Flammkuchen with Smoked Salmon

Name: Flammkuchen with Smoked Salmon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250g all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp olive oil; 125ml water; 1/2 tsp salt; 200g crème fraîche; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 250g smoked salmon; Fresh chives, finely chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Inspired Kitchen

I love making Flammkuchen with Smoked Salmon because it’s a delightful blend of flavors that never fails to impress. This dish combines a crispy base with a creamy topping and luxurious smoked salmon for a symphony of taste that’s both unique and satisfying. Whether I serve it as a starter at a dinner party or enjoy it on a cozy night in, the balance of textures and flavors always leaves my guests wanting more. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to whip up, making it a great choice for any occasion.

Created by

Vanessa Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-07T15:01:34.727Z

When I first discovered Flammkuchen during my travels in Germany, I was captivated by its simplicity and incredible taste. The thin, crispy crust provides the perfect base for a decadent spread of crème fraîche, and the smoked salmon truly elevates the dish. I personally love to finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh chives for an added layer of flavor. It always surprises me how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so delightful.

In preparing this dish, I discovered that letting the dough rest for just a bit improves its texture significantly. It becomes more pliable, allowing for that gorgeous, thin crust we all love. Always use high-quality smoked salmon to truly appreciate the rich flavors, and don’t skip the fresh toppings—it makes a world of difference!

        Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy and thin crust that’s perfectly baked
Luxurious smoked salmon paired with creamy topping
Quick and easy for weeknight dinners or entertaining

      

The Art of Dough Making

Creating the perfect dough is crucial for a successful Flammkuchen. By using all-purpose flour as the base, you achieve an ideal balance of texture and structure. Kneading the dough until it feels elastic ensures a crispy crust, which is key to holding the toppings without becoming soggy. If you find the dough too sticky, add small amounts of flour until you reach the right consistency. Letting it rest for 15 minutes allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out thinly.

When rolling out your dough, aim for a thickness of about 2-3 mm. This thin crust will crisp up beautifully in the oven, resulting in a delightful crunch. If you have a pasta roller, you can use it to achieve an even thickness, but a rolling pin works perfectly fine. For best results, dust your surface and the dough with flour to prevent sticking, and always transfer it gently to your baking sheet to maintain its shape.

Perfecting the Topping

The crème fraîche is a standout element in this recipe, providing a rich and creamy base that complements the smokiness of the salmon. For those who prefer a tangy flavor, you can substitute half of the crème fraîche with sour cream. The key is to spread it evenly, allowing for a balanced taste in every bite. Sprinkle the crème fraîche on the dough and use the back of a spoon to smooth it, ensuring no area is overly thick or thin.

Thinly slicing the onion enhances its flavor and texture when baked, while also maintaining a slight crunch. If red onion is too sharp for your taste, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor. Remember to season lightly with salt and pepper before baking; this helps draw out the moisture from the onions, creating a perfect harmony of flavors once they are baked to golden perfection.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Flammkuchen is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your taste. For an added burst of flavor, consider incorporating elements like capers, dill, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of the smoked salmon. These additions not only enhance the dish but also elevate it visually. When serving, slice the Flammkuchen into small squares or strips to allow your guests to enjoy it as an appetizer or sharing dish.

If you're planning to make ahead of time, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. The assembled Flammkuchen can also be assembled and refrigerated before baking; just bake it fresh when your guests arrive for the best flavor and crispy texture. This way, you can enjoy a freshly baked dish without last-minute stress.

Ingredients

For the Flammkuchen

250g all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
125ml water
1/2 tsp salt

For the Topping

200g crème fraîche
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
250g smoked salmon
Fresh chives, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the Flammkuchen.

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, olive oil, water, and salt until a smooth dough forms. Knead for a few minutes until elastic, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Roll Out the Dough

After resting, roll the dough out as thinly as possible on a floured surface. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Add the Toppings

Spread the crème fraîche evenly over the base, followed by the sliced onions. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Bake the Flammkuchen

Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F). Bake the Flammkuchen for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Finish with Salmon

Once baked, remove from the oven and layer on the smoked salmon. Garnish with fresh chives before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your Flammkuchen warm!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding capers or arugula on top of the Flammkuchen before serving. Experiment with different cheeses in the crème fraîche mixture for varied flavors.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of smoked salmon plays a crucial role in the overall taste of your Flammkuchen. Opt for high-quality, sustainably sourced salmon to ensure the best flavors. The smokiness should complement, but not overpower the creaminess of the crème fraîche. If you have access to different types of smoked salmon, try using a combination for added depth, such as pairing cold-smoked with hot-smoked varieties.

The fresh chives are not just for garnish; they add a vibrant, onion-like flavor that cuts through the richness of the topping. If chives are unavailable, you can use freshly chopped dill or parsley as a substitute. These herbs not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to a refreshing contrast, making each bite more interesting.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your Flammkuchen turns out soggy, it could be due to a few factors. Ensure that you bake at a high temperature, as the intense heat quickly crisps the crust. Additionally, avoid overloading the toppings; a light layer is sufficient to keep the crust from becoming too moist. Keep an eye on the baking time; starting with 10 minutes and then checking for a golden crust helps prevent overbaking.

In the case of uneven baking, make sure your oven is preheated adequately and that you place your baking sheet in the center of the oven. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, as this can lead to temperature fluctuations. If you notice hot spots in your oven, rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking can ensure even cooking.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, a brief time in a hot oven or toaster oven is best to restore the crispiness without making the crust tough. Aim for about 5-7 minutes at 180°C (356°F) to get that fresh-baked texture again.

For freezing, consider freezing the unbaked Flammkuchen. Assemble it, but don't bake; wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you're ready to bake, it can go directly from the freezer to the oven, allowing for a quick meal option without sacrificing quality.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make Flammkuchen in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and toppings ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.

→ What can I use instead of crème fraîche?

Sour cream or a mixture of cream cheese and yogurt can be used as a substitute for crème fraîche.

→ Is Flammkuchen gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with toppings like thinly sliced tomatoes, goat cheese, or herbs.