French Tartines Recipe

Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon with sunlight streaming through the kitchen windows, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to indulge in something deliciously simple yet undeniably gourmet. I’m talking about warm, toasty tartines topped with creamy goat cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil—each bite a mini escape to a sun-drenched Mediterranean terrace. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive in!

I enjoy making uncomplicated but exquisite food, and my recipe for French tartines is a prime illustration. Using rustic country bread as the bed, a thick layer of goat cheese as the spread, and the bright flavors of ripe tomatoes and basil, this dish is as healthy as it is simple.

And with an excess of good olive oil and a smattering of garlic, it is as heavenly as any open-faced sandwich has a right to be.

French Tartines Recipe Ingredients

• Country-style bread: Provides carbohydrates; hearty and rustic base.
• Olive oil: Rich in healthy fats; adds smoothness.
• Goat cheese: Creamy texture; provides protein and tangy flavor.
• Tomato: Juicy and fresh; adds vitamins and sweetness.
• Basil leaves: Aromatic herb; enhances with fresh, peppery notes.

French Tartines Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 slices of country-style bread
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, halved
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling

How to Make this French Tartines Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.

2. Arrange the slices of country-style bread on a baking sheet.

3. Pour ½ tablespoon of olive oil over each slice of bread.

4. Place the slices of bread in the oven and set the timer for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they look golden brown and have crisped up nicely.

5. Take the sliced bread, warmed in the oven. Rubbing the garlic clove cut in half across the warm bread, infuse it with the flavor of garlic. This silky layer of garlicky goodness will heighten the bread’s ability to soak up the flavors to come.

6. Distribute about 1 ounce of goat cheese onto each slice of warm, toasted bread.

7. Spread the thin tomato slices out evenly on each tartine over the goat cheese.

8. Add salt and pepper to the tomato slices so that they taste good.

9. Top each toasted slice of bread, place a slice of the cheese on top, and return to the oven just until the cheese melts. Then garnish with fresh basil.

10. If you want, you can drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over each tartine before you serve them. Enjoy!

French Tartines Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Pastry brush or spoon (for olive oil)
4. Knife (for slicing bread, garlic, and tomato)
5. Timer
6. Cutting board
7. Garlic press (optional, to halve garlic)
8. Cheese spreader or butter knife
9. Serving platter or plate

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t like goat cheese?Indeed, another creamy cheese, like feta or cream cheese, can provide an alternative flavor profile when goat cheese is not available.
• What type of bread works best for tartines?A bread in the country style or artisan bread is perfect because it has a robust texture that holds the toppings well.
• Can I prepare the tartines in advance?Tartines are just such a great thing to eat—beautiful, and not too precious to make. You can prepare some of the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to assemble the tartines right before serving. That way, they stay fresh and delicious.
• How can I make the tartines more hearty?Ingredients such as sliced avocado, smoked salmon, or prosciutto can be added to make tartines more satisfying, as well as more flavorful.
• Is there a substitute for fresh basil leaves?Fresh herbs like parsley or arugula can be used in lieu of basil.
• How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?To avoid the tomato and cheese from making the tartines soggy, toast the bread first.
• What is the purpose of rubbing garlic on the bread?Toasted bread gains a slight, understated garlic flavor that does not dominate the dish when one rubs it with a clove of garlic.

French Tartines Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bread, country-style: Replace with sourdough or ciabatta.
Substitute for olive oil: Use avocado oil or melted butter.
Cheese from goats: Substitute with cream cheese or ricotta.
Tomato: Substitute sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Substitute fresh basil leaves with fresh oregano or arugula.

Pro Tips

1. For extra flavor, try marinating the sliced tomatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for about 10-15 minutes before assembling the tartine. This will enhance the taste of the tomatoes and add depth to the dish.

2. To ensure even melting and a creamier texture, let the goat cheese come to room temperature before spreading it on the warm toast. This will make it easier to spread and meld with the rest of the ingredients.

3. Consider toasting the bread under the broiler for a minute or two after the initial baking. This can give the edges an extra crispy texture while keeping the center soft.

4. Experiment with different types of goat cheese, such as herb-infused or pepper-crusted varieties, to add an extra layer of flavor to your tartines.

5. If available, use heirloom tomatoes for a burst of color and unique flavor profiles that can elevate the overall presentation and taste of your tartines.