Tomato Sandwich Recipe: Making a Southern Tomato Sandwich

The main ingredients of a tomato sandwich are ripe tomatoes, mayonnaise, and bread. In the southern part of the United States, the three-ingredient sandwich is a summertime staple. Traditionally, white sandwich bread is the most common bread to use; however, any type of sandwich bread works, such as sourdough bread, whole wheat bread, or honey wheat bread, depending on your local accessibility.

Fresh tomatoes from the supermarket or farmers’ market will produce the freshest-tasting tomato sandwich. Here are three types of tomatoes that work well for the dish:

1. 1. Beefsteak tomatoes: Also known as beef tomatoes in the UK, beefsteak tomatoes are meaty, juicy tomatoes with a mild flavor. When using these tomatoes, absorb some of the tomato juices with a paper towel before adding the tomato slices to your sandwich.
2. 2. ‘Early Girl’ tomatoes: These tomatoes ripen early in the season and are juicy, sweet, round, and good for slicing. Depending on the size of your bread, a sandwich might require using multiple tomato slices since ‘Early Girl’ tomatoes are smaller than beefsteak tomatoes and other varieties.
3. 3. Heirloom tomatoes: Large in size and irregular in terms of shape, heirloom tomatoes can make for good tomato sandwiches. Popular heirloom varieties include Brandywine and Black Krim.

For additional flavor, add toppings beyond tomato slices to your sandwich. Here are five ingredients that pair well with garden tomatoes:

1. 1. Bacon: For a flavor profile resembling that of a BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich, add crispy bacon. The meat’s crunch contrasts in texture to the soft tomatoes, and its saltiness complements the sweet tomatoes and tangy mayonnaise.
2. 2. Cheese: The creaminess of cheese helps to bulk up a tomato sandwich. Add cold slices or toast the sandwich in a pan for a tomato grilled cheese sandwich. Use a thin slice of American cheese, mozzarella cheese, or a soft cheese, like Brie.
3. 3. Greens: Top a tomato sandwich with crunchy romaine lettuce, peppery arugula, dense kale, or shredded iceberg lettuce for additional texture and freshness.
4. 4. Herbs: Tomatoes pair well with fresh herbs, such as parsley, fresh basil, rosemary, and dill. Chop your favorite herb or combination of herbs, then mix them into the mayonnaise spread or add them directly over the tomatoes.
5. 5. Mayonnaise: A southern tomato sandwich includes mayonnaise. Capable of adding moisture and saturated fat to sandwiches, mayonnaise is a thick emulsified sauce of oil and raw egg yolks. Make your own homemade mayonnaise or use a store-bought brand to hold your sandwich ingredients together and add creamy flavor.

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