Tomato Sandwich
on Apr 26, 2023, Updated May 11, 2023
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My Breaded Tomato Sandwich is what I call an “INSIDE-OUT sandwich”; the tomato that’s usually on the inside is instead breaded and placed on the outside, replacing sliced bread. This is actually an OG Modern Nonna recipe and a recipe that I have yet to see anywhere else online, so I hope you make it and enjoy it to the fullest! I have been making this recipe for over 15 years and it’s a staple in my home.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Sandwich
My Breaded Tomato Sandwich is a low-carb 💭 dream. I promise you will NOT miss the bread at all. By breading and shallow-frying the tomatoes, they are so crispy on the outside, but stay sweet and firm on the inside. I honestly prefer these 🍅 fried tomatoes over sandwich bread! You can absolutely customize the fillings to whatever you have on hand, or your family loves.
How to Prepare
🥣 Start by assembling your dredging station: add flour to one bowl, the beaten eggs to a second, and the breadcrumbs to a third.
🔪 Use a sharp knife to slice your tomatoes into 6 1/2-inch slices.
🍅 Dip each tomato slice in the flour and then into the egg mixture.
🍞 Next, coat the tomatoes with the breadcrumbs, and repeat this step with the remaining slices.
🥑 Once the tomato slices have been breaded, set them aside. Coat the bottom of a pan with a thin layer of avocado oil and heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. (The tomato slices should sizzle when placing them in the oil.)
⏲️ Fry the tomatoes for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden. Transfer the cooked tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
🥪 Assemble the Breaded Tomato Sandwiches with any toppings you like. I added a teaspoon mayo, then lettuce, then a slice of black forest ham. Enjoy!
Nonna’s Tip 🍅
Make sure that when choosing the tomato for this recipe it is firm and not too ripe, or it will not hold its shape.
Variations and Substitutions for This Tomato Sandwich
- Feel free to use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs if you are sensitive to gluten.
- If you are vegan, you can try using melted vegan butter, or oil instead of eggs to dredge.
- Leave out the cold cuts in this Breaded Tomato Sandwich if you are vegetarian/vegan. You can add a 🌿 plant-based alternative instead.
- If you’re looking to make your own homemade breadcrumbs, please click here: Italian Breadcrumbs.
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How to Modify this Tomato Sandwich for the Air Fryer
You can absolutely try making the breaded tomatoes slices in the air fryer, and please let me know in the comments if you’ve done it this way! I would spray the tomato slices on each side with 🥑 avocado or olive oil and then air fry at 400F (200F) for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re crispy and golden.
I have the COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo. The recipe time and temperature will vary by appliance, so please keep an 👀 eye on the tomato slices as they cook.
Best Served With
- Turn this Breaded Tomato Sandwich into a BLT and fill with 🥓 bacon and lettuce.
- Serve this as a breakfast sandwich with a 🍳 fried egg and avocado slices.
- Serve this alongside a fresh 🥗 salad, like my Simple Green Salad or Authentic Greek Salad.
Common Questions
You certainly can bake these, although they may not end up as crispy as frying. I would bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes (flipping halfway through) until golden brown.
Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as substitutes.
Yes, simply skip the ham or turkey and enjoy with just the mayo, lettuce, or other vegetarian toppings. You could also add a fried egg for protein.
These breaded tomatoes are best served right away so they maintain their crispiness.
Tomato Sandwich
Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
- 2 small eggs, beaten and seasoned with salt and pepper
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, seasoned with salt and pepper
- 6 slices tomato (1/2-inch thick), make sure the tomato is firm and not too ripe
- ⅓ cup avocado oil
Additional Toppings
- mayo , or spicy mayo
- lettuce
- sliced turkey breast , or black forest ham
Instructions
- Make the dredging station by adding flour to one bowl, the beaten eggs into a second, and the breadcrumbs to a third.
- Dip each tomato slice in the flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs, making sure to coat each slice all over. Repeat this step with the remaining slices.
- Note: If you don't want to get your hands too dirty use the right hand, left hand, right hand method. Dip the tomato in the flour with the left hand, then dip it in the egg mixture switching to your right hand, and lastly coat it in the breadcrumbs by switching to the left hand again. In doing so, you will avoid buildup on your fingers.
- Once the tomato slices have been breaded, set them aside. Coat the bottom of a pan with a thin layer of oil and heat the oil over medium-high heat, until it shimmers. (The tomato slices should sizzle when placing them in the oil.)
- Fry the tomatoes for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden. Transfer the cooked tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Assemble the fried tomato "sandwiches" with any toppings you like. I added a teaspoon mayo to my tomato, then lettuce, then a slice of black forest ham followed by another slice of breaded tomato on top. Enjoy!
- These are best served right away.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
