I absolutely love how this Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe brings together the rich, caramelized sweetness of onions with the crunchy, slightly nutty flavor of sautéed Brussels sprouts. It’s a fantastic way to turn everyday ingredients into something that feels really special and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy lunch or an easy dinner, this tartine is just the kind of dish that feels both comforting and a little fancy.

When I first tried this Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe, I was surprised by how well the textures and flavors complemented each other—the softness of melted Havarti cheese paired with crisp sourdough and bright lemon accents just sings. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy Brussels sprouts if you’re usually on the fence about them. You’ll find that it’s easy to make, visually appealing, and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a quiet night in.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Caramelized onions and crispy Brussels sprouts elevate everyday ingredients into something deliciously memorable.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: Works wonderfully for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner that feels a little indulgent without being heavy.
  • Easy to Customize: You can swap out cheeses or add your favorite herbs to make this tartine your own.
  • Great Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s a guaranteed hit when guests come over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe work together to balance sweetness, savory richness, and bright freshness—making it a harmonious flavor party on bread. When shopping, look for firm Brussels sprouts and good-quality sourdough, as they really make a difference.

  • Sweet onion: Choose a fresh, firm onion for that perfect caramelized sweetness.
  • Garlic clove: Fresh garlic enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the tartine.
  • Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness in your dish.
  • Brussels sprouts: Pick small to medium-sized ones that are compact and bright green for best crispiness.
  • Olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely richness to the sprouts.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too harsh.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a bright, warm spice note.
  • Sourdough bread slices: Thick slices with a sturdy crumb hold up well to toppings and toasting.
  • Havarti cheese: This mild, creamy cheese melts beautifully and complements the brussels without competing.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon slices add a pop of brightness that cuts through the richness.
  • Parmesan cheese: Finely grated to sprinkle on top for an extra savory boost.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy most about the Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to boost the protein, make it dairy-free, or give it a different flavor twist, this recipe is flexible enough to adapt.

  • Add a Protein: I like topping mine with a fried egg or some crispy bacon for an added savory bite that takes brunch to the next level.
  • Swap the Cheese: Goat cheese or creamy ricotta work beautifully if you want a tangier or lighter cheese option.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based butter and cheese alternative, then sprinkle with nutritional yeast for cheesy umami.
  • Seasonal Twist: In winter, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg to the caramelized onions for warmth, or toss in some toasted walnuts on top for crunch.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions and Garlic Slowly

Start by heating unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add your thinly sliced sweet onions and minced garlic with just a pinch of salt to help pull moisture out. Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 20 to 30 minutes. You want the onions to become golden brown and sweet—don’t rush this step! Watching the onions transform is like watching magic happen, and it’s the backbone of flavor here.

Step 2: Crisp the Brussels Sprouts

Next, in a separate skillet (or after removing the onions), warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced Brussels sprouts with a good pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir occasionally, letting them brown and crisp up — those caramelized edges add incredible texture. You want a bit of crunch but keep them tender inside, so keep an eye on the heat and timing.

Step 3: Toast the Sourdough

While your veggies are cooking, place sourdough slices on a baking sheet and pop them into your 350°F oven. Toast them for 10 minutes, then flip and toast another 10 minutes to achieve a sturdy yet crunchy base. When you add the freshly grated Havarti cheese, return the bread to the oven just long enough for it to melt into gooey perfection without drying out.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once everything’s ready, top each cheesy toast first with the caramelized onions, then a generous pile of the crispy Brussels sprouts. Brighten it all by spritzing with fresh lemon juice, then finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan. Serve immediately so the tartine stays warm and all the flavors shine together.

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Pro Tips for Making Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe

  • Low and Slow for Onions: Take your time with caramelizing onions — rushing this step will lose that deep, natural sweetness that makes such a difference.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Sprouts: When sautéing Brussels sprouts, cook in batches if needed so they crisp rather than steam.
  • Use Thick-Cut Bread: A sturdier slice prevents sogginess and holds the toppings perfectly, keeping each bite satisfying.
  • Lemon Last: Add the lemon juice just before serving for a fresh brightness that doesn’t get lost or bitter.

How to Serve Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe

Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a few extra shavings of Parmesan and a light drizzle of good olive oil for shine and a little richness. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or cracked black pepper right before serving to give it a bit more texture and zing.

Side Dishes

This tartine pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of roasted root vegetables for a complete, well-rounded meal. When I want something heartier, a cup of butternut squash soup on the side complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served these tartines on a wooden board dressed with fresh herbs scattered around. You can cut them into smaller toasts for a charming appetizer, or build an open-faced tartine bar where guests add their own toppings—such a fun and interactive way to enjoy it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Brussels Sprouts Tartine components separately—the caramelized onions and sautéed Brussels sprouts in airtight containers in the fridge, and the toasted bread in a paper bag to keep it crisp. When stored this way, everything stays fresh for 2-3 days.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing the assembled tartines isn’t ideal because the bread gets soggy. But you can freeze the caramelized onions and Brussels sprouts separately for up to a month and thaw them before quickly reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I gently reheat the veggies in a skillet over medium heat to crisp them up again, and toast the bread slices separately. Then assemble right before serving, finishing with fresh lemon and Parmesan to revive the flavors.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese for Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe?

    Absolutely! While Havarti melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or gouda. For a fresher tang, goat cheese or ricotta work well—just expect a slightly different texture and taste.

  2. How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from becoming mushy?

    To keep Brussels sprouts crisp rather than mushy, avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing—they need space to brown. Also, cook over medium-high heat and stir occasionally to get those delicious caramelized edges without steaming.

  3. Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! You can caramelize the onions and sauté Brussels sprouts a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Toast the bread and melt the cheese just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

  4. What type of bread is best for a tartine?

    Sourdough is ideal because its sturdy crumb holds up well under the toppings and toasting, providing a nice contrast between crunchy crust and soft interior. If you prefer, you can use a rustic artisan bread with a thick crust and chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself coming back to again and again because it’s just so satisfying and delicious. It’s a beautiful way to showcase Brussels sprouts beyond the usual roasting, and it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve friends. I hope you’ll give it a try—you’ll enjoy how simple ingredients come together to create something really memorable, and I promise your family and guests will be asking for it again!

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Brussels Sprouts Tartine Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious and comforting Brussels Sprouts Tartine featuring caramelized onions, crispy Brussels sprouts, melty Havarti cheese on toasted sourdough bread, finished with fresh lemon and parmesan for a bright, savory bite.


Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Kosher salt, to taste

For the Brussels Sprouts

  • ½ pound Brussels sprouts, stems removed and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Tartine Assembly

  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 6 ounces Havarti cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for spritz)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for toasting the bread and melting the cheese.
  2. Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion, minced garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 20 to 30 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat once done.
  3. Cook Brussels Sprouts: While onions caramelize or after, heat another skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced Brussels sprouts with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts start to crisp and brown slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Toast Bread: Place the 4 slices of sourdough bread on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then flip each slice and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the bread is crisp and toasted on both sides.
  5. Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Sprinkle the freshly grated Havarti cheese evenly on each slice and return to the oven just until the cheese melts, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Assemble Tartines: Once cheese is melted, remove the toasts from the oven. Top each slice with a generous layer of caramelized onions followed by the crispy Brussels sprouts.
  7. Final Touch: Spritz each tartine with a wedge of lemon and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can caramelize onions and cook Brussels sprouts simultaneously in separate skillets to save time.
  • If Havarti cheese is unavailable, a mild melting cheese like mozzarella or fontina can be used as a substitute.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the tartines briefly after assembling for 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • This recipe works well as a light lunch, appetizer, or a vegetarian dinner option.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tartine
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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