Liechtensteiner Speckkuchen
A savory tart or flatbread topped with smoked bacon (Speck), onions, and sometimes cheese, baked until golden and crispy. It's a hearty and flavorful dish often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour
- 150 g Butter(cold, cubed)
- 1 large Egg yolk
- 3-4 tbsp Cold water
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 200 g Smoked bacon (Speck)(diced)
- 2 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 200 g Sour cream or crème fraîche
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds(optional)
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Chives(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- 3
In a pan, fry the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- 4
Add the sliced onions to the bacon fat and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream (or crème fraîche), eggs, caraway seeds (if using), and black pepper.
- 6
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a tart pan or baking sheet (approx. 28-30 cm diameter or rectangle). Press the dough into the pan or onto the baking sheet, creating a slight rim.
- 7
Spread the sautéed onions evenly over the dough base.
- 8
Scatter the crispy bacon pieces over the onions.
- 9
Pour the sour cream and egg mixture evenly over the bacon and onions.
- 10
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set and lightly puffed.
- 11
Let the Speckkuchen cool slightly before garnishing with chopped chives. Serve warm.
💡 Tip: Can be served as is or with a side salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality smoked bacon for the best flavor.
- ✓Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling for a flaky crust.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan with onions; sauté them in batches if necessary.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a sprinkle of grated cheese (like Gruyère) on top before baking.
🔄 Variations
- Leek Speckkuchen: Add thinly sliced leeks along with the onions.
- Herbed Speckkuchen: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the sour cream mixture.
- Vegetarian Speckkuchen: Omit the bacon and use smoked tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.