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Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

What to Serve with Fried Green Tomatoes? 10 BEST Side Dishes

For Fried Green Tomatoes, go with Bacon and Bean Soup, Corn Salsa, Remoulade, Crab Cakes, and Pork Chops.

Bacon and Bean Soup -

Let's start the list with a filling and tasty dish that's also popular.

For a lighter option, try Pork Chops. The juicy meat will go with the crunchy tomatoes nicely.

Fried green tomatoes aren't just a Southern classic-they're a culinary triumph that deserves standing ovations. They turn any meal into a bright feast

. Ever wonder what sides could possibly stand up to their tangy glory?

We've got you covered.

In our homes, finding the perfect partner for those crispy slices is a serious task. We treat it like a mission.

Some combos have had us scratching our heads, others had us dancing in the kitchen.

From creamy grits to zesty salads, we list down 10 side dishes that will improve your fried green tomatoes from solo stars to part of an unforgettable ensemble. Trust us, these are the pairings you didn't know you needed.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 10 Side Dishes to Serve with Fried Green Tomatoes
    • 1. Bacon and Bean Soup
    • 2. Corn Salsa
    • 3. Remoulade
    • 4. Crab Cakes
    • 5. Pork Chops
    • 6. Caprese Salad
    • 7. Jambalaya
    • 8. Scrambled Eggs
    • 9. BLT Sandwich
    • 10. Lobster Mac and Cheese
  • Frequently Asked Questions

10 Side Dishes to Serve with Fried Green Tomatoes

The following are the ten best side dishes you can serve alongside fried green tomatoes.

For a heartier, rice-based option, consider chicken fried rice side dishes that complement fried green tomatoes.

1. Bacon and Bean Soup

-

Let's start the list with a filling and tasty dish that's also popular.

A creamy, heavy dish like bacon and bean soup would be perfect to pair with crunchy and lovely items like fried green tomatoes - or try bacon wrapped dates side pairings for a sweet-salty contrast.

You can make the dish with dried beans in the slow cooker method or with canned beans.

It would help if you didn't confuse the canned beans for baked beans, as they're different.

The beans can be black, navy, pinto, or kidney beans, as all are delicious and suitable for soup.

Add some scallions or cilantro on top as garnish, and you'll have a yummy and filling dish.

2. Corn Salsa

-

Corn salsa is another dish you can serve alongside fried green tomatoes - similar to Mexican street corn side ideas that bring bright, charred corn flavor.

It's a fresh dish and has no cooking involved, so you don't have to stand over the hot stove to keep a watch.

Corn is one of the most popular vegetables in the US and is served on most occasions.

So, be assured that the salsa will be a big hit when you serve it with the tomatoes.

Fresh corn is juicy, yummy, and contains plenty of nutrients.

Making the salsa is also easy as you only have to chop the ingredients, add a dressing, and mix.

Add jalapenos and chili powder for that extra kick.

3. Remoulade

-

Originally from France, remoulade is also a famous sauce in the Southern US and worldwide.

It's pretty versatile and complements many dishes, including fried green tomatoes.

It's akin to tartar sauce but slightly different in color in ingredients.

You can make the sauce depending on how many people will eat.

It's a simple dish but delicious, and pairing it with fried tomatoes would be a lovely combo.

It's usually made with mayonnaise, horseradish, capers, pickles, and anchovy oil.

But you can also add paprika, curry, and chili powder if you prefer some heat.

4. Crab Cakes

-

Crab cakes and fried green tomatoes are both crunchy dishes, but their tastes are different because of the ingredients so they can pair up nicely - see soft shell crab side ideas for other crab-forward pairings.

It feels heavenly if you can imagine biting into a crispy exterior and juicy and flaky interior.

Crab cakes have crab meat and other ingredients, often coated with breadcrumbs.

They're available in different sizes, either small as a cookie or as big as a hamburger.

You can also cook the dish in different ways according to preference and convenience.

The usual methods are deep frying, broiling, baking, and sauteing.

Fresh crabs can be heavy, but ensure you don't hear any liquid sloshing inside.

5. Pork Chops

-

If you're thinking of adding meat to the menu, pork chops can also serve as a good side dish with fried green tomatoes - and pork and sauerkraut side ideas offer tangy, savory complements.

The juicy meat will go with the crunchy tomatoes nicely.

Pork chops are also versatile, so that you can cook them in different ways.

You can grill, broil, bake, braise, and fry them according to your preference and convenience.

You should keep one aspect in mind when buying pork chops.

Choose bone-in pork chops about 1.5-inches thick for most dishes.

If you want to do a breaded recipe, pick half-inch thick boneless meat (loin) and for stuffed recipes, select about 1.5 to 2 inches boneless.

6. Caprese Salad

-

Nothing can beat Caprese salad if you're thinking of a fresh cheese dish to serve alongside fried green tomatoes - also consider caprese chicken side ideas for more mozzarella-forward pairings.

The bright red, green, and white combo salad is one of the simplest to make, and it's also delicious.

Mozzarella from buffalo milk is the best choice; however, fresh mozzarella in water from cow's milk is also a great option, as the former isn't that easy to find.

If it isn't available, make the salad with mozzarella log.

You will need basil, tomatoes, seasoning, and a dressing to complete the dish and make it a yummy and healthy salad.

7. Jambalaya

-

Who doesn't love rice with meat and veggies? Of course, everyone does, so be assured that jambalaya will be a hit when you serve it with fried green tomatoes.

Jambalaya is a Louisiana dish influenced by French, Spanish, and African cuisines.

It's a delicious dish, and therefore its popularity has spread across the country.

Rice, meat, and veggies are the usual ingredients.

But you can also add seafood such as shrimp or crawfish, depending on what you have or can find.

But that's optional, and you can decide whether to use it or not.

For a robust, Creole-style accompaniment, try jambalaya side dishes that stand up well to fried green tomatoes.

8. Scrambled Eggs

-

Eggs and tomatoes? Yes, these two items combine pretty well, and everyone loves eggs, so you'll have a hit dish when you put it side by side with the tomatoes.

Scrambled eggs aren't just delicious but easy to make and convenient - see scrambled eggs side pairings for compatible breakfast-style options.

You can find eggs in abundance, and the dish is easy to make.

Besides, you can make it in large portions at a time.

Typically, you make scrambled eggs with oil, butter, and salt.

But you can also include cream, herbs, and sauces for aroma and crunch.

If you want some heat, you can add spicy seasoning.

9. BLT Sandwich

-

Do you like bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich? We guess you do, and so does everyone.

It also pairs excellently with fried green tomatoes, so you will have a nice combo.

Also called BLT, the sandwich contains the three ingredients mentioned above.

Besides these, you can also add more items such as cheese, salt, and pepper.

If you don't eat or want to add bacon, you can add turkey bacon (made with turkey), chicken, or tofu.

You can toast the bread or not, depending on what you prefer.

10. Lobster Mac and Cheese

-

Mac and cheese are also suitable to serve with fried green tomatoes.

Improve the dish by adding lobster and see how everybody loves your food.

The lobster in the dish makes it even tastier, and you won't want to stop eating.

Your dish will be lovely with the yummy lobster cheese sauce mixed with the pasta.

If you want an extra kick, some cajun seasoning will be a perfect choice.

Cheddar and parmesan cheese are the usual choices if you're wondering what cheese to use.

Fried okra pairs well with many Southern plates. fried okra side pairings lists complementary sides. Fried oysters also match similar sides - fried oysters side suggestions fits a seafood-forward menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side dish for Fried Green Tomatoes?

Bacon and Bean Soup Let's start the list with a filling and tasty dish that's also popular. Corn Salsa Corn salsa is another dish you can serve alongside fried green tomatoes.

Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.

Which sides can be prepped the day before?

Grain dishes and roasted vegetables are the best candidates. This side dish holds well in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Store the components separately and combine just before serving to keep textures intact.

What is the lightest option to round out the plate?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetable is the easiest low-effort option. It adds color and nutrients without heavy prep or additional richness.

How do you serve sides for a large group?

Sheet-pan sides and big-batch grains scale easily.

Roast everything on one or two trays and serve from the pan.

Avoid delicate sides that wilt or lose texture when held warm.

Explore more: This post is part of our Side Dish Pairing Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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