Potato Galette with Arugula and Crème Fraîche is a rustic and elegant savory tart that’s as versatile as it is delicious. With a crisp, buttery pastry base, thinly sliced layered potatoes, peppery arugula, and tangy crème fraîche, this dish works beautifully for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s deceptively simple to make yet stunning enough to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
½ cup crème fraîche
1 cup fresh arugula
Optional: freshly cracked pepper, flaky sea salt, lemon zest for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare pastry: Roll out the puff pastry slightly and place it on the lined baking sheet.
Layer potatoes: Toss sliced potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in overlapping circles, leaving a 1-inch border.
Fold edges: Fold the pastry border over the edge of the potatoes and brush with egg wash.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the crust is golden and the potatoes are tender.
Top and serve: Let the galette cool slightly. Dollop crème fraîche on top and scatter arugula over. Optionally garnish with pepper, flaky salt, or lemon zest. Slice and serve.

Nutrients (estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: ~290
Protein: ~5g
Carbohydrates: ~28g
Fat: ~17g
Saturated Fat: ~7g
Cholesterol: ~40mg
Sodium: ~280mg
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~1g

A French-Inspired Rustic Tart

The term “galette” originates from France and generally refers to a free-form tart made with pastry dough and filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Unlike traditional pies or quiches, galettes have a charmingly rustic appearance and are shaped by hand without the need for a pie dish or mold. This makes them approachable for home cooks while retaining a visually beautiful, artisanal presentation.

In this savory version, the galette showcases one of France’s most beloved vegetables—potatoes. The combination of buttery pastry and tender, seasoned potatoes is reminiscent of classic French comfort food, while the fresh arugula and crème fraîche bring a contemporary twist that brightens and elevates the dish.

Balanced Flavors and Textures

One of the reasons this galette is so satisfying is the careful balance of flavors and textures. The puff pastry bakes up crisp and golden, offering a delicate crunch with every bite. The thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes become soft and creamy in the oven, absorbing the seasoned olive oil while forming a beautifully layered, golden top.

On top of the warm galette, fresh arugula adds a peppery bite and refreshing contrast to the rich base. Crème fraîche brings a tangy, velvety element that ties all the components together. Optional garnishes like lemon zest or flaky salt enhance the flavor and give the tart a finishing touch of sophistication.

Perfect for Any Meal of the Day

Potato Galette with Arugula and Crème Fraîche is incredibly versatile, making it a valuable addition to your recipe collection. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside poached eggs and fresh fruit for a well-rounded morning meal. At lunch, pair it with a bowl of soup or a side salad. For dinner, it holds its own as a main course, especially when served with a glass of wine and roasted vegetables.

Its ability to be served hot, warm, or at room temperature makes it ideal for entertaining. You can bake it in advance and gently reheat before serving, or enjoy it as-is straight from the countertop. The galette also travels well, so it’s perfect for potlucks, garden parties, or packed lunches.

Visually Stunning, Yet Simple to Prepare

Despite its fancy appearance, this galette is surprisingly easy to make. The use of store-bought puff pastry saves time and effort, while the ingredients are straightforward and require minimal prep. Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and layer beautifully, creating a visually striking pattern once baked.

The rustic style of the galette means there’s no pressure to form a perfect crust—folding the edges over the potatoes creates an elegant, organic shape that’s both functional and beautiful. After baking, the simple act of adding arugula and crème fraîche transforms the galette into a dish that looks like it came straight from a French bistro.

A Vegetarian Delight

This galette is a wonderful option for vegetarians, offering a hearty and protein-rich meal without any meat. The combination of potatoes, arugula, and crème fraîche provides a satisfying range of nutrients while keeping the flavor profile bold and layered.

It’s also a great dish to include in a mixed menu for guests with varying dietary preferences. Even meat-eaters will find this galette indulgent and flavorful enough to enjoy as a standalone main or a generous side.

Nutritionally Balanced and Wholesome

Each serving of this galette offers around 290 calories, which makes it a light yet satisfying meal component. It contains about 28 grams of carbohydrates and 17 grams of fat, giving you a balanced blend of energy and satiety. The puff pastry provides a buttery richness, while the potatoes are a source of complex carbohydrates that digest slowly and help keep you full.

Crème fraîche contributes calcium and probiotics, while the arugula adds fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin K. This balance of indulgence and nutrition makes the galette a smart choice for those who want flavor without overdoing it on heaviness.

Tips for Best Results

To get the most from your Potato Galette, it’s important to slice the potatoes uniformly thin. This ensures they cook evenly and meld together seamlessly while baking. A mandoline or sharp knife works best for this task. Be sure to preheat your oven thoroughly to allow the puff pastry to bake to its crisp, golden potential.

If you want extra flavor, consider rubbing a cut garlic clove over the pastry before layering the potatoes. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary with the potatoes for a savory boost. After baking, finishing with lemon zest or a few drops of truffle oil can enhance the final presentation.

Don’t skip the resting time after baking—the tart will firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve cleanly.

Creative Variations to Try

This galette is highly adaptable based on what you have available. Swap out the Yukon Gold potatoes for sweet potatoes or a mix of root vegetables for a colorful twist. You could also spread a thin layer of caramelized onions under the potatoes for added sweetness and depth.

For a cheese lover’s version, sprinkle some goat cheese or shredded Gruyère under the potato layer before baking. You can also try different greens, like baby spinach or watercress, in place of arugula, depending on what’s in season or on hand.

If you’re looking for extra protein, a poached egg on top of each slice makes for a visually stunning and satisfying meal.

Ideal for Entertaining

This galette shines at the table and is sure to impress guests with its presentation. Cut into wedges and served on a wooden board or large platter, it becomes a centerpiece dish that invites conversation and compliments. Since it can be made in advance and served at room temperature, it’s ideal for brunch buffets, bridal showers, or weekend get-togethers.

Its blend of rustic simplicity and refined flavors makes it a sophisticated choice for anyone looking to elevate their hosting game without spending hours in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Potato Galette with Arugula and Crème Fraîche is a dish that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients brought together in an elegant yet approachable way. With its flaky puff pastry crust, tender golden potatoes, fresh arugula, and creamy crème fraîche, it hits all the right notes—crunchy, creamy, savory, and fresh.

This recipe proves that you don’t need elaborate components to create something truly special. It’s perfect for those who love refined flavors but appreciate rustic presentation, and for anyone who wants a flexible, vegetarian-friendly dish that can serve as the centerpiece of any meal.

Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself to a cozy homemade meal, this galette brings warmth, sophistication, and satisfying flavor to your table—one beautiful slice at a time.