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A freshly made southern tomato sandwich with ripe red tomatoes and mayonnaise

Ultimate Southern Tomato Sandwich with Flavor Hacks

This ultimate Southern tomato sandwich combines ripe tomatoes, creamy mayonnaise, and soft white bread with several optional "flavor hacks" to elevate a classic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 sandwich
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sandwich
  • 2 slices soft white bread
  • 1 large ripe heirloom or beefsteak tomato
  • 2-3 tablespoons good quality, full-fat mayonnaise Duke's recommended
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt flaky sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional Flavor Hacks
  • 1 tiny pinch garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil or chives
  • 1-2 drops balsamic glaze or Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon soft butter for outside of bread
  • 1-2 dashes hot sauce

Equipment

  • Sharp serrated knife
  • Wire rack
  • Plate
  • Paper towel

Method
 

Prepare Tomatoes
  1. Wash and slice the tomato into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rounds.
  2. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the tomato slices and let them sit on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes to draw out moisture, then gently pat dry.
Assemble Sandwich
  1. Take two slices of soft white bread, which can be lightly toasted or used plain.
  2. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on both slices of bread, all the way to the edges.
  3. Dust one mayo-covered bread slice with a tiny pinch of garlic powder for extra savory depth.
  4. Arrange the prepared tomato slices neatly over the bread slice with garlic powder, overlapping them slightly.
  5. Season the tomatoes with fresh black pepper and optionally a light sprinkle of additional salt.
  6. If desired, sprinkle finely chopped fresh basil or chives over the tomato layer.
  7. For an umami kick, drizzle a minuscule amount of balsamic glaze or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce over the tomatoes.
  8. If you enjoy heat, add a dash or two of hot sauce directly onto the tomatoes.
  9. Lightly butter the outside of the remaining bread slice before placing it on top of the tomatoes, or simply place it mayo-side down.
  10. Gently but firmly press down on the sandwich to meld flavors and help the bread soak up tomato juice.
  11. Cut the sandwich in half, diagonally or straight across, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For the best results, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. The "flavor hacks" are optional but highly recommended to elevate your sandwich experience.