Tomatoes and cheese make a tasty duo.
Many people derive a lot of satisfaction from eating a simple tomato sandwich made with tomatoes, white bread and mayo, and they find equal satisfaction in eating a cheddar or American cheese sandwich that has been grilled in butter. As good as these are individually, they are a taste sensation when paired together. When looking for a little variety in tomato and cheese sandwiches, consider some of the combination possibilities. There are many ways to enjoy the taste of cheese and tomato in sandwiches.
Cheese Alternatives
Experiment with different kinds of cheese when making a sandwich.
Cheddar or American is the standard choice for a tomato and cheese sandwich. Switch things up with a burst of unexpected flavor; try goat cheese that has been softened. Spread it on your bread, then add sliced red tomatoes and a layer of basil leaves. Dress this sandwich with a vinaigrette of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Pair a mellow mozzarella with your tomato for a milder sandwich and add a grilled round of Portobello mushroom for extra heartiness. Cheddar cheese can take on a new personality if it is turned into a pimiento cheese spread for a tomato sandwich. If you like your sandwiches spicy, try a pepper jack with lots of tongue-tingling jalapeno bits.
Luncheon and Tea Sandwiches
For a light lunch or afternoon tea sandwich, consider a refined combination of cream cheese, cucumber and tomato. Add some freshly ground black pepper and then cut the crusts away and serve with other finger sandwiches. For a visual treat, cut both white and wheat bread with a large biscuit cutter that is the same size as the tomato slice, then build sandwiches, cutting in half. Arrange alternate white and wheat half-circle sandwiches on your platter. Adding a touch of green olive tapenade enlivens this kind of sandwich. Tomato slices can also be marinated in a zesty Italian dressing, then gently drained on paper towels before adding to the sandwiches.
Hot Sandwiches
BLT sandwiches make a tasty lunch.
Try a grilled cheese sandwich with an added slice of tomato; it's simple and delicious. Turn this into a Panini experience with ciabatta bread and thick slices of both tomato and sharp cheddar cheese. Vary this by substituting some sun-dried tomatoes for the fresh tomato. You can also spread a little pesto on the inside of the bread and add a bit of arugula. Build an open-faced or closed sandwich by toasting your bread, then adding a slice of cheddar or American cheese, a slice of tomato and some crisp, smoky bacon. Dress the bread with mayonnaise and cracked pepper. Run it under the broiler until the sandwich is hot and the cheese is melted, then top with a second piece of toast if it is a closed sandwich.
Green Tomato Options
Green tomatoes are a little more tart than red tomatoes, and are best cooked before eating. A Southern favorite is the fried green tomato sandwich. Green tomatoes are sliced, dipped in an egg wash and then into cornmeal or flour and pan fried until golden. These savory rounds can be stacked onto round buns of the same size and topped with a cheddar or other bold cheese. Turn green tomatoes into a zippy relish made with green peppers, onions, celery and garlic. Add a little allspice for a deeper flavor. Spread a generous amount of this onto a thick, hearty bread and add slices of your favorite cheese.
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