This Bayonne Ham Laguiole Cheese & Balsamic Vinegar Tartine will bring your snack break to a whole new level!
This tartine combines some of the world’s most delightful ingredients: Bayonne ham, Laguiole cheese, walnuts, mushrooms, red onion and balsamic vinegar pearls. All of these toppings rest on a thick slice of wholesome wholewheat, grainy bread for a satisfying snack or light lunch.
Two quick notes to clarify:
What is a tartine? In French, a tartine originally meant a slice of bread or half a baguette spread with butter and often jam. Over time it has come to mean any open-faced bread topped with sweet or savory ingredients. The verb tartiner simply means to spread.
What are balsamic vinegar beads? Balsamic pearls are concentrated balsamic vinegar formed into small, glossy beads. They add a splash of tangy-sweet flavor and an attractive finish to dishes — especially tartines.
Laguiole is one of my favorite cheeses for this tartine because of its firm texture and sharp, nutty flavor. If Laguiole isn’t available where you live, substitute another hard, mature cheese — a mature cheddar or pecorino works beautifully.
For added crunch and flavor, Hugo makes crispy ham chips. They’re simple to prepare: preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange ham slices between two sheets of parchment paper, place a weight on top to keep them flat, and bake until crisp. They add a lovely contrast to the creamy cheese and tender vegetables.
This tartine strikes a delightful balance of savory meat, sharp cheese, sweet-tart balsamic pearls and hearty bread. It’s perfect for an elevated snack or a light lunch and is very flexible — use whatever leftovers or favorite ingredients you have on hand. The key is to keep flavors simple and complementary so nothing overpowers the rest.
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Bayonne ham Laguiole cheese & balsamic vinegar tartine
- Author: Alix and Hugo
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 tartines
Description
This Bayonne ham, Laguiole cheese and balsamic vinegar tartine elevates a simple slice of bread into a flavorful, elegant bite. Crisp ham, creamy sharp cheese, toasted walnuts and little pearls of balsamic vinegar combine for a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of grainy bread
- 3 slices of Bayonne ham
- 2 pieces (about 2 inches) of Laguiole cheese, cut into small sticks
- 1 mushroom, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula and mâche)
- 8 walnuts
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 8 fresh chives, snipped
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar pearls
- Butter
Instructions
Prepare the Bayonne ham chips:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut a slice of Bayonne ham into four equal pieces.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper, place the ham pieces on it, then cover with another sheet of parchment.
- Place an oven-safe dish or weight on top to keep the ham flat and prevent curling.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until crisp. Set aside to cool.
Make the caramelized onion:
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the sugar and continue cooking until the onion is soft and caramelized, about 2–3 more minutes.
- Remove from the heat and set aside.
Assemble each tartine:
- Spread butter on each slice of bread, then arrange a handful of mixed greens.
- Add a half slice of Bayonne ham, a few sticks of Laguiole cheese, a few mushroom slices and some caramelized onion.
- Top with two walnut halves, two chive pieces and one crispy ham chip.
- Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over each tartine and finish with about 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pearls.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Tartine – Snack
- Cuisine: French