Baguette with Roast Beef, Cornichons and Tarragon Mayonnaise

Tangy pickles and herbs with tender beef

This baguette is all about three clear flavours: mild beef, fresh tarragon mayonnaise and the sharp tang of cornichons. The roast beef is tender and savoury; watercress adds a peppery bite, while finely chopped shallot brings extra sharpness. Slicing the cornichons thinly gives you a tangy bite in several mouthfuls without one large slice overpowering the rest of the filling. The combination is French-inspired, but made as a generously filled lunch sandwich, not as an attempt to recreate a specific regional classic.

A baguette works especially well here because of the contrast between its crisp crust and soft interior. Choose a fresh loaf that still feels firm; a very airy one can quickly collapse under the filling. The mayonnaise forms a thin layer of fat between the bread and filling, making the sandwich moist without tasting heavy. Keep that layer modest and fill the baguette just before eating. That way, the crust stays as crisp as possible and the bread doesn’t get unnecessarily soggy.

Tarragon has an anise-like, herbal flavour that goes well with beef and mustard. Use fresh tarragon if available; dried tarragon is stronger and less fresh-tasting, so use about a third of the amount and taste the mayonnaise. Dijon mustard adds a kick and helps balance the richness. No cornichons at home? Use small sour pickles and pat them dry after slicing. Watercress can be replaced with arugula, though it’s usually a little firmer and more bitter.

This makes a handy lunch for two, with a green salad or a bowl of soup on the side if you like. Cut the baguette into two portions and serve them straight away so the crust and watercress keep their bite. If you make the tarragon mayonnaise ahead, cover and store it in the fridge, and use it by the mayonnaise’s use-by date. It’s best not to keep a filled sandwich for long: the bread loses its crispness and the fresh watercress wilts. For lunch on the go, pack the components separately and put the sandwich together just before eating.