What Is a Tartine, Really?

Bread is undeniably amazing, and when you toast it, it becomes the ultimate canvas for your culinary creativity. When you start topping it with more than just peanut butter and jelly, you’ve likely encountered the trend of tartines—those gourmet open-faced toasts that are making waves in restaurant kitchens. Dive into the world of these upscale toasts, rooted in European tradition.

What Is a Tartine, Exactly?

A tartine is essentially an open-faced sandwich, and that's exactly what the French word describes. Whether it’s the trendy avocado toast or a beloved Southern tomato sandwich slathered in mayo with fresh tomatoes, salt, and pepper, both are variations of a tartine.

Tartines are cherished across Europe, where they are perfected to an art form. In Paris, breakfast often features tartines served with butter and jam, perfect for dipping into a hot cup of coffee or chocolate. At lunch, the sweet spread is swapped for savory options like pate.

In Scandinavia, tartines are known as smørrebrød, and they are beautifully layered creations, typically savory with a focus on fish, though sweet variations exist too. In the US and other places, tartines tend to be thicker, heartier, and more rustic, though still just as versatile.

Tartines have become incredibly popular here as well. There are even bistros dedicated entirely to this dish, offering tartines of all sizes—from small bites to hearty meals. They can be enjoyed at any time of day, though they are most commonly served at breakfast or lunch.

What Sets a Tartine Apart from a Sandwich?

The key difference between a tartine and a sandwich is the amount of bread. A tartine is served open-faced, without the top slice of bread that completes a sandwich, allowing its filling to be beautifully showcased in all its glory.

What Can You Top a Tartine With?

The possibilities for tartine toppings are virtually endless. From sweet jams and savory spreads like mayonnaise, pesto, or hummus, the combinations are limited only by your imagination. For a creamy, indulgent touch, try soft cheeses such as burrata, goat cheese, or Gruyere.

For protein-packed options, ham, duck confit, chicken salad, and sliced steak make excellent choices. Add some flair with toppings like honey, fresh herbs, or roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor and fun.

What’s the Best Bread for Tartines?

Tartines are typically served on hearty breads like country loaves or sourdough, which can support the toppings without becoming soggy. The famous Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, named after the dish, uses a thick bread they call 'country bread,' which is actually a variant of sourdough.

You can create a tartine with any kind of bread, as long as it’s sturdy enough to support the toppings. For smørrebrød, a dense, flat bread is used, often in various dark rye varieties, offering a strong base for the hearty ingredients piled on top.