Consider this blog post as a heartfelt homage to my cherished summer dish rather than a conventional recipe. Tomato sandwiches hold a special place in my heart, as they were among the first foods that captivated my taste buds. With each passing year, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of summer solely for the joy of indulging in these delectable treats. It is high time that I pay tribute to their exquisite simplicity and extend the opportunity to experience their blissful flavors to those who have yet to savor them. Without a doubt, tomato sandwiches rank as my absolute favorite delicacy of all time.
What’s on a Tomato Sandwich
I have a preference for the traditional tomato sandwich which includes only succulent, ripe tomatoes, creamy mayonnaise, soft white bread, and a touch of salt and pepper. No further additions required!
When the juice of the tomatoes mixes with the creamy mayo, salt, and pepper, it creates a dressing that effortlessly permeates the bread, resulting in a delectable fusion of flavors and textures. It is so heavenly that I am unable to stop at just one bite. Without fail, as soon as I finish the last morsel, I find myself eagerly reaching for a second serving.
It’s all about the Tomatoes
The main focus of this sandwich is to savor the delectable and exquisite tomatoes of summer. For optimal flavor, it is recommended to purchase locally grown tomatoes if possible. While heirloom tomatoes are visually appealing and delicious, they may slightly elevate the cost of your sandwich. If feasible, visit nearby farmer’s markets or approach neighbors who might be cultivating tomatoes to acquire some of these fresh summer treasures!
What Kind of Bread to Use for Tomato Sandwiches
While many tomato sandwich enthusiasts prefer soft white bread, I am more open-minded about the choice of bread. I appreciate a bit of texture, so if my bread is excessively soft, I’ll lightly toast it to add a hint of color. Additionally, I quite enjoy using whole wheat bread for my tomato sandwiches, although it seems that I may be in the minority on this preference. Generally, most types of bread can be used for tomato sandwiches, but I would suggest avoiding overly crusty or chewy bread, such as baguettes, as they tend to overshadow the tender texture of the tomatoes inside.
Real Mayo Only, Please
When discussing their preferred mayonnaise, particularly for tomato sandwiches, Southern individuals are known to hold passionate opinions. Dukes and Blue Plate are commonly favored, but a traditional Hellmann’s mayo is also enjoyable, in my humble opinion. Ultimately, the key requirement is that it must be incredibly creamy.
Tomato Sandwich Variations
A few years back, I shared a social media video expressing my fondness for tomato sandwiches and inquired about your preferred methods of making them. The responses I received were absolutely delightful! Here are a few additional ingredients that people adore including in their tomato sandwiches:
Please share your favorite toppings for tomato sandwiches in the comments section below!
How to Make Tomato Sandwiches – Step by Step Photos
Start by slicing your tomato. For the largest slices, I prefer to slice horizontally. The thickness of the slices is your choice, but I usually go for a medium-width. I aim for a thickness that allows me to avoid excessive layering, yet still allows for overlapping.
To enjoy toasted bread, make sure to prepare it while slicing the tomatoes. Apply a generous layer of mayonnaise on each slice (approximately 1.5 tablespoons per slice, adjusting based on your bread’s size).
Arrange the tomatoes on the bread, to your liking (this is purely a matter of personal preference). Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper over the tomatoes and the other slice of bread.
Put the remaining slice of bread over the sandwich and cut it in half, either horizontally or diagonally, according to your preference. Relish the sandwich promptly. …And then proceed to prepare another one. 😉
I can’t help but feel a strong craving just by gazing at that. 🤤
