My Dinner

  • German Christmas
  • About My Dinner - A German Food Blog
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Main Courses

    Flammkuchen Recipe - (German Pizza with Sourcream)

    Published: Jan 9, 2021 · Modified: Apr 9, 2024 by Marita Sinden · 22 Comments

    9902 shares
    • facebook
    • whatsapp
    • Flipboard
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Flammkuchen is a German-French Alsatian dish that combines a thin crispy base with sour cream, bacon, and onion toppings. Also known as a German Pizza (which is not strictly true) it is crispy, creamy, and moreish.

    With my easy flammkuchen recipe, you can make this dish in under 30 minutes. And it's even easier than making pizza! Plus I will give you some alternative flammkuchen topping ideas for vegetarian and smoked salmon versions.

    German Flammkuchen
    Jump to:
    • What is Flammkuchen?
    • Where does the Flammkuchen recipe originate from?
    • How to make Flammkuchen?
    • Flammkuchen Recipe Steps
    • Tips and Tricks for the BEST Flammkuchen
    • Alternative flammkuchen topping ideas
    • How to serve Flammkuchen?
    • How to store Flammkuchen
    • More German Street Food Recipes
    • Recipe

    What is Flammkuchen?

    Flammkuchen is also called “Flambée" or "Flammekueche”. Flammkuchen in English translates as "Flame Cake". It is a French-German flatbread that is topped with sour cream, creme fraiche, onions, and bacon. It is sometimes referred to as German pizza. You can find it in German supermarkets in the frozen section with the traditional pizzas. But nothing compares to homemade flammkuchen.

    What is the difference between Flammkuchen and Pizza?

    Pizza is made with yeast dough and a long rising time, whereas German Flammkuchen is made with a simple dough from flour, water, and oil. Italian pizza is topped with tomato sauce, herbs, and cheese. In contrast, Flammkuchen has a simple sour cream base with an onion and bacon topping.

    The main similarity is that they are both cooked in a wood-fired oven with a stone base.

    Where does the Flammkuchen recipe originate from?

    It originated from the Alsace area (Elsass) around the French-German border. Some argue whether it is a French or German dish, as the region changed borders in the last 150 years. In French, this traditional dish is known as "tarte flambée" However, everyone agrees it is Alsatian and delicious.

    The recipe is ancient and was invented in Alsatian farmhouses, at the time they used to make bread in wood-burning ovens. They would roll out a piece of dough very thin and place it on the hot stone. If the base became crisp the temperature was right for the bread. In time crème fraiche, onions, and bacon were added, and so the Flammkuchen recipe was born.

    At first, flammkuchen was a dish you would make only at home. With the growing popularity of pizza in the 1960s, flammkuchen started to appear in restaurants and markets all over Germany [source: Wikipedia].

    Another German dish is Zwiebelkuchen, which is also made with onions and bacon but has a more creamy pie-like consistency.

    uncooked Flammkuchen
    uncooked Flammkuchen

    How to make Flammkuchen?

    This is a traditional Alsatian flammkuchen recipe (Elsässer Flammkuchen or Flammenkuchen Elsässer Art in German). One thing to remember about flammkuchen is that it loves to be baked hot. In traditional stone ovens, they used to be baked at 300 to 400 degrees. For a home cook, like me, it is sufficient to turn to oven to its highest setting at 220-50 degrees Celsius.

    How to make the Flammkuchen base?

    This flammkuchen base is made without yeast.  The ingredients for the base are olive oil, water, salt, and flour, simply mixed in a bowl. Knead the dough thoroughly. The key is to roll out the dough very thin. This is not an easy task, as it might shrink back together, but persist. Flammkuchen does not have to be round like pizza. It is often rectangular (like the shape of the baking tray) or oval.

    sour creame creme fresh mix for flammkucnen
    A mixture of sour cream and creme fraiche makes the base of this flammkuchen topping

    How to prepare the Flammkuchen Toppings?

    The traditional toppings for Elsässer Flammkuchen (Alsatian Flammenkuchen) are:

    • Bacon - or diced speck. Use smoked bacon for the best result. You could also use Pancetta
    • Crème Fraiche (if not available use full-fat Greek yoghurt. Here is also a simple recipe on how to make it from scratch)
    • Sour Cream - American sour cream, has a stronger taste than German Saure Sahne. So I would recommend mixing it with Greek Yoghurt.
    • Onions - red or white
    • Chives - freshly cut. They don't only look good but add freshness and spice to this German flammkuchen recipe.

    About the Sour Cream Pizza Base

    In Germany, Schmand is a sour cream-based product with a 20% fat content. Schmand is only available in Germany, so to replace it I would suggest mixing Creme Fraiche (which has a 30% fat content) and Sour Cream (which has a 10% fat content). For those in the US, where a tub of Creme Fraiche is very expensive, I would use a mixture of Greek yogurt, and sour cream, as the US sour cream has a stronger taste.

    Flammkuchen Recipe Steps

    1. Slice the onions very fine. The bacon is cubed, and the crème fraiche is mixed with the sour crème and seasoned with salt and black pepper.
    2. One tip I have learned is to soak the raw onions in water. Then steam them lightly in the microwave for one minute to soften them. This can prevent the onions from crisping too much in the high heat.
    3. Bake the flammkuchen at around 220-250 degrees Celcius (428°F) for around 15-20 minutes. Watch it so it does not burn too much. However, it is common to find some chargrilled corners on our Flammkuchen. (see images)
    4. There is no definite sign when the flammkuchen is ready. When the edges turn crisp and golden brown, remove the bread from the oven and check if the middle is done well.
    German Flammkuchen Pizza in slices

    Tips and Tricks for the BEST Flammkuchen

    • Get the consistency of the Flammkuchen dough right. The dough should not be too sticky and stick to the bowl. If necessary add more flour.
    • Roll out the dough directly on the parchment paper. It allows you to roll out the dough very thinly without it ripping when transferring to the baking tray.
    • Use the dough at room temperature. Do not store it in the fridge as this will make it harder to roll out. Also, a well-kneaded dough will be more elastic. Also, adding oil will make the dough smoother and easier to work with so do not save on the oil.
    • For the ultimate base use a pizza stone. You can just place it in the oven and it will heat up.
    • Test your oven. Flammkuchen likes to be baked hot, but every oven is different. When baking the cake for the first time, keep an eye on it, so it does not crisp up too much.

    Alternative flammkuchen topping ideas

    In Germany, Flammkuchen is very popular and there are many variations to the traditional Flammkuchen toppings. You will find whole restaurants specializing in Flammkuchen pizzas. It is also popular at Christmas markets. Here are some suggestions for you:

    • Vegetarian Flammkuchen with feta, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
    • Flammkuchen with smoked salmon and spring onions, leeks, or rocket salad
    • Sweet Flammkuchen with goat's cheese, honey, and figs.
    • Vegan Flammkuchen with soya yogurt, mushrooms, sliced cooked potatoes, and spring onions
    Vegetarian Flammkuchen
    Flammkuchen with Salmon

    How to serve Flammkuchen?

    Flammkuchen is served traditionally on a prewarmed wooden board. It is traditional to drink a light white wine (Elsass Riesling) from the Alsace area.

    How to store Flammkuchen

    Flammkuchen is best eaten the same day it is cooked. However, it also tastes good cold. Just store it in an airtight container and consume it within 3 days.

    A slice of Flammkuchen (German Pizza)

    If you like this recipe you might also like

    More German Street Food Recipes

    • German Doner Kebab
      Homemade German Döner Kebab (Chicken Recipe)
    • German Currywurst recipe
      Easy Currywurst Recipe with Homemade Currywurst Sauce
    • Bremer Fischbrötchen
      Bremer Fischbrötchen - German Fish Sandwich
    • Berliner on a cake stand stacked like a pyramid
      Authentic Berliner Donut (German Donuts)

    Recipe

    German Flammkuchen

    Traditional Flammkuchen with Variations and Video

    Marita
    This recipe comes from the Alsatian region. The dough is made without yeast. This dish is also known as German or Sourcream Pizza and is an easy quick treat for any occasion
    4.91 from 32 votes
    I look forward to your feedback. Just click the stars above.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine German
    Servings 1 flammkuchen
    Calories 1161 kcal

    Equipment

    • baking tray 40 x 36 cm
    • baking parchment
    • Rolling Pin
    • wooden board to serve (optional)

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 125 ml water 4.2 fl oz or 0.5 cup
    • 1 pinch salt
    • 250 g flour 8.8 oz or 2 cups

    For the topping

    • 2 onions about 150 gr (7 oz)
    • 100 gr bacon 3.5 oz - cubed
    • 50 gr creme fraiche ¼ cup, 1.7 oz - if not available use Greek yogurt
    • 50 gr sour cream ¼ cup, 1.7 oz
    • black pepper
    • salt
    • 2 tablespoon chives chooped small (optional)

    Vegetarian Variation

    • 100 g spinach 1 cup
    • 100 g cherry tomatoes ½cup
    • 50 g onion ¼ cup
    • 1 garlic clove
    • 100 g feta cheese ½cup
    • 50 gr creme fraiche ¼ cup 1.7 oz - if not available use Greek yogurt
    • 50 gr sour cream ¼ cup, 1.7 oz
    • salt
    • black pepper

    Smoked Salmon Variation

    • 50 gr creme fraiche ¼ cup,
    • 50 gr sour cream ¼ cup,
    • 100 gr smoked salmon 4 oz
    • 100 gr spring onions or rocket leaves ¼ cup,
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 250°C or 428°F
    • Whisk the water, olive oil, salt and flour together in the bowl with a hand or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment.  
      2 tablespoon olive oil, 125 ml water, 1 pinch salt, 250 g flour
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
    • With a rolling pin (affiliate link), stretch the dough to a thin, around 3 mm thickness. Place the dough on a sheet of baking parchment.
    • Slice the onions very finely. Place them in a bowl and cover with a little water. Steam them in the microwave for around 1 minute at 600 Watt. This will prevent the onions from burning too quickly.

    Traditional Flammkuchen Topping (Elsässer)

    • In a bowl mix the crème fraiche and sour cream with a spoon until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
      50 gr creme fraiche, 50 gr sour cream, black pepper, salt
    • Spread the crème fraiche-sour cream mixture on the base with the back of the spoon. Leave around 0.5 cm space for the edge.
    • Spread the onions and bacon on top.
      2 onions, 100 gr bacon
    • Place in the flammkuchen in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Every oven is different so keep an eye on it so it does not crisp too much. There is no definite sign when the flammkuchen is ready. When the edges turn crisp and golden brown, remove the bread from the oven and check if the middle is done a well.
    • To serve sprinkle with some chives. Serve warm.
      2 tablespoon chives

    Vegetarian Variation

    • Blanche the spinach in hot water, then squeeze out excess liquid. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half, slice the onion and garlic. Cube the feta cheese.
      100 g spinach, 100 g cherry tomatoes, 50 g onion, 1 garlic clove, 100 g feta cheese
    • In a bowl mix the crème fraiche and sour cream with a spoon until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
      50 gr creme fraiche, 50 gr sour cream, salt, black pepper
    • Spread the crème fraiche-sour cream mixture on the base with the back of the spoon. Leave around 0.5 cm of space for the edge. Then add the spinach, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic and feta on top. Bake until the edges crisp up.

    Smoked Salmon Variation

    • In a bowl mix the crème fraiche and sour cream with a spoon until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
      50 gr creme fraiche, 50 gr sour cream
    • Spread the crème fraiche-sour cream mixture on the base with the back of the spoon. Leave around 0.5 cm of space for the edge. Then bake in the hot oven for 10-15 minutes.
    • Place the smoked salmon flakes over the hot flammkuchen and sprinkle with the spring onion rings or rocket leaves.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1161kcalCarbohydrates: 108gProtein: 15gFat: 74gSaturated Fat: 27gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 34gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 339mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 289IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 6mg
    Keyword Flambée, flammenkuchen, flammkuchen, German pizza, sourcream pizza
    Did you make this recipe? I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Please leave a quick Comment and star rating. I appreciate your feedback.

    More Main Courses

    • Oven Baked Schnitzel with lemon slices
      Simple Oven Baked Schnitzel
    • Bauernfrühstück
      Bauernfrühstück - German Farmers Breakfast
    • Hamburger Labskaus
      Hamburger Labskaus (Corned beef and mashed potato with beets)
    • German Cheese and Leek Soup
      Käselauchsuppe (German Cheese and Leek soup)
    9902 shares
    • facebook
    • whatsapp
    • Flipboard

    Comments

      4.91 from 32 votes (18 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Joseph says

      May 28, 2023 at 1:42 am

      5 stars
      Marita, I've always wanted to make flammkuchen, but really didn't realize just how easy it is! Gosh was this good. I made it as you wrote and all worked well right down to the timing. I baked it at 450 degrees F for 17 minutes. This is such a great idea for an appetizer cut into smaller squares. Next time...more onions! Thanks Marita!

      Reply
      • Marita says

        June 11, 2023 at 12:10 pm

        Hi Joseph! Thanks for your feedback! I am glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Teresa Fahy says

      March 08, 2023 at 9:36 pm

      This was simple and fabulous. Exactly like we had in Germany!

      Reply
      • Marita says

        March 11, 2023 at 9:34 am

        Hi Theresa,
        thanks so much for the feedback. I am glad you enjoyed it. Marita

        Reply
    3. Jeff says

      December 29, 2022 at 9:11 pm

      Love this and make it often in my outdoor pizza oven.

      Reply
      • Marita says

        January 18, 2023 at 8:48 am

        Hi Jeff, thank you very much. Yes baking this on a stone oven would be ideal! Best Wishes Marita

        Reply
    4. Anni Michel says

      January 17, 2021 at 6:41 pm

      Going now to the Grocerystore so I can make this for Dinner

      Reply
      • Marita says

        January 17, 2021 at 6:22 pm

        Oh that is exiting! Let me know how you get on! x

        Reply
    5. Kacie says

      January 16, 2021 at 9:18 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this when I was in Hamburg and it was soo good! I’m excited to come across your recipe – may just have to give it a go sometime.

      Reply
    6. Laura - Mummy Lauretta says

      January 15, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good and pretty simple to make, bet my boys would love this.

      Reply
    7. Gregory Halpen says

      January 14, 2021 at 5:19 am

      5 stars

      OMG this looks so good. I am craving this! I love the sour cream addition. I am goign to try this out. I love that your pizza is thin and simple. Yummy ingredients and simple structure.

      Reply
    8. Ghanashyam K says

      January 14, 2021 at 4:39 am

      5 stars

      This looks really mouth-watering! I had never heard of the flammkuchen until now and I am happy that I can now try out this new kind of pizza at home.

      Reply
    9. Arica says

      January 14, 2021 at 3:37 am

      5 stars

      5 stars

      This sounds delicious! You can’t ever go wrong with sour cream, onions and bacon!

      Reply
    10. Gina Abernathy says

      January 13, 2021 at 10:44 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing. I have never heard of flammkuchen before but this looks so delish! Pizza night is popular at my house.

      Reply
    11. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says

      January 13, 2021 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      I was born in Romania, and we always had a German community in Transilvania, so this must be why I absolutely love German foods! I never tried this style of pizza, but this will be rectified soon! Thanks for yet another easy recipe that sounds delish!:)

      Reply
    12. Christina's Bread Bakes says

      January 13, 2021 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars

      5 stars
      I love flammenkuchen!! This is a great recipe and reminds me of the years I spent living in Germany. I haven’t had it since then. I’ll definitely be making this for me and my family. Pinned it!

      Reply
    13. Kristen says

      January 13, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      This looks great. We have pizza nights here and this will go into rotation.

      Reply
    14. Emily Flint says

      January 13, 2021 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my, I had no idea this existed but I am totally making a Flame Cake this weekend. These are some of my favorite flavors!

      Reply
    15. Kalin says

      January 13, 2021 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars

      5 stars
      This looks divine!! So simple and so much lighter than American pizza

      Reply
    16. Karen Booth says

      January 13, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      5 stars
      I ADORE Flammkuchen and used to love a version of it when I lived in France, this looks so scrumptious, Karen

      Reply
    17. Jessica Stroup says

      January 13, 2021 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars

      5 stars
      So delicious and the recipe is very well written! Love this!

      Reply
    18. Carrie Carvalho says

      January 13, 2021 at 10:26 am

      5 stars

      This sounds delicious and so easy!

      Reply

    Hi, I'm Marita

    Food enthusiast & home cook. I returned to Germany after living in the UK for 20 years. Here at My Dinner, you will find traditional and authentic German recipes with cultural backgrounds.

    More about me>

    Let's get social

    • MyDinner Facebook page
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Popular Posts

    • Raclette Square
      Raclette Ideas: Your Guide to the Perfect Raclette Menu
    • Berliner on a cake stand stacked like a pyramid
      Authentic Berliner Donut (German Donuts)
    • New Years pretzel on grey background. In the background you can see two champagne glasses and a marzipan pig and some golden ribbons
      Easy New Year's Pretzel (Neujahrsbrezel)
    • Three Kings Cake
      Three Kings Cake Recipe – (Dreikönigskuchen)
    • German Hefezopf
      Hefezopf - Braided sweet bread (zopf bread/striezel)
    • A German apple streusel cake on a glass plate. One of the slices is being lifted out with a cake slice. In the background there are some red apples. One red apple is sliced.
      Easy German Apple Streusel Cake (Apfelstreuselkuchen)
    • Rahmsauce in a saucepan. A wooden spoon is dipping in
      Basic Recipe for Rahmsauce – German Cream Sauce
    • German Goulash Soup
      Easy Gulaschsuppe ( authentic German Goulash Soup) + video
    An advert for a free Mini German Cookbook

    Footer

    Featured on:

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 My Dinner - Easy German Recipes

    • 1658

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.