I love working from home, but one of my biggest challenges is figuring out what to make for lunch. Do you struggle with this, too? Please tell me I'm not alone! Some days lunch is leftovers from dinner the night before, but I don't always love having leftovers for lunch. I'd rather save them for dinner to save myself time later in the day. Knowing I can work a little longer without having to stop early and make dinner is such a gift, especially on busy days! Plenty of days I grab an apple or nibble on whatever recipe I'm testing, because I'm too busy or not feeling inspired to make a full lunch. And that brings us to this incredibly delicious and easy to make prosciutto arugula goat cheese tartine.
This recipe proves that a few simple ingredients can combine to make the most delicious recipe! Because this sandwich doesn't use many ingredients, try to find the highest quality. It does make a difference! Look for prosciutto from Italy like Prosciutto di Parma -- Costco carries it and is where you'll find the best price. Or, if your budget allows, look for it in your local specialty grocery stores. Did I mention how delicious the goat cheese is as a base for your tartine? The creaminess of the goat cheese makes the perfect first layer for the peppery arugula and slices of salty prosciutto. The perfect way to tie all the ingredients together is with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil.
What is a tartine?
If you've never heard of a tartine, they're open-faced sandwiches. In France, you'll find tartines in most cafés and boulangeries. They're layered with typical sandwich ingredients -- meats, cheeses, greens (like arugula, lettuce, or spinach), and a smear of mayo or butter. And, yes, you can always add another slice of toasted bread on top to make this tartine a more traditional sandwich. Either way, don't skimp on the quality of bread. I highly recommend using a good sourdough or other crusty bread. I'm a huge fan of Grand Central Bakery Como bread, but focaccia, ciabatta, or baguette would work, too.
The steps to creating the perfect tartine:
Toast your bread slices in a toaster OR, if you want to level up the flavor, add a bit of olive oil and butter to a skillet and toast your bread, on both sides, until golden brown. You'll want the skillet on medium-low heat, and it should only take a minute or two per side.
Rub a garlic clove over your toasted bread. This is going to add so much flavor!!
Generously spread goat cheese over your toasted bread. If you spread it while your bread is warm, it will sink into and coat all the nooks and crannies. Layer with a prosciutto slice (or 2 or 3), and top off with arugula and a generous drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Some grated lemon zest and Maldon salt will finish it off nicely.
Use fresh prosciutto from Italy -- look for Prosciutto di Parma. I know it can be expensive, so I highly recommend purchasing it from Costco. The price is reasonable for the amount of prosciutto.
Answering your most frequently asked questions:
What can I use instead of prosciutto?
The skies the limit! You can use slices of roast chicken, turkey, speck, Serrano ham, salami, or pancetta.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Of course! You can leave off the prosciutto and make this vegetarian by adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, baby spinach, caramelized red onion, and a sprinkle of Maldon or kosher salt.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
You can use burrata, mozzarella, feta, brie or simply spread the bread with really good butter like Kerrygold, Plugra or any European brand. The higher fat in European brands means more flavor.
I'm not a fan of goat cheese -- what else can I use?
Hummus, fig jam/fig spread/fig preserves or pesto would all be delicious. And if you're lucky enough to find fresh figs, use them instead of the fig jam.
What can I use instead of arugula?
Any greens work! Your favorite salad mix, baby kale, spinach, radicchio, frisée, dandelion greens, watercress or sprouts. If you find baby arugula, I highly recommend using it because it has a more mild peppery taste than regular arugula.
Can I make this into an appetizer?
That's such a great idea!! YES! Place slices of baguette on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toast under the broiler. Watch carefully so they don't burn! Then assemble them with goat cheese, sweet fig jam, prosciutto, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze. The thicker the vinegar or glaze the better, so it coats all the arugula leaves. Thinner balsamic vinegar and glazes tend to run right off onto the plate or platter, so best to try and use thicker versions. And now instead of a tartine, you have a delicious crostini appetizer for your next party!
What are other toppings I can use?
The beauty of sandwiches is you can add whatever you like! Pickled red onions, capers, toasted pumpkin seeds, walnuts, sundried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, basil, or olives. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice over your open-faced sandwich to liven it up the flavors and add a zingy taste.
I can't wait for you to try this! If you're struggling with trying to find lunch ideas that are quick and crazy good, you'll LOVE this prosciutto arugula goat cheese tartine!
OTHER TASTY SANDWICHES AND SPREADS
Sweet and Smokey Roasted Tomato Spread
Leave a comment below and let me know what tasty ingredients you used on your tartine. And don't forget to rate and review! Your reviews and ratings are so helpful to other foodies who make this recipe! Thanks, friends!
No Comments