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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Toast the bread: Lightly toast the bread slices until the edges are golden and crisp while the centers remain slightly soft.
  5. Spread the sauce: Spread a generous layer of the creamy mixture over each slice of toasted bread.
  6. 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.
  7. Add seasoning: Sprinkle the tomatoes with a little more freshly cracked black pepper and, if desired, everything-bagel seasoning.
  8. Finish with olive oil: For extra flavor, drizzle a very small amount of extra-virgin olive oil over the tomatoes.
  9. 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