Flammekueche, also known as Tarte Flambée, is a traditional Alsatian dish featuring a thin, crispy crust topped with a creamy sauce, caramelized onions, and smoky bacon. This rustic yet flavorful tart is a perfect appetizer or light meal, best enjoyed hot from the oven with a crisp white wine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Alsatian Flavor – A regional specialty that blends creamy, smoky, and savory elements.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 22 minutes, making it an excellent last-minute dish.
- Crispy and Light – The ultra-thin dough bakes to a perfect crunch.
- Perfect for Sharing – Ideal as an appetizer or a casual dinner with friends.
- Customizable – Easily adaptable with different toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 thin pizza dough or flatbread
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup smoked bacon (lardons), diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
1. Preheat the oven
- Set the oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dough
- Roll out the dough as thinly as possible and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Make the cream sauce
- In a bowl, mix crème fraîche, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
4. Add the toppings
- Scatter the thinly sliced onions and diced bacon over the cream layer.
5. Bake
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve
- Slice and serve warm, pairing it with a light green salad or a glass of dry white wine.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Mushroom Flammekueche: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Cheese Lover’s Version: Sprinkle with Gruyère or Emmental cheese before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with sliced zucchini, leeks, or spinach.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra heat.
- Sweet Version: Try a dessert Flammekueche with crème fraîche, apples, and cinnamon.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for crispiness.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the crust may lose its crisp texture.
FAQs
What is Flammekueche?
Flammekueche is a traditional Alsatian flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, baked at high heat for a crispy texture.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Pizza dough or flatbread works perfectly for a quick version.
What’s the best substitute for crème fraîche?
You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with heavy cream.
Do I need to cook the onions before baking?
No, thinly sliced onions cook perfectly in the oven, but you can caramelize them for a sweeter flavor.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
Roll the dough very thin and bake on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
What pairs well with Flammekueche?
A dry Riesling or Pinot Blanc, along with a simple green salad, complements the flavors beautifully.
Can I make it without an oven?
Yes, cook it in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until crispy.
Is this similar to pizza?
It’s thinner and lighter than pizza, with a creamy instead of tomato-based sauce.
Can I add herbs for extra flavor?
Yes! Fresh thyme, chives, or parsley make excellent garnishes.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Make multiple tarts and bake them in batches for easy entertaining.
Conclusion
Alsatian Flammekueche is a crispy, flavorful tart that highlights the simple yet rich flavors of French cuisine. Whether served as an appetizer or a light meal, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress. Pair it with a crisp white wine and enjoy a taste of Alsace at home!
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Alsatian Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée)
- Total Time: 22 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A beloved specialty from Alsace, Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée) is a thin, crispy tart topped with crème fraîche, caramelized onions, and smoky bacon (lardons). Traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven, this rustic, flavorful dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 thin pizza dough or flatbread
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup smoked bacon (lardons), diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare the dough:
- Roll out the dough as thinly as possible on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make the creamy base:
- In a bowl, mix crème fraîche, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly over the dough.
- Add the toppings:
- Scatter the sliced onions and diced bacon evenly on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Slice and serve warm for an authentic Alsatian experience.
Notes
- For a more traditional touch, use yeast-based dough instead of pizza dough.
- You can substitute pancetta or turkey bacon for a different twist.
- Pairs beautifully with a dry white wine from Alsace, such as Riesling or Pinot Blanc.
- For a vegetarian version, swap bacon for mushrooms or caramelized leeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Appetizer, Light Meal
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French, Alsatian
