Ingredients
4 slices thick-cut white, sourdough, or whole-grain bread
2 large ripe tomatoes
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt, plus extra for the tomatoes
½ teaspoon everything-bagel seasoning, optional
1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil, optional
Instructions
Prepare the tomatoes: Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them into medium-thick rounds. Avoid slicing them too thin so they don’t make the bread soggy.
Season the tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices on a plate. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper. Let them sit for about 5–10 minutes, then gently blot away excess moisture with a paper towel.
Make the creamy spread: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and chopped basil or parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Toast the bread: Lightly toast the bread slices until the edges are golden and crisp while the centers remain slightly soft.
Spread the sauce: Spread a generous layer of the creamy mixture over each slice of toasted bread.
Add the tomatoes: Arrange the seasoned tomato slices generously over two slices of bread. Slightly overlap the slices so every bite contains plenty of tomato.
Add seasoning: Sprinkle the tomatoes with a little more freshly cracked black pepper and, if desired, everything-bagel seasoning.
Finish with olive oil: For extra flavor, drizzle a very small amount of extra-virgin olive oil over the tomatoes.
Serve: Serve immediately while the bread is crisp and the tomatoes are fresh and juicy.
⭐ Optional Additions
For a more filling sandwich, add:
Fresh basil leaves
Avocado slices
Fresh mozzarella
Cucumber
Hard-boiled egg
Grilled chicken breast
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy