Southern Tomato Sandwich

In this post I’m sharing how to build a Southern Tomato Sandwich.

If there is one thing more classic than a summer tomato sandwich in the South, I’m not sure what it is. Folks anxiously wait for the tomatoes to ripen to enjoy this iconic Southern sandwich.

You may be thinking…what kind of recipe is this. I guess recipe is pushing it a bit because if you grew up in the South you’ve seen this sandwich made time and time again. It is part of your earliest memories.

If you’re not originally from these parts however, you may be curious how to build this famous tomato sandwich everyone speaks so fondly of.

It is truly easy but there must be the right balance to get it just right…soft white bread, a generous amount of mayonnaise, sliced tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper and that’s it. Simple, yes. Legendary, certainly!

Southerners are also very passionate about their mayonnaise of choice. For my household, it is Duke’s mayonnaise. Why? Well, honestly because it’s the only mayonnaise I’ve ever known.

We tend to use what Mama used….plus Duke’s was invented in the region of South Carolina where I grew up.

South Carolina Tomato Sandwich

The classic old fashioned version of the tomato sandwich is what I’m sharing. Some folks fancy things up though and you can if you like. Toast the bread, add cheese, lettuce or basil. Whatever suits your taste.

Hubby likes to add thinly sliced Vidalia onion to his tomato sandwich, not always, but he likes it that way too.

Add lettuce and bacon and you’ve just transformed it into a B.L.T, another favorite classic sandwich.

More classic Southern sandwiches you might enjoy: Fried Baloney or Egg Salad .

Mayo and Tomato Sandwich

It was actually Mr. Simply Southern who urged me to begin sharing these classic Southern sandwiches. I said “everyone knows how to make a tomato sandwich“.

His reply was “there may be some kid in California eating avocado toast who needs to know about this.” HA! He’s such a funny guy…sometimes.

There are many wonderful varieties of slicing tomatoes that work well for a tomato sandwich. A Beefsteak tomato is a favorite. I’ve used a Mountain Majesty here in this recipe and the mister enjoys several of the heirloom varieties. 

The pre-requisite is the tomato must be perfectly ripe. There also seems to be a particular fondness for homegrown or locally grown tomatoes. For that very reason, we’ll consider this a seasonal sandwich to be savored during the growing season.

So let’s make this sandwich…

Printable Instructions: How to Make a Tomato Sandwich

Let’s make our Southern Tomato Sandwich!

Mater Sandwich

What to serve with a Tomato Sandwich?

A tomato sandwich is a classic and refreshing choice, especially during the summer months. Here are some tasty options to serve alongside your tomato sandwich:

1. Chips: A simple bag of potato chips or some homemade sweet potato fries can add a satisfying crunch to your meal.

2. Pickles: Pickles, whether dill or bread-and-butter, are a traditional side for a tomato sandwich. Their tangy and briny flavor complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can be a great contrast to the savory flavors of the sandwich. Try a mix of melons, berries, and citrus fruits.

4. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a classic Southern side that pairs well with a tomato sandwich. It provides a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

5. Soup: A light soup, like a tomato basil soup or a gazpacho, can be a wonderful accompaniment to a tomato sandwich, especially on a cooler day.

6. Potato Salad: A homemade potato salad, with a creamy dressing and some crunchy vegetables, is another classic choice.

7. Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs are a Southern favorite and make a tasty and protein-rich side dish.

8. Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a fresh and healthy balance to the meal.

9. Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a refreshing drink, consider serving iced tea or lemonade, which are both classic Southern beverages.

Whether you want something light and healthy or indulgent and comforting, there are plenty of options to complement your tomato sandwich.

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More Recipes You Might Enjoy

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Turkey Burgers 

You can also see this recipe shared at Weekend Potluck, Meal Plan Monday and Foodie Friday.

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Well, y’all, I hope you enjoyed this delicious Southern Tomato Sandwich recipe as much as I do! It’s a simple, down-home treat that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon on the porch or a quick bite in the kitchen.

So, grab some ripe tomatoes, some good ole mayo, and some fresh bread, and make yourself one of these sandwiches.

It’s a taste of the South that’ll warm your heart and put a smile on your face. Until next time, y’all, keep cooking with love!

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