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Sun-ripened tomatoes beg for something simple and satisfying to highlight their flavor and this summer tomato sandwich does just that. Fresh herbs brighten a creamy spread while juicy tomatoes and toasted whole-grain bread bring everything together for a meal that tastes just like summer afternoons. It is the kind of sandwich you will want again tomorrow.
The first time I made this was after picking tomatoes at the farm stand down the road and I have not let a summer slip by without making it again. Even my pickiest friend requests it every time she visits when tomatoes are in season.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Gives a rich and tangy base that holds its shape and blends with the bread. Choose one with minimal additives for the creamiest result
- Low-fat Greek yogurt: Brings a gentle brightness that keeps the spread smooth and not too heavy. Use a thick style for best texture
- Fresh chives and dill: The flavor heroes here and make each bite pop. Look for perky stems and a strong fragrant scent
- Coarse ground pepper: Adds a gentle kick. Freshly ground only for the best flavor
- Whole-wheat sandwich bread: Adds a hearty bite and keeps you full longer. Toast just until golden for strength
- Peak tomatoes: Deep red fragrant fruit with a touch of give tastes like sunshine here
Instructions
- Make the Creamy Herb Spread:
- In a small mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt together with a rubber spatula until the texture is completely smooth and easy to spread. Mixing by hand is enough if the dairy is at room temperature. Add the chopped chives, dill, and pepper. Use a fork to mix the herbs well into every part of the spread for even flavor.
- Toast the Bread:
- Choose two fresh whole-wheat sandwich slices and toast them in a toaster or on a dry skillet set to medium until lightly browned and slightly crisp around the edges. This ensures the bread will not soften instantly from the tomato juices.
- Spread and Layer:
- Lay both slices of warm bread flat. Use a butter knife to cover one side of each slice with a generous layer of your herbed cheese mixture. Place the tomato slices in a single even layer across one slice of spread-covered bread. Slight overlap is fine but avoid stacking so the sandwich stays neat.
- Finish and Serve:
- Close the sandwich with the other bread slice spread side down. Press lightly to secure. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the sandwich on the diagonal for easy eating and a bit of classic nostalgia. Eat immediately to preserve the crunch and freshness.
The star for me will always be those heirloom tomatoes. Each variety has its own subtlety and the first sink-your-teeth-in bite after a morning in the garden makes this sandwich deeply personal. There is also something about watching someone’s eyes light up eating it for the first time that never gets old.
Storage and Leftover Tips
If you are prepping ahead mix the creamy herb spread and slice your tomatoes in advance but assemble the sandwich at the last minute to keep everything crisp. Tomatoes stored in the fridge lose their flavor so keep them on the counter until you make your meal. The spread keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Soft goat cheese can stand in for cream cheese if you like a little tanginess. If you only have dried herbs use half the amount plus a squeeze of lemon for freshness. Sourdough or rye add a new character instead of whole wheat. No Greek yogurt. Try a splash of buttermilk or even a spoonful of ricotta for a creamy swap.
Perfect Ways to Serve This
Serve with a crisp green salad or a handful of kettle chips for lunch. Add avocado slices under the tomatoes for a creamy variation. As a party appetizer cut the finished sandwich into small triangles and secure with toothpicks.
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh but you can freeze leftover herbed cheese spread in a tight-lidded container for up to two months. Always assemble the sandwich just before serving or your bread and tomatoes will lose their structure.
Recipe Q&A
- → Which tomatoes are best for this sandwich?
Ripe, in-season summer tomatoes like heirloom or beefsteak work best for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- → Can I use a different bread type?
Absolutely, try sourdough, multigrain, or your favorite crusty bread to suit your taste and texture preference.
- → Are there dairy-free options for the spread?
Substitute plant-based cream cheese and yogurt for a dairy-free, creamy herb spread with delicious results.
- → How can I enhance the herb flavor?
Increase the amount of fresh dill and chives, or add basil and parsley for deeper, fragrant herbal notes.
- → Should the bread always be toasted?
Toasting adds texture and sturdiness, but you may use untoasted bread for a softer, more delicate bite.