Is it even summer if you don’t bite into a Southern tomato sandwich while a little mayo and tomato juice runs down your wrist? I didn’t think so. There’s something about biting into juicy, fresh fruits and veggies when the summer heat hits. Of course, the true beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. The celebration of fresh ingredients is a tomato lover’s delight. You can whip these up in a quick minute, but you’ll want to slow down a bit to savor every last bite. I like to go with locally grown heirloom tomatoes, like red beefsteak tomatoes. Although, if you can only get your hands on hybrids, make sure they’re heavy, juicy, and ripe! The more area of bread you can cover with a slice, the neater they are to eat. 😅
Ingredient List
How to Make a Southern Tomato Sandwich
Optional Marinade – For extra flavor, mix minced shallot, garlic, basil, olive oil, and a little salt and pepper in a small bowl. (Photo 1) Marinate – Place the sliced tomatoes on a large plate, season with salt, then pour the marinade over them. Flip them over to season the other side and thoroughly coat them with the marinade. (Photo 2) Melt about ½ tablespoon of butter per sandwich in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the bread slices, turning them over a couple of times to thoroughly coat them in butter. Toast the bread for 1-2 minutes per side or until crisp and golden brown. Repeat the process to toast the remaining slices of bread. (Or toast the bread in a toaster and slather the hot toast with softened butter.) (Photo 3) Mayo – To assemble the sandwiches, lay the sandwich bread on a work surface and spread each slice generously with an even layer of mayonnaise. (Photo 4) Assemble – Arrange marinated tomatoes on top of one slice and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve – Close the sandwich, cut on a diagonal through the middle, and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
I don’t recommend making these ahead because of sogginess. However, you can certainly slice and marinate the tomatoes the day before.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve freshly assembled sandwiches with a side of potato chips and a pickle, or just on their own! Try to make only as many as you plan to eat, as these don’t keep well once assembled. You can store leftover tomatoes in their marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days.
What Goes With Classic Southern Tomato Sandwiches
Turn Southern tomato sandwiches into a hearty lunch with potato or plantain chips and a cucumber onion salad. Then wash it all down with a fresh pitcher of lemonade or some sweet iced tea.
More Classic Sandwich Recipes to Try
