Flammkuchen Recipe

I absolutely love this Flammkuchen recipe because it’s a perfect blend of crispy, golden dough and savory toppings that make my taste buds dance with joy. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up for a cozy night in or impressing friends with my culinary skills!

A delightful flatbread from Alsace, flammkuchen has a delicate and crisp crust made of all-purpose flour, olive oil, and water. The topping is a lovely combination of either crème fraîche or sour cream, which I like to use when I make it.

But the dish’s real star is the savory, smoky bacon that serves as the dish’s main flavoring. If you want to incorporate a touch of optional freshness, remember that chives or green onions are lovely with this dish.

Ingredients

Provides carbohydrates; at the base of the dough is all-purpose flour.

The addition of healthy fats, which include olive oil, serves to enhance flavor and texture.

Crème fraîche: Tangy and creamy; adds moisture and richness.

Bacon that has been smoked: Delivers protein and lipids; contributes a smoky, savory flavor.

Onion: Contributes to sweetness and depth; contributes fiber and vitamin C.

Ingredient Quantities

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 125ml (1/2 cup) water
• 150g (5.3 oz) crème fraîche or sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 100g (3.5 oz) smoked bacon or pancetta, diced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chives or green onions, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to its hottest setting—ideally around 250°C (480°F)—and preheat it with a pizza stone or steel baking surface inside.

2. In a big mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Make a large hole in the middle and pour in the olive oil and water.

3. Combine the materials until they coalesce into a dough, then work the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it shows the signs of a proper knead: smoothness and elasticity.

4. The dough should be rolled into a thin rectangle or oval about 2-3 millimeters thick. It is now safe to switch to parchment paper; the next step is way simpler if you do. If you’re using a marble workspace, dust the marble lightly with flour and place a large piece of parchment over it.

5. Combine the crème fraîche, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) in a small bowl and mix until smooth.

6. Evenly spread the crème fraîche mixture over the dough that has been rolled out, leaving a small border around the edges.

7. Spread the diced smoked bacon or pancetta evenly across the layer of crème fraîche.

8. Over the top of the bacon, scatter the onions that have been cut into thin slices.

9. The Flammkuchen, along with its parchment paper, must be moved with care onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Once the Flammkuchen is in place, it can be left alone for the next 10-12 minutes. By then, the edges should be crisp, and the toppings should be beautifully golden.

10. Take it out of the oven and, if desired, garnish it with chives or green onions. Cut into wedges and serve without delay.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Pizza stone or steel baking surface
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Rolling pin
8. Parchment paper
9. Knife (for cutting ingredients and slicing Flammkuchen)
10. Cutting board
11. Baking sheet (optional, if not using a pizza stone)
12. Oven mitts

FAQ

• What is Flammkuchen?Tarte Flambée, also known as Flammkuchen, is a dish of German-French origin that’s much like pizza. Traditionally, a thin crust forms the base of the dish, which is then topped with ingredients such as crème fraîche, onions, and bacon.
• Can I use other types of flour for this recipe?You can replace regular flour with whole-wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends, but the texture may differ somewhat from the classic Flammkuchen.
• Is there a substitute for crème fraîche?If you need to, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of crème fraîche; however, the flavor and texture may not be exactly synonymous.
• How do I make the dough thin enough?On a surface dusted with flour, roll out the dough until it is thin, achieving a thickness of 1-2 mm, if possible. This ensures the traditional crispy texture.
• Can I add other toppings?Of course! You can absolutely personalize your Flammkuchen with mushrooms, cheese, or vegetables, just know that it may change the dish’s character in a way that makes it less traditional.
• How long should I bake the Flammkuchen?In a preheated oven, bake at 250°C (480°F) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
• Is Flammkuchen served differently for any special occasion?Although typically savored as a laid-back meal or nibble, one might well serve Flammkuchen at a family reunion or some other festivity—maybe on the Fourth of July or during Oktoberfest—with a refreshing white wine or beer one moment and the next moment engaging in the raucous revelry captured in so many old-time photos.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute all-purpose flour with either bread flour or whole wheat flour. They will yield a different texture and flavor, but they will still work in the recipe.
Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can be used as substitutes for crème fraîche or sour cream.
Bacon or pancetta that has been smoked: For a somewhat different taste and texture, you could substitute prosciutto or turkey bacon.
Olive oil: You can use vegetable oil or melted butter instead of olive oil.
Use shallots instead of onions for a milder flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Dough Texture For a consistently smooth and elastic dough, gradually add the water into the flour and salt mixture. Start by mixing with a fork, and once combined, use your hands to knead it. If the dough feels too sticky, dust it with a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a little water.

2. Crispy Base Secret Ensure your oven is fully preheated and that the pizza stone or baking steel is scorching hot before placing your Flammkuchen on it. This will help achieve a crispy base and perfectly cooked toppings.

3. Topping Balance When spreading the crème fraîche mixture, aim for a thin, even layer to prevent the base from becoming soggy and to ensure a balanced flavor with the toppings.

4. Optimal Onion Sweetness If you prefer a sweeter onion flavor, consider pre-cooking the thinly sliced onions for a couple of minutes in a pan before adding them to the Flammkuchen. This can enhance their sweetness and ensure they are cooked through.

5. Serving Tip For added flavor, consider drizzling a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top just before serving. This enhances the richness and adds a nice finishing touch to the dish.