Classic Tomato Sandwich Recipe

There may be no simpler summer lunch than a tomato sandwich.

Thick slices of ripe, juicy tomato, good bread, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper are really all you need. I'm using heirloom tomatoes and sourdough here, with a few fresh basil leaves from the garden, but this is very much a use-what-you-have tomato sandwich.

Choose your favorite loaf, whether it's sourdough from the market, soft sandwich bread, or a slice of homemade whole wheat bread. Then let those peak-season tomatoes do the rest.

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Ingredients

You need only a handful of ingredients:

• Tomatoes: Choose the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find. I love heirloom tomatoes when they're in season.
• Bread: Sourdough is pictured here, but use whatever you love or have on hand.
• Mayonnaise: Spread generously over the bread.
• Salt and black pepper: Season the tomatoes directly for the best flavor.
• Fresh basil: Completely optional, but lovely when the garden is overflowing with it.

How to Make a Tomato Sandwich

1. Slice the tomato: Cut a ripe tomato into thick slices using a serrated knife.
2. Prepare the bread: Spread mayonnaise over both slices of bread.
3. Assemble: Layer the tomato slices over one piece of bread and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Add basil, if using: Tuck in a few fresh basil leaves.
5. Serve immediately: Top with the remaining bread, slice, and enjoy.

A Few Tips for the Best Tomato Sandwich

Use ripe, room-temperature tomatoes for the most flavor, and season the tomato slices themselves rather than just sprinkling salt over the finished sandwich.

And while I'm using sourdough here, don't overthink the bread. A tomato sandwich can be every bit as wonderful on soft sandwich bread, homemade whole wheat bread, or whatever loaf you brought home from the market.

Most importantly, make it just before serving. A perfectly juicy tomato is exactly what you want-but it also means this sandwich is best enjoyed right away.

Do You Need Basil?

Not at all.

Fresh basil and tomatoes are one of summer's happiest pairings, and when basil is growing abundantly in the garden, I can't resist adding a few leaves.

But the classic tomato sandwich needs nothing more than thick slices of juicy tomato, bread, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.

Sometimes the simplest version really is the best.

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