TEAM Eats: Flammkuchen

Flammkuchen is a specialty of the region of Germany where we live and serve as TEAM missionaries. 

Back in the day, German farmers would bake bread once a week. To test the oven temperature before they baked bread, they would put this small assortment of bread, creme fraiche and cheese into the oven. And that creation eventually evolved into what we know today as flammkuchen, or “pie baked in flames.” 

Nowadays it’s the German version of pizza. It’s easy to eat on the go, or you can get it at a nice restaurant. It’s very simple to make, which is also why it’s so popular. 

Here’s how to make German flammkuchen. 

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Ingredients:

• 1 package of pizza dough, rectangle shape preferred 
• 1 large onion, very thinly sliced
• 8 oz creme fraiche or cream cheese
• 6 oz bacon, diced and cooked until brown
• 8 oz Swiss or Gruyere cheese, grated 
• Fresh nutmeg to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Roll out pizza dough, making the dough as thin as possible.  It’s meant to be a cracker-type crust. 

3. Spread creme fraiche onto the dough, taking it as close to the edge as you can. 

4. Layer on the thinly sliced onion and bacon next, followed by the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese on top. Season with salt and pepper and nutmeg. 

5. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the dough is crisp and the cheese is bubbling. Slide the tart onto a serving board, cut into pieces and serve. 

Germany has an amazing culture, but without Christ, it’s meaningless. Germans are searching for truth, and you can help bring it to them. Check out opportunities to serve today!