
Yields: 2 hearty sandwiches
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
There’s something undeniably perfect about a classic tomato sandwich. With just a handful of humble ingredients—juicy summer tomatoes, creamy mayonnaise, and soft white bread—you can create a sandwich that’s simple yet unforgettable. It’s the taste of lazy summer afternoons, backyard gardens, and southern charm, all in one bite.
Ingredients:
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4 slices of white sandwich bread (soft and fresh, preferably not toasted)
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1 large beefsteak tomato, ripe and juicy, sliced thick (about ½ inch)
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2 to 4 tablespoons Duke’s mayonnaise, or your favorite variety
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few fresh basil leaves, or a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Instructions:
1. Choose and Prepare the Tomato
Pick the ripest, juiciest tomato you can find—beefsteak tomatoes work beautifully due to their size and meatiness. Wash the tomato and slice it into thick rounds. You’ll want about 2–3 slices per sandwich, depending on the size of your tomato. Set them aside on a plate and let them rest for a minute so some of the juices begin to release.
2. Prep the Bread
Lay out all four slices of white bread on a clean surface. The bread should be soft and pillowy, not toasted—this allows it to soak in the tomato juices and mayo, which is part of the sandwich’s magic.
3. Slather on the Mayo
Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Don’t be shy—the mayo adds richness and helps bind everything together. If you’re using Duke’s (a Southern favorite), you’ll get that signature tang, but feel free to use any high-quality mayo you love.
4. Assemble the Sandwich
On two slices of the mayo-covered bread, carefully layer the tomato slices. Slightly overlap them if needed. Then, sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes. Don’t skip this step—salt brings out the tomato’s natural sweetness, and the pepper adds a gentle bite.