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    Home » Main Course

    Flammkuchen Recipe - (German Pizza with Sourcream)

    Published: Jan 9, 2021 · Modified: May 12, 2021 by Marita · 16 Comments

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    I am long overdue posting a Flammkuchen recipe – a German-French dish that has grown in popularity in recent years. Crispy, creamy and moreish this pizza-like dish is always a welcome treat. Sometimes the original recipe gets a bit forgotten as there are so many varieties today. This recipe is so versatile, that there are no limits to the number of flammkuchen versions you can create.  

    Flammkuchen on Baking Parchment

    What we will cover in this post:

    • What is Flammkuchen?
    • Where does the Flammkuchen recipe originate from?
    • How to make Flammkuchen?
    • Tips and Tricks for the BEST Flammkuchen
    • Alternative flammkuchen toppings
    • How to serve Flammkuchen?
    • How to store Flammkuchen
    • Flammkuchen Recipe

    What is Flammkuchen?

    Flammkuchen is also called “Flambée or Flammekueche”. Translated to English it means "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.

    Where does the Flammkuchen recipe originate from?

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

    The recipe is very old 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 Italian pizza in the 1960s, flammkuchen started to appear in restaurants and markets all over Germany.  [source: Wikipedia]

    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 you and me, it is sufficient to turn to oven to its highest settings at 220-50 degrees celcius.

    How to make the Flammkuchen base?

    This flammkuchen base is made without yeast.  The ingredients for the base are oil, water, salt and flour, simply mixed together 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) is:

    • Bacon
    • 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
    • Onions

    Slice the onions very fine. The bacon is cubed, and the crème fraiche is mixed together with the sour crème and seasoned with salt and pepper.

    One tip I have learned is to soak the 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.

    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)

    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.

    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 baking parchment. It allows you to roll out the dough very thin 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, the addition of 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 toppings

    In Germany Flammkuchen is very popular and there are many variations to the traditional recipe. Here are some suggestions for you:

    • Vegetarian Flammkuchen with goats cheese and apple
    • Flammkuchen with smoked salmon and leeks
    • Vegetarian Flammkuchen with goats cheese and figs
    • Vegan Flammkuchen with soya yoghurt, mushrooms, sliced cooked potatoes and spring onions
    Flammkuchen Slices

    How to serve Flammkuchen?

    Flammkuchen is served traditionally on a prewarmed wooden board. It is traditional to drink a light white wine 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.

    If you like this recipe you might also like

    …you might also like these German Streetfood Recipes recipes :

    • Currywurst Recipe
    • Bremer- German Fish Sandwich
    • German Onion Cake
    • Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)
    Flammkuchen Slices

    Flammkuchen Recipe

    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
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine German
    Servings 2 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 1.7 oz - if not available use greek yoghurt
    • 50 gr sour cream 1.7 oz
    • black pepper
    • salt
    • 2 tablespoon chives chooped small (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 250°C or 428°F
    • In a bowl mix the crème fraiche and sour cream with a spoon until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
    • 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.
    • 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.  
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two portions.
    • With a rolling pin, stretch the dough to a thin, around 3 mm thickness. Place the dough on a sheet of baking parchment.
    • 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.
    • 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.

    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
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    « Fanta Cake Recipe (Fantakuchen)
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    Filed Under: Bread, Main Course, Soups, Salads & Light Meals

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anni Michel

      January 17, 2021 at 6:41 pm

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

      Reply
      • Marita

        January 17, 2021 at 6:22 pm

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

        Reply
    2. Kacie

      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
    3. Laura - Mummy Lauretta

      January 15, 2021 at 4:37 pm

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

      Reply
    4. Gregory Halpen

      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
    5. Ghanashyam K

      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
    6. Arica

      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
    7. Gina Abernathy

      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
    8. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/

      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
    9. Christina's Bread Bakes

      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
    10. Kristen

      January 13, 2021 at 5:42 pm

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

      Reply
    11. Emily Flint

      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
    12. Karen Booth

      January 13, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      I ADORE Flammkuchen and used to love a version of it when I lived in France, this looks so scrumptious, Thank you SO much for linking up to the first #CookBlogShare of 2021. Karen

      Reply
    13. Kalin

      January 13, 2021 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars

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

      Reply
    14. Jessica Stroup

      January 13, 2021 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars

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

      Reply
    15. Carrie Carvalho

      January 13, 2021 at 10:26 am

      5 stars

      This sounds delicious and so easy!

      Reply

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    Hi - I'm Marita!

    Food enthusiast & home cook. I returned to Germany after living in the UK for 20 years. I love making German recipes and exploring the cultural history behind each dish.

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