Tomato Sandwiches

If you grew up in the South, chances are you’ve heard of a tomato sandwich. I’ve never received more passionate answers regarding a sandwich than when I asked my friends and family about this food item. Tomatoes sandwiches are loved and cherished by many. When the sandwich is brought up with friends, expect a story about how their grandma made them in the summertime during their childhood. The nostalgia is a real treat!

These sandwiches are enjoyed throughout summer due to the abundance of fresh, ripe tomatoes and have grown in popularity over the years. The earliest reference to the tomato sandwich came from The Virginia Chronicle in 1911, where a man described his lunch as a tomato sandwich, a slice of watermelon, iced tea and a slice of coconut cream pie.

Ingredients for Tomato Sandwiches

• Plum tomatoes: Don’t buy just any tomatoes. They’re the star of the recipe, so you need the cream of the crop. Buy truly in-season, garden-fresh, sun-ripened tomatoes from the farmers market or get them from your neighbor’s garden.
• Salt and pepper: To ensure you don’t end up with a soggy sandwich, line the sliced tomatoes on paper towels and then salt and pepper the slices. It doesn’t take long!
• Mayonnaise: If you want the true southern experience, there’s only one mayonnaise that’ll do: Duke’s. Blue Plate is popular too, and Hellman’s will do just fine for any non-Southerner trying their hand at this tomato sandwich recipe.
• White bread: Use soft and fluffy white bread for a tomatoes sandwich. White bread is the perfect complement to the juicy tomatoes and soaks up any salty tomato juice, so it’s truly the best.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the tomatoes

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Season the tomato slices with salt and pepper, then set them aside.

Step 2: Add the mayo

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Spread the mayonnaise on each slice of bread.

Editor’s Tip: Feel free to use more or less mayonnaise as desired.

Step 3: Assemble the sandwich

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Add the tomato slices to four of the slices of bread. Top the sandwiches with the four remaining slices of bread. Serve immediately.

TASTE OF HOME

Tomato Sandwich Variations

• Toast the bread: Some sandwich connoisseurs like to toast their bread. I prefer it untoasted, but you can decide for yourself.
• Add a crunchy component: A single leaf of iceberg lettuce per sandwich adds a fresh flavor and a nice crunch. A slab of sweet white onion also does the trick for crunch.
• Layer in a slice of cheese: Some southern cooks swear by adding a slice of sharp cheddar cheese to their tomato sandwich recipe. You could also use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or mozzarella.

How to Store Tomato Sandwiches

If you have leftovers of your tomato sandwich that you want to save, either wrap it in aluminum foil or stick it in a resealable sandwich bag. It can be kept in the fridge for up to one day.

Can you make a tomato sandwich ahead of time?

A tomato sandwich is best eaten fresh, but you can make a tomato sandwich up to an hour in advance before eating. However, keep in mind that the bread will become soggy the longer it sits.

Tomato Sandwich Tips

TASTE OF HOME

What’s the best tomato for a tomato sandwich?

The best tomato for a tomato sandwich recipe is a plum, beefsteak or heirloom tomato. These types of tomatoes are super juicy and full of flavor. We highly recommend buying only garden-fresh, in-season tomatoes. Take a venture to your local farmers market during the summer and you’re bound to see a plethora of tomatoes.

What should I serve with a tomato sandwich?

The best sides to serve with a tomato sandwich are a homemade potato salad, a crunchy and creamy coleslaw, a vibrant broccoli salad, your favorite brand of potato chips or homemade french fries.