167 Best Ways to Use Green Tomatoes

by Erin Marissa Russell

If you’re excited to cook with your homegrown tomatoes but don’t want to wait long enough for them to ripen, it’s time to learn the ropes of cooking with green tomatoes. Green tomatoes are simply underripe tomatoes of all varieties, and they’re similar in flavor to the tomatillo that verde salsa is made from. Though green tomatoes feature most prominently in American Southern cuisine, the possibilities are nearly limitless when it comes to how you’ll prepare the tomatoes you harvest from your garden. Keep reading to find out just how many ways there are to serve fresh green tomatoes.

Enjoy Green Tomatoes in Yeast Breads, Cornbreads, and Muffins

The crisp flavor and moist texture of green tomatoes makes them a perfect fit for including in breads you make at home. We’ll talk about sweet breads and other desserts later. This section focuses exclusively on savory quick breads, yeast breads, cornbreads, and muffins.

AllRecipes.com’s Green Tomato Bread

Beerenberg’s Polenta, Cheese, and Green Tomato Pickle Muffins

Cooks.com’s Green Tomato Cornbread

Food.com’s Sweet Green Tomato Corn Muffins

Southern Living’s Sweet Green Tomato Cornmeal Muffins on MyRecipes

The Southern Lady Cooks’ Green Tomato Muffins with Cheese

The Spruce Eats’ Green Tomato Quick Bread

Put Green Tomatoes to Work in Condiments

Green tomatoes traditionally turn up in all kinds of condiments, from jam to relish to Southern chow chow. Using your green tomatoes in condiments may allow you to store the tomatoes for longer than you could keep them on the counter or in the refrigerator. And the variety of flavors to choose from in these recipes means you can serve green tomatoes with all kinds of meals.

Better Homes & Gardens’ Green Tomato Ketchup

Carly Goldsmith’s Green Tomato Pasta Sauce on The Daily Meal

City Commons CSA’s Green Tomato and Corn Slaw

David Lebovitz’ Green Tomato-Apple Chutney

Domenica Cooks’ Green Tomato Preserves

Farm Fresh Feasts’ Green Tomato Bacon Jam

Food52’s Green Ajvar (Green Tomato Relish)

Garden & Gun’s Green Tomato Chow Chow

Garden Betty’s 4 Ways to Green Tomato Pickles

Indian Simmer’s Coconut and Roasted Green Tomato Chutney

Martha Stewart’s Green Tomato Chutney

New York Times’ Green Tomato Salsa Verde

Nourished Kitchen’s Fermented Green Tomatoes and Hot Peppers

Linda McDaniel’s Green Tomato Relish on AllRecipes

Oregonian Live’s Green Tomato Enchilada Sauce

Sara Foster’s Green Tomato Mayonnaise on MyRecipes

TheKitchn’s Green Tomatoes and Aceto Balsamico Jam

The Atlantic’s Orange-Green Tomato Relish

The Blurry Lime’s Roasted Green Tomato and Olive Tapenade

The Daily Meal’s Green Tomato Condiment

The Messy Baker’s Green Tomato Marmalade

The Spruce Eats’ Green Tomato Jam

Uncle D’s Sweet Piccalilli on AllRecipes

Vegan Soul Kitchen’s Green Tomato-Basil Chutney

Vidhya’s Home Cooking’s Green Tomato Kootu (Raw Tomato Gravy with Coconut)

Call on a Classic Dish with Variations on Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes is the quintessential preparation for unripened tomatoes—for good reason. The slightly sour tomatoes play against the salty batter, and the moist texture of the fresh tomato contrasts with the crumbly fried batter. There are plenty of ways to make fried green tomatoes a unique part of your next meal. Peruse the recipe in this section to see what we mean.

24 Carrot Life’s Fried Green Tomato Sticks with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction

Beyond Mere Sustenance’s Mexican Fried Green Tomatoes

Brooklyn Supper’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Sauteed Shrimp

Chili Pepper Madness’ Fried Green Tomatoes with Poached Eggs and Basil

Diane, A Broad’s Oven Fried Green Tomato Caprese

Eats Well With Others’ Fried Green Tomatoes Over Basil-Goat Cheese Grits

Elise Bauer’s Fried Green Tomatoes on SimplyRecipes

Fusion Craftiness’ Curry Fried Green Tomatoes

La Bella Vita Cucina’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Marinara

Rachael Ray’s Curry-Spiced Fried Green Tomatoes with Cucumber-Jalapeno Raita

Rachael Ray’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimiento Cheese Sauce and Green Onion and Jalapeno Scampi

Southern Fatty’s Loaded Fried Green Tomatoes

Vintage Kitty’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Whipped Herb Chevre

Dish Up Comfort with Green Tomato Gratins or Casseroles

Nothing evokes home cooking like a still-bubbling casserole dish that’s just out of the oven. Gratins and casseroles are the final word in comfort food, so they’re sure to please even the pickiest palates. The recipes below should provide you some inspiration for turning your harvest of green tomatoes into one-dish meals.

Blue Apron’s Cheddar Biscuit-Topped Chicken Casserole with Green Tomatoes and Collard Greens

Chowhound’s Beef and Green Tomato Casserole

Claire Robinson’s Green Tomato and Vidalia Onion Gratin on Food Network

Food.com’s Green Tomato Casserole

Kevin Andrews’ Green Tomato Casserole on AllRecipes

Martha Stewart’s Scalloped Green Tomatoes

Sara Moulton’s Green Tomato Gratin on Country Living

Let Green Tomatoes Shine Inside the Crusts of Galettes, Pies, and Tarts

Tomato pie is a Southern staple, and the same goes for green tomatoes. Whatever the crust vehicle you opt for, you’ll have an unexpected and tasty dish as a result. Check out all the ways to include your homegrown green tomatoes in pies, tarts, and more below.

Corner Cottage Bakery’s Green Tomato Galette

Drum Beets’ Savory Green Tomato Cobbler

Food & Wine’s Roasted Green Tomato and Smoked Cheddar Tarts

Garden & Gun’s Cast Iron Green Tomato Pie

Portlandia Pie Lady’s Fried Green Tomato Tart

The View from Great Island’s Green Tomato Cobbler with Buttermilk Cornmeal Biscuits

Wonky Wonderful’s Fried Green Tomato Pie

Feature Green Tomatoes in Sandwiches of All Kinds

A popular way to eat fried green tomatoes is to tuck them into a sandwich. From the traditional fried tomato po’ boy to upgraded sliders, green tomatoes are meaty enough to serve as the main sandwich filling—but some of the sandwich recipes here double up to pair them with meat anyway. Explore the possibilities with the green tomato sandwich recipes below.

Closet Cooking’s Fried Green Tomato and Shrimp Remoulade Po Boy

Food52’s Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches with a Shrimp Spread Filling

Grace Parisi’s Fried Green Tomato BLTs on Food & Wine

Plated’s Fried Green Tomato Po’ Boy with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Spicy Southern Kitchen’s Fried Green Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese

That Square Plate’s Fried Green Tomato Sliders

Williams Sonoma’s Fried Green Tomato and Pancetta Panini

Put the Spotlight on Green Tomatoes with Creative Main Dishes

Of course, you have more options for main dishes made of green tomatoes than fried green tomatoes and po’ boys. These recipes call on global cuisines and complex ingredient pairings to really let your homegrown green tomatoes shine. And many of these ideas can stand alone as a one-dish meal.

A Couple Cooks’ Goat Cheese Toast with Green Tomato Tartines

AllRecipes.com’s Tilapia with Green Tomato Tapenade

Cooking Books’ Green Tomato and Leek Frittata

Diversivore’s Fettucine with Green Tomatoes, Bacon, and Prawns

Farm Fresh Feasts’ Deep Dish Green Tomato and Goat Cheese Pizza

Ghujarati Girl’s Green Tomato and Onion Curry

Melissa Clark’s Lamb Chops with Green Tomatoes on New York Times

Mommy Gourmet’s Tilapia with Green Tomato Tapenade on AllRecipes

Nick Kindelsperger’s Green Tomato Curry with Potatoes and Garlic

OregonLive’s Spaghetti with Green Tomato-Bacon Sauce

Pamela Stevenson’s Green Tomato Tamale Pie on Mother Earth News

Simple Italy’s Abruzzo Green Tomato Pasta

Southern Living’s Best Ever Crab Cakes with Green Tomato Slaw

Taste of Home’s Curried Pork and Green Tomatoes

Taste of Home’s Fried Green Tomato Lasagna

The Brewer & the Baker’s Green Tomato Chipotle Mac and Cheese

The Feed Feed’s Fried Green Tomato Benedict with Pimiento Cheese Hollandaise

The Daily Meal’s Tempura Trout on Fried Green Tomatoes and Creamed Corn

The Spiced Life’s Green Tomato Curry with Peanuts and Yellow Split Peas

Opt for Fresh Salads to Show Off Homegrown Green Tomatoes

To really savor the deliciousness of green tomatoes fresh from the garden, it’s essential to eat them raw. What better way to serve up raw green tomatoes than in a vibrant summer salad? From simple combinations to salads that use off-kilter ingredients like fig or honeydew melon, you’re sure to find something to love in the list below.

Andrew Zimmern’s Corn and Green Tomato Salad

Amanda Hesser’s Chickpea and Green Tomato Salad on Food52

Bren Did’s Greek Salad with Fresh Green Tomatoes

Christy Jordan’s Green Tomato and Cornbread Salad on Taste of the South Magazine

Ciao Italia’s Marinated Green Tomato Salad

Closet Cooking’s Blackened Shrimp and Fried Green Tomato Po Boy Salad

Food Network’s Spicy Green Tomato-Avocado Salad

Good Grit Mag’s Charred Green Tomato Salad

Marie Simmons’ Fresh Fig and Green Tomato Salad with Basil on CUESA.org

MidwestLiving’s Grilled Green Tomatoes with Garden Herb Salad

Paul Grimes’ Green Tomato and Honeydew Melon Salad on Epicurious

PBS’ Green Tomato Mint Salad

Prudent Foodie’s Thai Style Green Tomato Salad

She Likes Food’s Green Tomato Southwestern Panzanella Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Southern Living’s Grilled Steak Salad with Green Tomato Vinaigrette

The Daily Meal’s Pickled Green Tomato Salad

The Splendid Table’s Salad of Green and Red Tomatoes

Turmeric n’ Spice’s Summer Grilled Green Tomato Salad

WanderCooks’ Burmese Green Tomato Salad

Whip Up Simple Sides from Fresh Green Tomatoes

There’s no need to make up a grocery list or spend tons of time in the kitchen to get your homegrown green tomatoes on the table. The recipes here use simple preparations and just a few ingredients to show off your garden’s green tomatoes to the max. Just take a look at all these options.

Asha Gomez’s Green Tomato Fritters on Country Living

Binnur’s Turkish Cookbook’s Green Tomato with Garlic-Yogurt Sauce

Bobby Deen’s Baked Green Tomatoes and Zucchini on Food Network

Bon Appetit’s Grilled Green Tomatoes with Burrata and Green Juice

Cooking with Thas’ Green Tomatoes Sambar

Delish’s Green Tomatoes in a Coconut-Chili Sauce

Delish’s Watercress and Green Tomatoes with Browned Butter

Fine Cooking’s Parmesan-Crusted Green Tomato Gratin

LifeHacker’s Green Tomato Bouyiourdi

Kitchen Riffs’ Curried Green Tomatoes

M in the World’s Indian Curried Green Tomatoes Bhaaji

Martha Stewart’s Grilled Green Tomatoes with Creamy Basil Sauce

My Fearless Kitchen’s Green Tomato Pasta Salad

Rachael Ray’s Green Tomato and Peach Carpaccio

Southern Bite’s Okra and Green Tomato Fritters

Southern Living’s Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese on MyRecipes

Syrup & Biscuits’ Savory Corn and Green Tomato Cakes

The Spruce Eats’ Green Tomato Rice with Bacon

Times of India’s Stewed Green Tomatoes

White On Rice Couple’s Grilled Green Tomatoes

Simmer Your Green Tomatoes into Soups and Stews

Green tomatoes do just as well as their riper counterparts when they’re served up in soups and stews. And just like with red tomato soups, there’s no shortage of flavor profiles to choose from. We’ve rounded up the best green tomato soup recipes on the internet to save you the trouble.

All Day I Dream About Food’s Spicy Green Tomato Soup with Crispy Pancetta

AllRecipes’ Green Tomato and Bacon Soup

Fearless Fresh’s Green Tomato Luscious Pork Stew

Food & Wine’s Chilled Green Tomato Soup with Tomato Confit

Food & Wine’s Roasted Green Tomato Basil Soup in Sourdough

Garden Betty’s Bacon, Chicken, and Green Tomato Soup

Gourmet’s Green Tomato Soup on Epicurious

Holy Cow Vegan’s Green Tomato Stew

Ilke’s Kitchen’s Cold Green Tomato Stew

Luna Cafe’s Curried Pumpkin Green Tomato Soup

MyRecipes’ Cucumber and Green Tomato Gazpacho

PepperOnPizza’s Green Tomato Corn Soup with Turmeric and Lemongrass

Katie Lee’s Tangy Green Zebra Gazpacho on Food & Wine

McCormick’s Fried Green Tomato Soup with Cornbread Croutons

Rachael Ray’s White Gazpacho with Grilled Shrimp

Rachel’s Roasted Poblano Pepper and Green Tomato Chili

The Blueberry Files’ Thai Green Tomato Soup

TheKitchn’s Green Tomato and Lentil Stew

With Food and Love’s Roasted Green Tomato Soup with Herbed Oil

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth With Desserts Made from Homegrown Green Tomatoes

That’s right—though it may surprise you, green tomatoes can contribute to all kinds of desserts and sweet treats. When you’ve had your fill of savory preparations, it’s time to put green tomatoes on the dessert menu.

AllRecipes.com’s Green Tomato Raspberry Jam

Canning Granny’s Green Tomato Pineapple Jam

Chowhound’s Green Tomatoes and Beer Chocolate Cake

Cooking Light’s Green-Tomato-and-Raspberry Cobbler on MyRecipes

Cooking Light’s Green Tomato Fig Cupcakes on MyRecipes

Cooks.com’s Green Tomato Chocolate Cake

Daily Dish Recipes’ Green Tomato Spice Cake

Girl Raised in the South’s Green Tomato Pound Cake

Healing Tomato’s Green Tomato Crumble Pie

Huffington Post’s Green Tomato Jam Tarts

Hunger Intervention Program’s Green Tomato Apple Crisp

Jackie Hardin’s Green Tomato Cake with Apple Cider Glaze on Mother Earth News

My Diverse Kitchen’s Spiced Green Tomato Bundt Cake

NatureFresh’s Green Tomato Blueberry Jam

Pancake Ninja’s Green Tomato Chocolate Chip Muffins

Paula Deen’s Green Tomato Cake with Brown Butter Icing on Food Network

Pure Grace Farms’ Cinnamon Rolls with Green Tomato Filling

Relish’s Green Tomato Breakfast Cake

Sumptuous Spoonful’s Whiskey Green Tomato Cake

Syrup & Biscuits’ Green Tomato Skillet Cake

Taste of Home’s Green Tomato Bars

The Spruce Eats’ Green Tomato Cake with Nuts

The Spruce Eats’ Sweet Green Tomato Pie

Watching What I Eat’s Green Tomato Brownie Cake

Armed with all these recipes, you should be well equipped to whip up tons of delicious dishes with the green tomatoes from your garden. But if you still have more than you bargained for, you can freeze green tomatoes just like you would red tomatoes [https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/tomato_green.html]. Of course, that just means you’ll have to wait for the tomatoes to defrost when you want to try out one of these dishes.