This tomato sandwich is the perfect snack or meal for tomato lovers. It's super quick easy to make and a New Jersey classic!
My Love for the Tomato Sandwich
This dish was one of the staples of my childhood. In fact, it might have been one of the first ways I got my cooking hobby started. I'm not sure if making a tomato sandwich is considered cooking, but it led to making grilled cheese, English muffin pizzas, pasta and eventually this food blog.
Normally, I am not a mayonnaise person. But you need a swipe of mayo on this sandwich. Even my Italian grandmother approved of that. I remember making these sandwiches on white bread that was so fresh it stuck to the roof of your mouth. I don't eat white bread very often--however, you must use white bread to make this sandwich.
How to Choose the Best Tomatoes
- Perfect tomatoes will look plump and juicy, and their skins will be smooth.
- The skin should be free of bump or bruises, but some cracking near the stem is perfectly normal.
- Ripe tomatoes have a lovely fragrance to them. If there's no aroma whatsoever, this could mean the tomato was picked before it was ready and won't ever ripen properly.
- Planning on using the tomatoes right away? Try to pick ones that are soft to the touch. But if you know you won't need them for a couple of days, aim for tomatoes that are a bit firmer.
How to Make a Jersey Tomato Sandwich
There is no real recipe today with the right amount of ingredients and anything measured. We are just going to forget about the artisan bread, fancy cheese and fresh basil. Save it all for another day and another sandwich. So let's get started and make this simple sandwich which everyone will love.
- Slather some mayo on two slices of fresh white bread. Check that date on your loaf and make sure it's fresh.
- Slice up a Jersey tomato (if you are lucky enough to have one). Make sure the slices are thick. Then, pprinkle some sea salt on the tomato and watch it get juicy.
- Place the tomato slices on the bread. You are now ready to feast on a New Jersey delicacy. Don't share if you don't want to!
- Serve some pickles on the side! I make homemade sweet and spicy refrigerator pickles so I eat them all summer.
Variations
While this recipe is iconic for its simplicity, there are some additions you can make if you're feeling a bit fancy.
- Butter the outsides of the bread and cook the sandwich like a grilled cheese. You could add cheese as well.
- Stick some slices of avocado on top for added creaminess.
- Add lettuce and bacon for a quick and easy BLT.
- Ranch dressing instead of mayonnaise and some greens (like arugula or baby spinach) will turn your sandwich into a handheld salad!
- Experiment with different seasonings; for some kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. To play up the tomato's acidity, sprinkle on a bit of lemon pepper.
- Fresh basil and mozzarella cheese will give this dish a distinctly Italian twist.
Drinks to Enjoy with Your Tomato Sandwich
- To continue your New Jersey theme, grab some New Jersey strawberries and make these Strawberry Mojitos.
- For another strawberry infused beverage, try this Strawberry Lemon Water with Fresh Mint.
- A vegan Cherry Smoothie with Almond Milk also makes for a great pairing with your sandwich.
- This collection from Fifteen Spatulas has 4 delicious summertime drinks, including a homemade raspberry vanilla soda and summer melon sorbet floats!
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First Published August 2015; Updated June 2020
Susan says
This is how my PopPop rocked a tomato sandwich. Love it!!!
Mary Jo says
Just had to smile when I saw this! My sister came to visit me a few weeks ago from NJ...to FL and she asked me if I wanted anything special from NJ...of course I said PLEASE bring me some Jersey Tomatoes so I can make a Tomato Sandwich!! Oh how I enjoyed it!
Jackie says
This was my favorite sandwich when I was a kid too (I'm a Jersey girl). I can totally relate to the bread getting stuck to the roof of your mouth. I like mine with extra mayo!
Marilyn says
Yes, please! I love tomato sandwiches SO MUCH! Your photos look great.
Patsy says
I am in heaven during the summer when Jersey tomatoes are in season! Love a nice thick slice on white bread... the only way to enjoy them!
Nathan King says
As a fellow Jersey resident, I concur that it's hard to beat a true, Jersey tomato. Such a classic way to eat them too!
Ruth says
What a sad thing to read, as the tomato season comes to an end! I love tomatoes and I plant at least 8 varieties, from currant tomatoes to giant heirlooms, in my New Jersey garden. I’ll use any of them in a sandwich, but the best is one whose slices are as big or bigger than the bread! And please, a Jersey Tomato Sandwich has to be on TOAST!!! And you don’t necessarily need salt. It is pure heaven!
Sharon Webb says
I stumbled across this looking for something else. You talking about Jersey tomatoes got my attention-my husband and I lived in southJersey for three years when he was in the Air Force and, man, I found out that a Jersey tomato is the best! I couldn’t believe it! I’m a southern girl and hou know that southerners don’t really believe there’s good food anywhere else, lol. Thanks for sharing your method and bring ing back some Jersey memories!
lisa says
Awww, thanks for letting me know Sharon!
Kristine S says
I just read Mary Jo’s comment and I could so relate. I did not appreciate my Garden State produce until I moved to Florida three years ago. There is nothing like Jersey tomatoes. Or Jersey anything.
I frequently end up with tasteless, mealy tomatoes. So disappointing. So I have been using the Compari tomatoes. They are small, but they have a lot of flavor.
Your variations on the tomato sandwich are fabulous. Thanks for a wonderful post!
lisa says
Hi Kristine,
I am a little biased but NJ tomatoes are the best 🙂 In the winter I often use cherry tomatoes or plum tomatoes. Good idea on the Compari ones!
Lisa
Judy Cardona says
My Puertorican husband says tomatoes taste the same every if the same variety I disagree! Might just be my childhood memory but Jersey tomatoes are sweeter.
lisa says
I agree with you. Maybe I am partial but I think NJ tomatoes are the best!