There are sandwiches that are universal, and there are sandwiches that are specific to a time, place, cuisine, etc.; the rare gems, the ones you remember and associate with key moments of your life, are both. So it is with the tomato sandwich for toddlers, that platonically ideal combo of ripe tomatoes, bacon, and mayo: some called a southern thing; the rest of us associate it with camp, camping, or just plain camped out on a hot day. Summer, it turns out, tastes the same for everyone.
Now, you already know what this is: a messy, creamy, slightly sweet piece of genius. And so does any child over six–they get it, at an almost intuitive or primal level. But it will be new for the Pre-K set, who may know a sandwich when they see one but may not know what to do with the combination of ingredients and textures therein. Worth trying, of course–this sandwich couldn’t be easier to put together–but some trickeration may be warranted: e.g., tucking the ingredients deep into the sandwich so your toddler doesn’t immediately know and/or judge what’s inside; blanketing with cheese (or ketchup) to meet their needs; leaving out an ingredient or two in the name of a no-tantrum lunch. Do what you gotta do. But make this sandwich.
Check out our other great sandwich ideas!
Tomato Sandwich for Toddlers
This tomato sandwich for toddlers is built with just a few simple ingredients, yet it delivers serious payoff in terms of flavor, nutrition, and ease. Rather than serving raw tomato slices on plain bread (which often leads to soggy or rejected sandwiches), this recipe lightly grills the sandwich to crisp up the exterior while warming the juicy tomato and savory fillings inside. The result is a slightly crispy, slightly gooey, and totally toddler-approved lunch or dinner option that’s easy to hold and fun to eat.
Whether you’re using late-summer heirlooms or basic store-bought tomatoes, this method helps draw out the natural flavors while keeping the sandwich soft and chewable for toddlers. Bonus: it’s endlessly adaptable depending on what you have in the fridge.
🛒 Ingredients at a Glance
- Bread – A soft, sturdy option like sandwich white or whole grain works best. Avoid anything too crusty.
- Tomatoes – Sliced heirloom tomatoes bring sweetness, moisture, and great color. Roma or beefsteak work in a pinch.
- Optional protein – Thinly sliced turkey, ham, or bologna can be added for extra flavor and iron.
- Butter or oil – Lightly brushing the outside of the sandwich helps crisp and brown the bread.
👨🍳 How to Make It
- Slice the tomatoes thinly and pat dry to reduce sogginess.
- Assemble the sandwich with tomato slices (and protein if using).
- Brush the bread lightly with oil or butter on the outside.
- Grill the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and heated through.
- Cool slightly before slicing into quarters or halves for easier toddler handling.
❓ FAQ
Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Not recommended for this recipe—they’re too small and watery. Stick with larger tomatoes you can slice thinly.
What if my toddler doesn’t like tomatoes?
Try roasting the tomato slices first to bring out the sweetness, or serve the sandwich with a favorite dip to encourage trying.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Grill it, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat in a dry skillet or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp again.
Is this safe for babies under 1?
We wouldn’t serve this to any child under, say, 2.5 years of age.
Easy Tomato Sandwich For Toddlers
Description
Summertime between bread, this classic tomato sandwich is the perfect balance of taste and texture for both you and your toddler.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep, Cook, and Assemble
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Cut thin slices of tomato by slicing through the fruit vertically, roughly ⅛” apart; remove or discard the center and pith.
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Cook bacon on Medium until crispy. Remove slices from pan, leaving all that bacon fat in there and….
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Place bread slices into pan and cook until the side facing down is golden brown. (Note: if using turkey bacon, add one pat of butter for every two slices you are browning.) Remove from pan and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.
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Smear mayonnaise over the non-toasted side of each piece of bread, then sprinkle with basil. Halve bacon pieces and place over the top of one of piece of bread.
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Top other slice of bread with tomato pieces; sprinkle salt and pepper over the tomatoes, followed by a few spritzes of vinegar. (Pour a bit in your hand, then sprinkle on top of the tomatoes.) Place tomato side on top of bacon side; smoosh together.
Serve
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Cut the crust off or tuck the filling in as needed if your child is particular about how the sandwich looks; otherwise, cut in half or quarters, press together, and open wide…
Adapt
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To soften the texture, either don’t toast the bread OR add smashed avocado or a cheese slice inside the sandwich.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Serving Size 1/2 sandwich
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 115kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4.5g7%
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 13g5%
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
