Authentic Alsatian Flammkuchen: A Traditional French-German Flatbread Delight

Ingredients

  • 250 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 125 ml of lukewarm water
  • 200 grams of crème fraîche
  • 1 small white onion
  • 200 grams of bacon
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. Add the olive oil and lukewarm water to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
  3. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes in a warm place.
  5. Preheat the oven to 250°C (482°F).
  6. Roll out the dough as thin as possible on a floured surface. Place it on a baking sheet.
  7. Spread the crème fraîche evenly over the dough.
  8. Slice the onion into thin rings and distribute them over the crème fraîche.
  9. Cut the bacon into small strips and spread them over the onions.
  10. Season with ground black pepper and nutmeg.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until the edges are crispy and slightly browned.
  12. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier crust.
  • Replace the bacon with thinly sliced smoked salmon for a seafood twist.
  • Add sliced mushrooms to the topping for an earthy flavor.
  • Try different cheeses like Gruyère, Emmental, or goat cheese instead of crème fraîche.
  • Make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Experiment with different toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions.
  • Make mini Flammkuchen by cutting the dough into smaller rounds and serving them as appetizers.
  • Create a sweet version by sprinkling the crust with cinnamon sugar and topping it with sliced apples or pears.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the process of creating your own authentic Flammkuchen, a traditional dish from the Alsace region of France. Also known as 'Tarte Flambée', this dish is similar to a thin crust pizza, topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. The crust is delightfully crisp, and the toppings are a savory blend that will delight your taste buds. In this recipe, you'll start by making a simple dough, then roll it out thinly to form the base of the Flammkuchen. You'll then spread a layer of creamy crème fraîche, followed by thinly sliced onions and bacon strips. After a quick bake in a hot oven, the Flammkuchen comes out crispy and deliciously browned. This Flammkuchen recipe is straightforward and requires basic ingredients that are easy to find. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to impress guests at a gathering. Enjoy the process of making it, and even more, the delicious flavor of your homemade Flammkuchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use different types of flour such as whole wheat flour or spelt flour, but note that it may yield slightly different results in terms of texture and flavor.
  2. Can I substitute crème fraîche with another ingredient? If you can't find crème fraîche, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute, but keep in mind that the taste and texture might be slightly different.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Traditionally, Flammkuchen is made with crème fraîche and does not require cheese. However, if you prefer a cheesy topping, you can sprinkle some grated Gruyère or Emmental on top before baking.
  4. Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! Flammkuchen is versatile, and you can add toppings like mushrooms, sliced tomatoes, or fresh herbs according to your preferences. Just make sure not to overload the dough to maintain a crispy crust.
  5. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
  6. How should I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  7. Is Flammkuchen gluten-free? No, the traditional Flammkuchen recipe contains all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if you prefer a gluten-free version.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Sheet - To bake the Flammkuchen in the oven.
  • Rolling Pin - To roll out the dough to the desired thinness.
  • Knife - To slice the onion and bacon.
  • Spatula - To remove the Flammkuchen from the baking sheet.
  • Pizza Cutter - To cut the Flammkuchen into slices before serving.
  • ServeWare - Plates or platters to present and serve the Flammkuchen.

Origin stories

Don't be mistaken by its pizza-like appearance, Flammkuchen, or "flame cake" in German, hails from the historical region of Alsace, which has been, over the course of history, a part of both France and Germany. This delicacy came to be when Alsatian farmers would bake bread once a week in a wood-fired oven. To test the temperature of their oven, they rolled out a thin piece of dough, topped it with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons, and then popped it in the oven. The high temperature of the oven would result in a deliciously crispy and savory dish. It was traditionally a peasant dish, but today, it's widely enjoyed by people all over the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.