Sandwiches are always on the menu for summer. They’re quick, transport easily, and can be jazzed up in so many fun ways. Now, I’m sure you’ve had a BLT (perhaps my vegan BLT sandwich?), but what about a tomato sandwich? This sandwich was inspired by one of my favorite sandwich shops, where they pair creamy Boursin cheese with juicy tomatoes. I’ve taken it a step further and toasted it with fresh basil for a sandwich that is SO, SO good and ready in just 15 minutes! I mean, who doesn’t love a quick summer lunch that highlights all the produce at the peak of its existence?!
This is quite possibly the perfect sandwich
Garlic toasted bread, need I say more? If you’ve never had a sandwich with garlic butter then you are in for a real treat! Use up that basil that’s probably exploding from the pot or garden like mine is. (At one point in my life, I thought I couldn’t grow anything and now I don’t know how to use all these herbs??) When you have no ingredients, or seemingly none, make this sandwich. With just a few staple ingredients, I’m pretty sure you’ve got everything you need already (you’ll be keeping Boursin stocked all the time after this one)!
Here’s what you’ll need
This sandwich is ideal for any summer produce fans!
Tomato: I use any large tomato, like beefsteak tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes, seasoned with a little salt and black pepper. Sourdough: This bread gets its rise from dough that is fermented rather than yeast. This gives us the “sour” taste in sourdough, which is the perfect complement to sweet basil and tomato. Not a fan? White bread or whole wheat will also work well! Boursin: This garlic and herby cheese is a creamy and spreadable cheese from Normandy. It can be found in a white box alongside most specialty cheeses in the store (like where the feta and goat cheese are). Or make your own Boursin with my copycat recipe! Basil: Fresh basil is a must because it takes the place of what would otherwise be lettuce or other leafy greens. Garlic Butter (well, margarine): I don’t want to be dramatic, but garlic margarine on the outside of your toasted sandwich is life-changing. It’s the secret to every great restaurant sandwich you’ve ever had (don’t tell them I told you)! Optional Spinach: Feel free to add more leafy greens to this sandwich with spinach!
here’s what you do
Get the pan heating up now while you prep the other ingredients. Here’s what you’ll do.
let’s get creative!
Yet another thing to love about this sandwich – you can make it your own with a variety of swaps!
Leafy Greens: Try this with arugula for a pepper bite or try parsley. Extra Heat: Spread on garlic chili paste for a little heat. So Sweet: Try a drizzle of hot honey in the sandwich or add caramelized onions. Swap The Boursin: If you can’t find this cheese, goat cheese has a similar texture. Some tomato sandwiches will use mayonnaise, but with toasting, I recommend a soft tangy cheese over mayo. Add Homemade Pesto: This can be another way to use up extra garden herbs and bring more summer vibes to the tomato sandwich. Add Bacon: Vegan tempeh bacon that is for a BLT vibe!
why it works
I have personally tested this sandwich hundreds of times so when I say it works, I mean it.
Toasting the sandwich helps to melt the cheese a bit and, therefore, hold everything inside the bread pieces. This also prevents a soggy sandwich! Using salt to dry out the sandwich might seem simple, but it’s actually a trick I learned during my food science training. It uses the process of osmosis in which the salt binds to the water molecules drawing them out of the tomatoes. Boursin cheese is ideal because it’s already mixed with garlic and herbs so there’s so much flavor added without any more ingredients.
Sandwiches shouldn’t be alone
This can be served with so many easy sides; one of my personal favorites is chips or fries like:
Healthy Oven Baked Carrot Chips use another summer produce staple and add the perfect crunchy to munch on with your tomato sandwich. Frozen Sweet Potato Fries (In The Air Fryer) are almost always on my plate because they’re so easy to toss in the air fryer while I make the rest. Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a perfect salty side that’s also so simple to toss in the air fryer while you make the sandwich with tomatoes.
