Say Bonjour to the Tartine: France’s Open-Faced Favourite
29th May 2025
Simple, elegant, and endlessly adaptable—the tartine is the unsung hero of French home cooking. At Le Fromage Yard, we love tartines because they showcase the art of eating well with minimal fuss: a beautiful slice of bread, thoughtfully topped, and often starring… cheese (of course!).
But what exactly is a tartine? Let’s dig in.
What is a Tartine?
In French, tartiner means “to spread”—and that’s exactly how a tartine begins: a generous spread on a slice of good bread. More than just an open-faced sandwich, a tartine is about quality over quantity. Traditionally served untoasted or lightly toasted, tartines can also be grilled or warmed, especially when layered with melting cheeses or savoury toppings.
Think of a tartine as the lovechild of a sandwich and a plated dish: casual, yet elevated.
Build the Perfect Tartine
It all starts with good bread—a sourdough slice, rustic pain de campagne, or crusty baguette—then layer with intention.
The Formula:
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The Base: Toasted or fresh artisan bread
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The Spread: Butter, mustard or tapenade
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The Main Event: Think cheese, roasted vegetables, tomato, cured meats, or fruit
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The Finishing Touch: Nuts, herbs, greens, pickles, a drizzle of honey or vinegar
Cheese Tartine Ideas from Le Fromage Yard
Here’s how we love to tartine—with a focus on beautiful cheeses from our selection (always grilled for us):
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Brie + Fig Jam + Walnuts
A sweet and creamy dream; try with Fromage de meaux. -
Goat Cheese + Roasted Beetroot + Thyme
Earthy, tangy, and vibrant—Saint Maure-style log. -
Comté + Garlic Mushrooms + Thyme Butter
Deep, nutty flavours and umami perfection—ideal for a warming lunch. -
Raclette + Potato + Cornichons
A twist on a classic. Grill the whole tartine for ultimate gooeyness. -
Blue Cheese + Pear Slices + Honey
Balance strong with sweet—Roquefort, Bluestone, or Fourme d'Ambert work wonders.
What to Serve with Your Tartine
Tartines make a brilliant:
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Light lunch or supper
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Shared appetiser board
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No-fuss dinner with a green salad
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Weekend brunch with poached eggs and wine
Pair with Sauvignon Blanc for goat cheese, Pinot Noir for earthy mushrooms, or a sweet Sauternes with blue cheese.
Create Your Own with Le Fromage Yard
We’ve got all the ingredients you need to build your own tartines—from French sourdough and artisan crackers to a world-class selection of soft, hard, and blue cheeses.