15-Minute Crispy Broiled Sourdough Tomato Sandwich
A simple open-faced sandwich featuring toasted sourdough bread with butter, fresh tomato slices, aromatic basil, and creamy mayonnaise. The broiler creates crispy, golden edges while keeping the bread sturdy enough to support juicy tomato. Perfect for lunch or a light summer dinner when tomatoes are at their peak. This version emphasizes the broiler technique for quick crisping rather than pan-toasting, making it faster and less hands-on.
Ingredients
- 2 sourdough bread slices
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 tomato
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, sliced
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat broiler to high heat.
- 2
Butter one side of each bread slice, place on foil-lined baking sheet, and broil 40-50 seconds per side until golden.
- 3
Slice tomato into thin rounds.
- 4
Spread mayonnaise on buttered side of both bread slices.
- 5
Layer tomato slices and basil on one slice, season with salt and pepper, and top with second slice.
- 6
Halve sandwich and serve immediately.
Tips
Watch bread closely under broiler as cooking times vary; start checking at 30 seconds to prevent burning.
Use a ripe, room-temperature tomato for better flavor and less watery texture; slice just before assembly.
Butter the bread generously so it crisps evenly without drying out during broiling.
Good to Know
Consume immediately; broiled bread loses crispness within 30 minutes.
Toast bread up to 2 hours ahead and store in airtight container. Assemble just before eating.
Serve warm, cut diagonally for easier handling.
Common Mistakes
Broil longer than 50 seconds per side to avoid charred, bitter bread.
Skip salting tomato slices to avoid soggy sandwich.
Use cold tomato to avoid melting mayonnaise.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use a toaster instead of the broiler?
Yes, but results differ. A toaster won't butter bread evenly. Butter bread, then toast at medium-high setting 1-2 minutes per side, watching closely. Broiler gives more control.
What if my tomato is watery?
Salt tomato slices 5 minutes ahead and blot with paper towel before assembly. Or use Roma or beefsteak varieties, which have fewer seeds and less liquid.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Don't store assembled sandwich; bread becomes soggy within 30 minutes. Toast bread ahead and assemble only when ready to eat.