A Tartine is an open face sandwich, very popular in France. Go to any bistro at breakfast or lunch and you will see Tartines offered on the menu.
Tartines are not as popular in the United States yet (we love our sandwiches between two slices of bread!), but I love this lighter and sometimes more creative option of our everyday sandwich.
A tartine served with a light salad would be perfect for a nice brunch or lunch. La Salade Mentonnaise would pair beautifully with a Fresh Fig, Proscuitto Tartine.
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TL;DR
- What is it? A tartine is a classic French open-faced sandwich, traditionally made with a slice of rustic bread and thoughtfully layered toppings. This collection of tartine recipes showcases both savory and fresh seasonal combinations, proving that a few quality ingredients are all you need to create something beautifully French.
- How you'll make it? Start by slicing and lightly toasting a fresh baguette or country loaf until crisp on the outside and tender within. Spread with creamy cheeses, butter, or other flavorful bases before layering with ingredients like smoked salmon, fresh vegetables, herbs, fruit, or cured meats. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, or freshly cracked pepper, and serve immediately while the bread is still crisp.
- Why you will love it? French tartines embody everything we love about French home cooking simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and beautiful presentation. They're endlessly customizable, quick to assemble, and suitable for any time of day. Whether you're hosting brunch, preparing a light lunch, or creating an elegant apéritif board, these tartines bring a touch of France to your table with very little effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: None (or 5 minutes if lightly toasting the bread)
- Total Time: 10-15 minutes
- Servings: Varies by recipe (typically 2-4)
- Calories: Varies depending on the toppings
- Cook Method: No-cook or lightly toasted
- Flavor & Texture: Crisp artisan bread topped with creamy, fresh, savory, and herbaceous ingredients, offering a wonderful balance of crunchy textures and delicate French flavors.
- Difficulty: Easy
What is a French Tartine?
Open face sandwich, most commonly made with a French Baguette or Sourdough loaf.
Tartines can be Savory or Sweet, dependent on the time of day and your preference. In France it is customary to eat sweet in the morning and for a mid-afternoon snack called le goûter.
Sweet Tartines
Many French people start their day with a tartine for breakfast. A section of crusty baguette cut into, lengthwise. A generous spread of butter and a dollop of jam. I love Bonne Maman peach jam but you can also use any variety of store bought or homemade jams.
My husband, Le Chef, likes a tartine with only butter on it that he dips in rich hot chocolate - it brings him right back to being a kid in France.
A tartine made simply with nutella is a favorite afternoon snack for school kids.
Savory Tartines
These are only a few suggestions for French Tartine Recipes, by using different toppings you can create a wide variety of tartines!
A Fig and Prosciutto Tartine makes for a perfect light lunch. Take a slice of bread, top with some fresh marscapone, salty prosciutto and some fresh figs and voila! you have a delicious lunch. Accompany with a green salad topped with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and you would swear you have just lunched in your favorite French bistro.
For a vegetarian option I love spreading a thick layer of goat cheese topped with steamed asparagus, a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh thyme.
A Tomato Boursin Tartine is the best way (in my opinion!) to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes.
My favorite for brunch is a Smoked Salmon Tartine is with cream cheese, smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onion, capers and a little bit of lemon zest and black pepper.
Le Chef came up with a creative take on the Tomato Burrata and Basil Tartine by adding fresh strawberries. It really elevates the dish!
How to make a tartine:
Take a piece of bread. You can refer to one of my most popular posts Baking Baguettes for Beginners to make your own crusty French Baguette. You can also use a slice of sourdough or rustic bread (pain rustique) as it is referred to in France.
Grill your bread with a little olive oil in a pan until golden brown.
Top with your choice of toppings!
FAQS
Absolutely. Roasted vegetables like tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, or zucchini bring lovely color and flavor, turning a simple tartine into a satisfying meal.
Tartines are wonderfully versatile. Serve them for a relaxed brunch, a light lunch with a green salad, or even cut into small pieces as an elegant appetizer for guests.
A crusty French baguette or a thick slice of sourdough is perfect. The key is a bread that becomes beautifully golden when toasted while remaining soft on the inside.
Other Le Chef's Wife Recipes you will enjoy
I hope you have enjoyed this post about a selection of French Tartines Recipe. Let me know if you make a tartine and leave a comment below.
Bon appétit.
Le Chef's Wife
All aBOUT LE CHEF'S WIFE
Bonjour! I am Anina Belle. I translate the fancy cooking of my Michelin-star trained French Chef Husband, Le Chef, into easy to make dishes that busy people with no culinary training (like me!) can make at home. We have two young kids (5 and 2) and I have a full time job in hospitality in addition to this blog. I strongly believe that even busy people deserve to eat well at home.
I share our home cooking on Instagram, pinterest and tiktok. Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to receive my new recipes and have advance access to cooking classes. I look forward to cooking with you!
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Suzanne says
Hmmm! So simple and delicious! Love the idea of the figs