Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 – 3 medium to large green tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
• ½ cup flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 – 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• Oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 slices crusty French bread
• 8 slices pepper jack cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Season the green tomatoes liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Set up an assembly line with the flour, eggs, and panko. Dip a tomato into the flour, then into the egg and then press into the panko until well coated. Set aside and repeat until all tomatoes are coated.
3. Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Drop a couple of panko crumbs into the oil and once they sizzle the oil is hot enough. Fry the tomatoes in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with kosher salt. Repeat until all tomatoes are fried.
4. To assemble one sandwich: butter one side of 2 slices of bread, place one slice of cheese on the bread, place two tomatoes on top followed by another slice of cheese and the other slice of bread.
5. Place sandwich in a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook until bread is golden and cheese is melted, 2 – 3 minutes on each side. Serve immediately.