Name: Classic Tomato Sandwich
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 3 min
Ingredients: 2 large ripe tomatoes; 8 slices white bread; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

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This tomato sandwich recipe is a southern classic! It's affordable, quick and easy to make, and comes together with 3 simple ingredients.

If you grew up in the South, you probably already know about the beloved tomato sandwich. If not, you may be wondering what the heck I'm talking about!

It's a cold sandwich cherished by many due to its long history.

The earliest reference of the tomato mayonnaise sandwich was in The Virginia Chronicle in 1911.

What is a tomato sandwich?

A classic tomato sandwich comes together with two slices of soft white bread, creamy mayonnaise, thick-cut tomatoes, salt, and pepper.

Enjoy as a light lunch or easy appetizer! It’s the perfect summer meal.

Tomato Mayo Sandwich Ingredients

This simple southern classic recipe is a childhood favorite.

They are loved by many and the specific type of ingredients are highly debated depending what you grew up eating.

Here’s my rendition to make it fit my dairy free and egg free needs.

The Bread

White bread only, preferably not toasted so it can soak up all the salty tomato juice goodness!

Gluten free? Use gluten free bread.

The Mayo

I typically use my vegan mayonnaise recipe that combines aquafaba with oil.

Feel free to use your favorite store-bought mayo!

The Tomatoes

The best tomato for a tomato sandwich is large, thick, and juicy.

Look for a beefsteak tomato or heirloom tomato.

The Seasoning

Keep it simple, y’all! Salt and pepper goes a long way here.

Summer’s Best Sandwich

Assembling this southern sandwich couldn’t be easier.

Slice the tomatoes

Wash and pat dry your tomatoes then cut into ½-inch thick slices.

Spread on the mayonnaise

Using a knife, spread a generous amount of mayo on each slice of bread.

Assemble and enjoy

Add a tomato or two to half of the slices of white bread, sprinkle on salt and pepper, then top with the remaining slices and serve.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Affordable
Super simple
Quick to make
Nostalgic
Just a few ingredients
Family favorite
No fuss lunch or dinner

Related Recipes

Want more easy recipes for summer? Try these next:

Classic Tomato Sandwich

Jenna Urben

This tomato sandwich recipe is a southern classic! It's affordable, quick and easy to make, and comes together with 3 simple ingredients.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 3 mins

Course Main Course

Servings servings

Ingredients

2 large ripe tomatoes
8 slices white bread
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Cut the tomatoes into ½-inch thick slices.
Spread a generous amount of mayo on each slice of white bread.
Add a tomato slice or two to half of the slices of white bread. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Top with the remianing slices of bread to close sandwich and serve immediately.

Notes

The mayo: To make vegan tomato sandwich, use store bought or homemade plant based mayo.

The tomatoes: Use large and thick ripe tomatoes, like beefsteak tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes.

Add-ons: Some popular additions to tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches includes iceberg lettuce, fresh basil, and a slice of cheddar cheese.

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!