Flammkuchen with Smoked Salmon

Name: Flammkuchen with Smoked Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250g all-purpose flour; 150ml water; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 200g crème fraîche; 150g smoked salmon; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; Fresh chives for garnish; Lemon wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Authentic Meals

I love making Flammkuchen with Smoked Salmon because it captures the essence of a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The crispy, thin crust paired with creamy cheese and delicate slices of smoked salmon never fail to impress my guests. It’s a unique twist on a classic dish that reminds me of cozy evenings spent with friends, sharing great food and laughter. In just under 30 minutes, I can whip this up for an appetizer or a light meal, perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Delaney Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:02:37.127Z

During one of my recent cooking adventures, I decided to try my hand at making Flammkuchen, a dish hailing from Alsace. I was thrilled to learn how versatile it can be. After a few trials, I discovered that using crème fraîche instead of regular cream gives the Flammkuchen a luxurious texture that complements the smoked salmon beautifully. This variation brought a delightful zest that transformed the dish.

What caught my attention was how simple yet impressive it looked once garnished with chives and a squeeze of lemon. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a fancy gathering, this Flammkuchen brings joy to everyone who tries it. It’s all in the details—the right balance of toppings makes it a standout!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy, thin crust that's perfectly baked
Delicate flavor of smoked salmon beautifully paired with creamy cheese
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any gathering

      

Understanding Flammkuchen

Flammkuchen, also known as Tarte Flambée, originates from the Alsace region in France. This dish offers a delightful combination of a crispy crust and rich toppings. The traditional recipe uses a simple dough made with flour, water, and oil, providing an excellent base for a variety of toppings. By rolling the dough out very thin, you achieve that signature crunch that enhances every bite, making each mouthful an experience to savor. This is key to ensuring each Flammkuchen gets that perfect texture.

What sets Flammkuchen apart from typical pizzas is its toppings. The use of crème fraîche instead of tomato sauce creates a creamy foundation that pairs beautifully with smoked salmon. The rich, tangy flavor of the crème fraîche balances the delicate, savory profile of the salmon, resulting in an unforgettable taste combination. A light seasoning of fresh chives adds a pop of flavor that brightens the dish, making it a perfect complement to the richness of the other ingredients.

Special Ingredient Insights

Choosing high-quality smoked salmon significantly elevates this dish. I recommend looking for salmon that has been naturally smoked, as it possesses a deeper flavor profile. You could substitute with gravlax or a smoked trout for a twist, but make sure whatever you choose is fresh and of good quality to complement the other rich, creamy ingredients. Likewise, crème fraîche can be substituted with a mix of sour cream and cream cheese for a tangier flavor, although this may alter the overall creaminess of the topping.

Fresh chives aren't just for garnish; they introduce a mild oniony flavor that enhances the overall taste of your Flammkuchen. If chives are unavailable, you can use finely chopped green onions or even dill for a different twist. Just be sure to sprinkle them on right before serving to maintain their vibrant color and freshness. The finishing touch of lemon wedges allows guests to add a zesty brightness to each slice, rounding out the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Flammkuchen:

Ingredients

250g all-purpose flour
150ml water
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
200g crème fraîche
150g smoked salmon
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh chives for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before starting the preparation.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Flammkuchen:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine the flour, water, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for a few minutes until smooth. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

Roll Out the Dough

Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface until very thin. Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Add the Toppings

Spread the crème fraîche evenly over the dough. Top with slices of smoked salmon and red onion.

Bake the Flammkuchen

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the edges are crispy and golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped chives, and serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Flammkuchen with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, you can add capers or dill as additional toppings before baking.

Tips for Perfecting Your Flammkuchen

While making the dough, knead it until smooth but be cautious not to overwork it, as this can lead to a tough texture. The resting period of 10 minutes is essential; it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out. Ensure your work surface and rolling pin are well-floured to prevent sticking, allowing you to achieve a paper-thin crust uniformly.

When baking, keep an eye on your Flammkuchen as oven temperatures can vary. You're looking for the edges to turn golden and crispy, which usually takes around 15 minutes. If your oven has a convection setting, use it; it will circulate hot air around the dough, creating an even crispiness that can be simply irresistible.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Flammkuchen is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out. This ensures easier handling and a better texture when baked.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes, which will help restore the crispiness of the crust. However, I recommend enjoying this dish as fresh as possible for the best flavor and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute smoked salmon with smoked mackerel or trout for a different flavor.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for the dough?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat in the oven.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

You can prepare the dough and toppings separately, but it's best to bake it just before serving for optimal crispiness.