This Sunbraid Sandwich is at the top of my list for celebrating the Great North American Solar Eclipse passing over us next month. I’ve experimented with several flavors for this Sunbraid Sandwich and learned this is the best combination. Yes, you can do things to lighten up the ingredients, but this is my default, the best flavor.

Never did I imagine I’d take a traditional French meal, the tarte au Soleil, and make it my own. But I’m telling you my family and friends better be ready. We are going to be serving these in all kinds of ways. It makes me feel like I’m serving a fancy treat, and it’s so easy to make.

I also plan to serve this as a meal on the night of the opening ceremonies for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. What a fun way and super approachable French pastry using easy groceries we can get in the States.

A Sunbraid Sandwich, or ham and cheese Tarte au Soliel, is the perfect addition to a 2024 Olympics Party spread or an easy addition to a spring menu and celebration plan. The traditional French flavors of ham and cheese and a new presentation make even a simple weeknight dinner feel a little fancy.

History of the Sunbraid | Tarte au Soleil

The French are known for their fancy bread-making and fine dining experiences. The tarte au Soleil is a top appetizer that greets guests with fancy merriment without the fuss.

The traditional French tarte is typically made from hand made puff pastry rolled into a circle shape and spread with pesto.

Those who grew up eating this treat say it was developed in the south of France where sunshine and pesto were plentiful, and this warm treat always welcomed guests and brought a smile to faces as they sat with glasses of local wine and shared a bite to eat with friends.

An Apero, a French cocktail hour, can go on for hours, so having a little “nibble” with your spirits helps take the edge off for dinner.

I will tell you, as I’m sitting at my wooden picnic table on an April afternoon, eating my Sunbraid, I might shift the music to feel like it’s an early happy hour in French countryside…..not exactly my typical surroundings, but a girl can dream, can’t she!

Print Recipe

Sunbraid Sandwich

A Sunbraid Sandwich, or ham and cheese Tarte au Soliel, is the perfect dinner on eclipse night or an easy addition to a spring menu and celebration spread. The traditional French flavors of ham and cheese and a new presentation make even a simple weeknight dinner feel a little fancy.

Ingredients

1 roll refrigerated puff pastry
Flour to sprinkle
¼ cup French onion dip or chive and onion cream cheese spread
Sliced ham deli meat
Sliced provolone or Swiss cheese
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400.
Unroll puff pastry onto the counter or a cutting board.
Sprinkle with a little all-purpose flour and roll out the dough to an even layer, spreading to make a larger rectangle.
Fold over the pastry dough or cut it in half to make two equally-sized rectangles.
Set aside one rectangle to place on top later.
Flip the dough so that the floured side is down and lay it on your cooking surface, such as a baking stone, cookie sheet, or oven-safe pan.
Evently spread the cream cheese on the rectangle.
Evenly top with a layer of sliced ham.
Repeat with sliced cheese.
Top with the second dough piece.
Using a drinking glass with about a 4-inch diameter, press it down in the middle of the rectangle.
Use a knife to cut the “rays” of the sun. First, make four cuts to create quadrants, then cut those in half and each of those in half. You should have 16 equally portioned pieces.
Lift the “ray” closest to you, all the layers.
Hold it between your fingers and twist it, making two full turns. Lift it to the middle and twist it to the end, pressing the end down on your cooking surface.
Repeat this with the other “rays,” making sure to twist them all in the same direction.
Brush an egg wash over the middle and all the twisted pieces, trying to coat all the pastry dough where possible.
Place the Sunbraid in the oven on a middle rack, with room for the pastry to rise.
Bake for 12 minutes and check until fully cooked. May take up to 20 minutes to cook where there is an even cook and golden brown finish to the pastry.
Remove from oven and serve warm.
Serve on a spring buffet or with dips, crudites, and crackers on the side.

Notes

Notes:

I found it easier to go ahead and cut the “rays” away from the middle circle so my family could place the strips on their plate, but traditional recipes say you can break the pieces off. I found that it worked with a spread but not layers of things “stuffed” inside.

You can substitute your favorite puff pastry dough; just make sure you follow the directions for folding over and having matching-sized pieces.

You can mix and match these ingredients to what you can find. Use Laughing Cow cheese or Boursin to spread instead of the dips. Make your own spread from whipped cream cheese and dry ranch. I like the garlic flavor, so I’d encourage you to mix in some garlic powder if you create your own spread. Serve extra on the side for dipping.

You can take this Sunbraid Sandwich to the next level and make a sweet version to finish your meal. It is an easy, fun treat at a spring brunch or graduation celebration. We tried flavors like Nutella or cookie butter, and I think a jam or jelly would make a similar splash to a homemade pop tart.

A Sunbraid Sandwich, or ham and cheese Tarte au Soliel, is the perfect dinner on eclipse night or an easy addition to a spring menu and celebration spread. The traditional French flavors of ham and cheese and a new presentation make even a simple weeknight dinner feel a little fancy.

Like many recipes here, the possibilities are endless as you think creatively about things your family enjoys.

Nutella
Cookie butter
Pesto – topped with a tomato chutney or roasted cherry tomatoes
Orange marmalade
Rose jam
Herby jams
Lemon curd
Strawberry rhubarb spread
Everything bagel spread

If you are still looking for tips and fun things to prepare for the Great North American Total Solar Eclipse, check out these Survival Kit ideas for your own SOLARbration.

And, if throwing a party is your thing, you may find some of these others recipes and tips helpful!