Tartine Recipes to Try—Plus, Tips on How to Make Them Better

Use Sturdy Bread

Bread gives the tartine its structure, so opt for a slice that can stand up to toppings. Dense, nutty multi-grain bread or hearty slices of miche are preferable. A crusty baguette cut lengthwise works, although it’s thicker than other slices. Pile it with more toppings for a one-to-one ratio of bread to toppings in every bite.

Shop for High-Quality Produce

Your tartine will only taste as good as your worst produce. Opting for an heirloom tomato from the farmer's market will make a big difference, as will picking perfectly ripe avocados, and fresh (not wilted) greens.

There are areas where quality isn't as important. For example, toasted day-old bread can serve as a base for a tartine without compromising taste. Also, while premium smoked fish tastes great, you can use items from your pantry, like canned tuna, to save money without reducing in quality.

Toast the Bread

While not all tartines need to be toasted, it can help once you start building the sandwich. Toasting gives the bread a sturdy crunch so it won’t get soggy under the toppings. Tartines only need to be lightly toasted to help create a firm base.

Thinly Slice and Dress Your Veggies

Tartines are a delicate sandwich, so top them with thinly sliced veggies. Use your sharpest knife, a mandolin, or a Y-shaped vegetable peeler to create paper-thin slices.

Once you slice your veggies, toss them in lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, or all of the above before adding to the tartine. Dressing your veggies will help tenderize the toppings and also enhance their natural flavors.

Smear the Bread Before Stacking

Before topping, drizzle some olive oil or smear the bread with butter, mayo, jam, pesto, hummus, or whatever your favorite condiment may be. If you're going the savory route, season with salt and pepper after adding the condiment to the bread.

Stack Smart

Small, roll-y ingredients like capers or diced onion should go right against the bread—they’ll stick to the spread instead of falling off. When layering, alternate textured ingredients like lettuce with slippery ones like sliced tomatoes.

Make It Pop

Garnish your tartines with one or two ingredients that add texture and color. A dash of hot sauce, fresh leafy herbs, red pepper flakes, or cracked black pepper can all make this open-face sandwich pop.