Elsasser Flammkuchen Recipe

I absolutely love this flammkuchen recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory flavors with that irresistible smoky bacon twist that always hits the spot. Plus, there’s something magical about transforming a few simple ingredients into such an elegant and crowd-pleasing dish that never fails to impress my friends at dinner parties!

I adore making Elsasser Flammkuchen, a delicious dish from Alsace that showcases an elegant balance of flavors. My version of this flatbread starts with a crisp base made from 250 grams of all-purpose flour, 125 milliliters of warm water, and a drizzle of olive oil.

The topping of rich crème fraîche, tart and creamy-fromage blanc, and a light dusting of nutmeg makes for a perfectly zesty bite. Then comes the combination of sweet onions and smoky bacon.

Yes, there’s a half pound of bacon in a batch of Flammkuchen. And why not?

This dish provides so many nutrients and bragging rights that you can feel virtuous while devouring it.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: Supplies carbohydrates; serves as the dough’s foundation.

Crème fraîche: Contributes to richness and provides a creamy texture.

Quark or fromage blanc: High in protein; imparts a tangy taste.

Bacon that has been smoked: Imparts a rich, smoky flavor; is an excellent source of protein and fat.

Onions, when sliced thinly, contribute sweetness, aromatic depth, and fiber.

Ingredient Quantities

• 250 grams all-purpose flour
• 125 milliliters warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 200 grams crème fraîche
• 100 grams fromage blanc or quark
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 200 grams thinly sliced onions
• 150 grams smoked bacon, diced

Instructions

1. In a big bowl, blend together 250 grams of flour, all-purpose, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir in warm water—125 milliliters—and 1 tablespoon of oil, olive. Mix until a dough forms.

2. The dough should be kneaded on a floured surface for approximately 5 minutes and should be worked until it is smooth and elastic. After the dough has been adequately kneaded, it should be covered and allowed to rest for 30 minutes.

3. Heat your oven to 250°C (482°F) or as hot as it will go. Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat.

4. In a tiny bowl, combine 200 grams of crème fraîche and 100 grams of fromage blanc or quark. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of grated nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. On a floured work surface, roll the dough very thinly in the shape of a rectangle or circle, about 1-2 millimeters thick.

6. Move the flattened dough gently onto a parchment paper.

7. Evenly distribute the crème fraîche mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

8. Spread the 200 grams of thinly sliced onions evenly over the top of the crème fraîche mixture.

9. Distribute 150 grams of diced smoked bacon evenly over the onions.

10. With great care, move the flammkuchen, still on its parchment paper, over to the hot baking sheet or pizza stone within the oven. It should start to cook for about 10-12 minutes, and your nose will likely alert you as to when it’s ready: the crust should look and feel crisp, and the toppings should be golden brown. Promptly remove the flammkuchen from the oven, slice, and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Floured work surface
5. Rolling pin
6. Small bowl
7. Grater (for nutmeg)
8. Parchment paper
9. Baking sheet or pizza stone
10. Oven
11. Knife (for slicing)

FAQ

• What is Flammkuchen?Tarte Flambée, often referred to as Flammkuchen, is a traditional dish from the Alsace region that closely resembles a thin, crispy pizza.
• Can I use a different type of flour?Whole wheat or gluten-free flour can take the place of all-purpose flour when making this recipe, but your finished bread may have a slightly different texture.
• Is fromage blanc the same as quark?Although similar in many respects, fromage blanc and quark are not identical. Both are fresh cheeses, and you can use either in this recipe.
• How thin should I slice the onions?Cut the onions into very thin slices so that they will cook evenly and completely in the oven.
• Can I use prosciutto instead of bacon?Indeed, it is possible to replace bacon with prosciutto in order to achieve a different flavor profile for your dish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as necessary, since prosciutto will have a different texture and moisture content from bacon.
• Can crème fraîche be substituted?You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt if you don’t have crème fraîche, but the taste will be a bit different.
• How should Flammkuchen be served?Traditionally, flammkuchen is presented as a hot dish served straight from the oven, usually as a first course or main dish. It can easily combine the two roles, as it does in the recipe that follows, which features a light salad of salad greens with vinaigrette that pairs very well with the flavors of the flammkuchen.

Substitutions and Variations

Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and is a great substitute for all-purpose flour.
Sour cream: Use in place of crème fraîche if it is unavailable.

Fromage blanc or quark: Use Greek yogurt as a substitute.
Bacon that has been smoked: Use pancetta or prosciutto in its place if you want a different, smoky flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dough After resting, chill the dough briefly in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This can make it easier to roll out very thinly without sticking to the rolling pin or tearing.

2. Pre-cook the Bacon For an extra crispy texture, lightly pre-cook the diced bacon in a pan until some fat has rendered. Drain well before adding it to the flammkuchen to avoid excess grease and ensure it becomes perfectly crispy in the oven.

3. Caramelize the Onions For a richer flavor, consider briefly sautéing the onions until they start to caramelize. This will add a sweet depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy topping and smoked bacon.

4. Hot Baking Surface Ensure your baking sheet or pizza stone is thoroughly preheated before sliding the flammkuchen onto it. This intense heat will promote a crispy base, similar to traditional wood-fired ovens.

5. Experiment with Seasonings Enhance the crème fraîche mixture by adding a hint of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.