Katie Couric’s 5-Ingredient Summer Sandwich Copycat

Katie Couric’s 5-Ingredient Summer Sandwich is the epitome of a simple yet satisfying meal. With just a handful of ingredients, this sandwich highlights the delicious combination of fresh tomatoes, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy white bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light snack, it’s a nostalgic classic that’s perfect for hot summer days. Toasted to golden perfection, the sandwich is made even more delightful with a sprinkle of flaky salt and freshly ground pepper, giving it the perfect balance of flavors. It’s easy to make, refreshing, and utterly delicious.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

What makes Katie Couric’s 5-Ingredient Summer Sandwich so special is its simplicity and freshness. With just five ingredients—country-style white bread, mayonnaise, fresh tomato, flaky salt, and freshly ground pepper—this sandwich lets each element shine. The creamy mayo pairs perfectly with juicy slices of ripe tomato, while the toasted bread provides a satisfying crunch. This sandwich is light, flavorful, and takes only minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want something quick yet satisfying.

What Is Katie Couric’s 5-Ingredient Summer Sandwich?

Katie Couric’s 5-Ingredient Summer Sandwich is a simple sandwich made with toasted slices of country-style white bread, generously spread with Hellmann’s mayonnaise, and topped with fresh tomato slices. A pinch of flaky salt and a dash of freshly ground pepper enhance the flavor, making this sandwich a perfect choice for summer when tomatoes are at their peak. The combination of creamy mayo, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy bread creates a delicious, refreshing sandwich that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Cooking Tips

• Use the best tomatoes: Since tomatoes are the star of this sandwich, be sure to use ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Heirloom varieties or vine-ripened tomatoes work best, offering the sweetest and most tender slices.
• Toast the bread lightly: Toast the country-style bread just enough to get a light golden color, ensuring that it’s crisp without being overly crunchy.
• Use quality mayonnaise: Hellmann’s mayonnaise is the key ingredient here, providing a rich and creamy texture that perfectly complements the tomatoes. Feel free to try different brands or even homemade mayo for a personalized twist.
• Customize with extras: While the sandwich is perfect as is, you can add extras such as lettuce, avocado, or a slice of cheese if you’re in the mood for more flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! While country-style white bread is the classic choice for this sandwich, you can experiment with other types of bread, such as whole-grain, sourdough, or a soft baguette. Just make sure to lightly toast the bread for the perfect texture.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the individual ingredients ahead of time. Slice the tomatoes and toast the bread, then assemble the sandwich right before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

Can I use a different type of mayo?

You can swap Hellmann’s mayonnaise for any brand you prefer or even use a vegan mayo if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. If you prefer a bit of tang, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mayo for a zingy twist.

Can I make a gluten-free version of this sandwich?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread. Look for a good-quality gluten-free loaf that holds up well when toasted to ensure the best results.

How to Store

Since this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, it’s recommended to store any leftover ingredients separately. Keep the tomatoes, bread, and mayo in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwich right before eating for the best flavor and texture.

How to Freeze

Freezing is not recommended for this sandwich as it relies heavily on the fresh, juicy tomatoes and the texture of the toasted bread. However, you can freeze the bread and mayo separately if you wish to prepare it ahead of time. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers.

Ingredients

• 2 slices country-style white bread
• Hellmann’s mayonnaise (to taste)
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Flaky salt, to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions