasts up to 1 week in the fridge.
Cooked patties and bacon last 3-4 days. The sauce? It’ll survive a week, no problem.
Why You’ll Crave This Again and Again
This isn’t just a burger—it’s a flavor story. From the tart crunch of the green tomato to the smoky bacon and zesty sauce, every bite is layered with something special.
It’s also a brilliant way to use up unripe tomatoes. Win-win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the soak: Buttermilk helps that coating stick and softens the tomatoes.
- Overcrowding the pan: Steams, not fries. Cook in batches.
- Using lean beef: No fat = no flavor.
- Forgetting to toast the buns: A little crunch keeps everything from going soggy.
Swaps and Substitutions
No green tomatoes? Use red ones, but fry them quickly so they don’t fall apart.
Vegetarian? Use a portobello mushroom patty and coconut bacon.
Gluten-free? Almond flour instead of cornmeal.
Need a break from boring side dishes?
Skip the bland and dig into Lazy Bites—a lineup of fast, cheesy, and wildly satisfying snacks and sides. No fuss, no fancy ingredients. Just real food that tastes like you meant to impress someone.
Green Tomato BLT Burger
Ingredients
- 4 burger buns brioche or potato recommended
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend for juiciness
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 green tomatoes sliced ½-inch thick
- 1 cup buttermilk for soaking tomatoes
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional, to taste
- lettuce leaves for topping
- salt and pepper to season beef patties
- oil or bacon grease for frying
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Reserve bacon grease for frying tomatoes if desired.
- Soak tomato slices in buttermilk for 10 minutes.
- Mix cornmeal and smoked paprika in a shallow dish. Dredge soaked tomato slices until fully coated.
- Fry the tomatoes in bacon grease or oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into 4 patties and cook to desired doneness—medium rare recommended.
- Whisk together mayo and hot sauce to make the spicy spread.
- Toast burger buns. Assemble: bottom bun, lettuce, burger patty, bacon, fried green tomato, spicy mayo, top bun.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs About Green Tomato BLT Burger
Can I bake the tomatoes instead of frying?
Yes—but they won’t be quite as crispy. Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–20 mins.
What’s the best bun for this burger?
Brioche or potato. Soft, fluffy, and ready to hold up to all that flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yep! It gets better after a few hours. Store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Why use green tomatoes?
They’re firm and tart—perfect for frying. Ripe tomatoes just get mushy.
Final Thoughts
This burger doesn’t play by the rules—and that’s exactly why it works. It’s crispy, juicy, and layered with Southern soul. If you’ve got green tomatoes sitting around, this is the recipe you didn’t know you needed.
Now go grab that skillet and make something unforgettable.
Join Us Where the Lazy Magic Happens
- Instagram – catch quick bites, kitchen flops, and recipe wins in real time
- Facebook – where we swap no-fuss ideas and celebrate shortcut dinners
- Pinterest – stock up on scroll-stopping recipes that practically cook themselves
No judgment, just good food and a whole lot of “heck yes.”
