Tarte Flambée with Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche

Tarte flambée, or flammekueche, is an Alsatian-style flatbread known for its paper-thin base, crisp edges and creamy topping. Traditionally baked quickly in intense heat, it sits somewhere between a flatbread and a very thin pizza, but with a lighter, more delicate finish. In this version, crème fraîche and red onion provide the classic savoury base, while smoked salmon is added after baking so it stays silky rather than drying out. Lemon zest, juice and dill sharpen the richness, making it a crisp, fresh-tasting dish suited to a light dinner, starter or sharing plate.
Cuisine style Alsatian-inspired French flatbread
Flavor profile Creamy • Smoky-salty • Fresh lemon and dill
Techniques Kneading • Rolling thin • High-heat baking
Key equipment Oven • Preheated baking tray • Rolling pin
Cooking style Minimal cleanup • Crowd-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Crisp, thin base: A very thin yeast-free dough and a preheated tray help the base cook quickly and develop deeply golden edges.
  • Fresh balance: Lemon zest, lemon juice, and dill cut through the richness of the crème fraîche and smoked salmon.
  • Simple layered flavour: Crème fraîche brings tang and creaminess, red onion adds sweetness, and smoked salmon gives a delicate savoury finish.
  • No long proving: The oil-based dough only needs a short rest, making it practical for a crisp flatbread without yeast or extended rising time.

Get the most out of this recipe

Texture tips

  • For the crispest base: Roll the dough as thinly as possible and transfer it onto a properly hot baking tray before adding the toppings.
  • Keep the salmon fresh: Add the smoked salmon only after baking so it stays silky rather than drying out in the oven.

Ingredient notes

  • Check the salmon’s saltiness: Smoked salmon varies in salt level, so keep the dough seasoning restrained if your fish is particularly salty.
  • Use lemon at the end: A final squeeze of lemon brightens the crème fraîche and smoked salmon without making the base wet during baking.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prepare toppings in advance: Slice the onion, chop the dill, and zest the lemon ahead of time, then roll and bake the flatbread just before serving.
  • Best eaten straight away: Tarte flambée is at its best when the base is hot and crisp, so serve it as soon as the smoked salmon and herbs are added.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with a sharp salad: A simple green salad with a mustardy vinaigrette works well against the creamy topping and smoked fish.
  • Pair with dry white wine: A crisp dry white, such as Riesling or Pinot Blanc, suits the lemon, dill, and crème fraîche.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 250°C (480°F) and put a baking tray inside to get very hot. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and water, then mix to a shaggy dough.
  2. Tip the dough onto the worktop and knead for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and rest for 10 minutes so it rolls easily.
  3. Halve and thinly slice the red onion. Finely grate the lemon zest, then cut the lemon and squeeze out a little juice. Roughly chop the dill.
  4. Roll the dough into a very thin oval or rectangle, about 2 to 3 mm thick. Carefully slide it onto the hot baking tray. Spread the crème fraîche over the base, leaving a small border, then scatter over the onion and season with black pepper.
  5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are deeply golden and crisp and the base is cooked through. Remove from the oven and immediately top with the smoked salmon. Finish with lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and the dill, then serve straight away.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the crispest base, roll the dough as thinly as you can and make sure the tray is properly hot before the dough goes in.
  • If your smoked salmon is very salty, go easy on the added salt in the dough and rely on black pepper and lemon to lift the flavour.

Substitutions

  • Replace Crème fraiche with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier topping.
  • Replace Fresh dill with fresh chives for a milder, oniony finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 1 days
  • Best eaten straight away. If you have leftovers, refrigerate and reheat on a hot baking tray at 220°C (430°F) for 4 to 6 minutes until crisp, then add a little fresh dill and lemon zest to refresh.

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Tarte Flambée with Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 40min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: French
  • Allergens:
    Fish Gluten Wheat

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