Over the Top Tomato Sandwich

• 8 artisan sourdough or multigrain bread slices
• 1/2 cup butter, melted $
• 1 3/4 pounds ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes (about 5 medium)
• 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided $
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise $
• 4 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided
• 3 cups loosely packed fresh arugula
• 8 thick bacon slices, cooked $

Preparation

1. 1. Brush both sides of bread slices lightly with melted butter. Cook bread slices in a large skillet over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until toasted.
2. 2. Cut tomatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and place in a single layer on a wire rack in a jelly-roll pan. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and let stand 10 minutes.
3. 3. Process basil, oregano, and 2 Tbsp. oil in a food processor or mini chopper until finely ground. Add mayonnaise and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice to processor; pulse until smooth.
4. 4. Stir together remaining 1 Tbsp. oil and 1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice in a medium bowl; add arugula, and toss to coat. Spread mayonnaise mixture on 1 side of each bread slice. Layer 4 bread slices with tomato slices, arugula mixture, and 2 bacon slices. Top with remaining 4 bread slices, mayonnaise-side down.