Tomato Twiddle Recipe

Introduction

Tomato Twiddle is a delightful twist on traditional tea sandwiches, combining fresh tomatoes and sharp cheddar for a creamy, flavorful filling. Perfect for casual gatherings or an elegant afternoon tea, these bite-sized sandwiches are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1/2 pound (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped
• 8 slices sturdy white bread

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut an “X” on the bottom of each tomato, just deep enough to pierce the skin.
2. Step 2: Carefully place the tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until the skin starts to lift at the cuts. Remove and allow to cool for a minute.
3. Step 3: Peel the skins off the tomatoes with your fingers. Cut each tomato into quarters and remove the seeds.
4. Step 4: In a food processor, combine the peeled and seeded tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onion. Pulse until smooth and spreadable. If the mixture is too runny, add more cheese to thicken. Adjust the onion to taste.
5. Step 5: Spread a thick layer of the tomato mixture onto 4 slices of bread. Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
6. Step 6: Carefully cut the crusts off each sandwich. Then slice each sandwich into 4 small triangles or 3 rectangular finger sandwiches.
7. Step 7: Arrange the sandwiches on a platter in a single layer and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dash of black pepper to the tomato mixture before blending.
• Try using whole wheat or rye bread for a heartier sandwich.
• If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the ingredients and mix them together thoroughly by hand.

Storage

Store the sandwiches covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to keep them fresh. For best results, prepare the tomato mixture in advance but assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. If needed, bring sandwiches to room temperature before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with gouda, mozzarella, or even a creamy goat cheese for different textures and flavors.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure to remove tomato seeds to reduce moisture, and consider spreading a thin layer of butter on the bread before adding the tomato filling to create a barrier.

Tomato Twiddle Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

Tomato Twiddle is a delightful and savory tea sandwich featuring a smooth blend of peeled tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onions spread between slices of sturdy white bread. This nostalgic recipe is perfect for serving at tea parties, light lunches, or as an elegant snack.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 small tea sandwiches 1x
• Category: Tea Sandwiches
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped

Dairy

• 1/2 pound (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Bakery

• 8 slices sturdy white bread

Instructions

1. Score Tomatoes: Cut an “X” on the bottom of each tomato just deep enough to pierce the skin to help the skin loosen when boiled.
2. Blanch Tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until the skin starts to lift at the scored cuts. Then remove from water and let cool for about a minute.
3. Peel and Seed Tomatoes: Using your fingers, carefully peel off the tomato skins. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and remove all seeds to avoid excess moisture.
4. Prepare Filling: In a food processor, combine the peeled and seeded tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onion. Pulse until smooth and spreadable. Add more cheese if the mixture is too runny. Adjust onion to taste for desired flavor balance.
5. Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a generous thick layer of the tomato mixture onto 4 slices of sturdy white bread. Top each with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.
6. Trim and Slice: Carefully cut off the crusts from each sandwich. Then slice each sandwich into four small triangles or three rectangular finger sandwiches as preferred.
7. Serve: Arrange the tea sandwiches neatly on a platter in a single layer. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Removing the tomato skins and seeds helps achieve a smooth texture and prevents watery sandwiches.
• If the filling is too liquid, adding more shredded cheddar cheese thickens it perfectly.
• Use sturdy white bread to prevent sogginess and maintain sandwich structure.
• These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept refrigerated for up to 4 hours.
• For a milder onion flavor, use less onion or soak chopped onion in cold water before adding.

Keywords: Tomato Twiddle, tea sandwich, cheddar cheese sandwich, tomato cheese spread, finger sandwiches, savory snacks