This Crispy Potato Galette with Smoked Salmon is a stunning brunch or breakfast dish featuring golden-brown layers of thinly sliced potatoes, topped with a savory crème fraîche sauce bursting with fresh dill and lemon. Finished with silky smoked salmon, chopped red onion, capers, and chives, it delivers a luxurious yet simple meal experience. It’s gluten-free and perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Galette:

• 2½–3 lbs Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into ⅛-inch thick rounds

• 6 Tbsp (85g) unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled

• 1 tsp Kosher salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated

• Flaky sea salt, for finishing

For Topping the Galette:

• ½ cup crème fraîche

• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish

• ½ lemon, juiced (about 1 Tbsp)

• 8 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced

• ½ small red onion, diced, or 1–2 medium shallots, finely chopped

• 2–3 Tbsp capers, drained

• 2 Tbsp chives, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss peeled and thinly sliced potatoes with melted butter, smashed garlic, Kosher salt, and black pepper.

2. Assemble the Galette: Arrange the potato slices concentrically in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. After one layer, sprinkle a quarter of the Parmesan. Continue layering potatoes and cheese until used up.

3. Cook the Galette: Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, until crispy and golden brown on the edges.

4. Prepare the Sauce: While the galette cooks, mix crème fraîche, chopped dill, and lemon juice in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

5. Flip the Galette: Let the galette cool slightly, then place a plate over the skillet and carefully invert to release it.

6. Garnish and Serve: Spoon the crème fraîche sauce over the galette. Top with smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and chives. Serve immediately!

Nutrients

• Calories: 408 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 13g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

• Trans Fat: 0.5g

• Cholesterol: 52mg

• Sodium: 1058mg

• Potassium: 926mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 736 IU

• Vitamin C: 19mg

• Calcium: 244mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Magic Behind the Galette

At the heart of this recipe is the humble potato, which transforms under careful preparation into a beautiful golden disc that’s both crisp and tender. The key to achieving the galette’s signature texture is slicing the potatoes thinly and arranging them in overlapping layers. As they bake, the layers fuse together, forming a sturdy base that can hold luxurious toppings without becoming soggy. The use of unsalted butter adds richness and helps the potatoes brown evenly, while a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano between layers infuses the galette with a deep, nutty flavor.

The Perfect Pairing: Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche

Topping the crispy galette is a luscious combination of crème fraîche, dill, and lemon juice. This sauce delivers a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich potatoes, keeping the dish balanced and refreshing. Smoked salmon brings its unmistakable flavor—silky, salty, and slightly sweet—to the plate, adding an indulgent seafood twist that elevates the dish from simple to sensational. When crowned with chopped red onions, briny capers, and fresh chives, every mouthful becomes a complex interplay of flavors and textures that dances on the palate.

Why This Galette Stands Out

This dish isn’t just beautiful; it’s smartly designed to satisfy and impress. The galette is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions. It also uses everyday ingredients in a way that feels elevated and gourmet. From the first sight of the golden potato layers to the final sprinkling of fresh herbs, this galette is a celebration of color, texture, and flavor. Plus, it requires surprisingly little active preparation time—making it an ideal centerpiece for brunch, bridal showers, family gatherings, or even a luxurious breakfast-for-dinner night.

A Dish That Welcomes Creativity

One of the joys of the crispy potato galette is its versatility. While smoked salmon is a classic pairing, you can easily swap in other toppings to suit the occasion or your guests’ preferences. Try it with crispy bacon, seared mushrooms, or avocado slices for different flavor profiles. The crème fraîche sauce can be adapted with herbs like tarragon or basil, or you could spice it up with a touch of horseradish or Dijon mustard. This adaptability means the galette can evolve with the seasons and become a year-round favorite.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Despite its decadent appearance, the Crispy Potato Galette with Smoked Salmon offers a range of nutritional benefits. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, providing heart-healthy and immune-supportive properties. Smoked salmon brings high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support brain health and reduce inflammation. The fresh dill, capers, and onions contribute antioxidants and add vibrant flavors without heavy calories. Even the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese adds a boost of calcium and protein in modest amounts. Altogether, this dish offers both indulgence and nourishment.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

For a truly impressive presentation, serve the galette whole on a beautiful platter, allowing guests to cut themselves slices as they would a cake or pie. Garnish the top generously with additional fresh dill and a few lemon wedges for a pop of color and freshness. It pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or dry sparkling wines like Brut Champagne. For a complete brunch spread, consider adding a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, a fresh fruit platter, and perhaps a few assorted pastries to round out the meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While the galette is best served fresh for maximum crispiness, it can be prepared partially ahead of time. Assemble and bake the potato layers, then store the baked galette, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat in a hot oven until warmed through and crisp again before topping with crème fraîche, smoked salmon, and garnishes. Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container and gently reheated, though the texture may soften slightly over time.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe is its endless adaptability. You can experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Herb variations such as tarragon, parsley, or basil can bring unique twists to the crème fraîche sauce. For a vegetarian version, replace the smoked salmon with roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts. You could even turn it into a heartier meal by adding a poached egg on top of each serving, allowing the yolk to run luxuriously into the crispy potato layers.

Conclusion

The Crispy Potato Galette with Smoked Salmon is more than just a dish; it’s a statement. It shows how a few simple ingredients—when treated with care and creativity—can create something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or looking for a new weekend favorite, this galette offers the perfect balance of indulgence and elegance. Its rich yet refreshing flavor profile, stunning presentation, and adaptable nature make it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves food that feels as good to make as it does to eat. With its crispy, buttery potato layers, creamy dill sauce, and silky smoked salmon, this dish will have your guests asking for seconds—and asking for the recipe.