Open-Faced Ham and Cheese Tartine with Mustard and Pickled Onions
A simple open-faced tartine featuring thinly sliced ham, tangy mustard, melted cheese, and homemade pickled red onions on crusty bread for a flavorful starter or light meal. This french-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 25 minutes layers thinly sliced sliced cooked ham, Dijon mustard, grated Gruyère cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 slices, about 1/2 inch thick rustic country bread slices
- 8 oz, thinly sliced sliced cooked ham
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup, grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Make quick pickled onions by combining 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves, then pour over 1 thinly sliced small red onion in a jar. Let cool and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat broiler on high. Toast 4 slices of rustic country bread lightly on both sides.
- Step 3: Spread 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard evenly over each toasted bread slice. Layer 2 oz thinly sliced cooked ham on top of the mustard.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese over each tartine. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the top and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Place tartines on a baking sheet and broil 3-4 inches from heat for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and top each tartine with a generous spoonful of the pickled red onions and sprinkle with 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves.
- Step 7: Serve immediately for a flavorful open-faced sandwich that balances smoky ham and tangy brightness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Open-Faced Ham and Cheese Tartine with Mustard and Pickled Onions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Open-Faced Ham and Cheese Tartine with Mustard and Pickled Onions?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Open-Faced Ham and Cheese Tartine with Mustard and Pickled Onions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Open-Faced Ham and Cheese Tartine with Mustard and Pickled Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Open-Faced Ham and Cheese Tartine with Mustard and Pickled Onions?
French sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
