Provencal Baking to Try Savoury Tarts Cakes and More

Provence is known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine and fresh ingredients. Agriculture in the region benefits from a warm, arid climate making it a suitable environment for growing olives, grapes, almonds, tomatoes, zucchini, spelt (epeautre) and stone fruits. Traditional regional dining customs call for long, slow meals where you enjoy the food and the company. In many bakeries, you will find quiche. Although a classic French recipe, the quiche Lorraine is not a specialty of the South of France.

The following list includes a selection of recipes for savoury pies and types of bread commonly found in the region.

Pissaladière

This is a famous Provençal onion tart that resembles a pizza. It is typically made with a thin crust topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and black olives.

Pissaladière

It is best served as an appetizer with cocktails or a green salad for a light lunch!

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La Pissaladière

This traditional recipe is so popular that there are even songs written about this savoury flatbread. Slow-cooked onions are layered on a soft dough crust and decorated with olives and anchovies. Nothing could be better served with a glass of local rosé any time of the year!

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Fougasse Pissaladière (Onion, Olive and Anchovy)

If you prefer, you can make a plain version of fougasse. However, we like this variation with a Pissaladière topping (onion, olives and anchovies) as it is really typical of this region and one with rosemary & salt. And delicious with a glass of rosé.

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Pissaladière Provencal

This recipe was created by David, it is a blend of several variations for the same dish. This version will serve 6 as a main course or 12 as an appetizer. 

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Pissaladière tart

This combination of slow-cooked onions, anchovies, and crispy pasty is hard to resist.

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Tourte aux Blettes

Also known as Swiss chard pie, this is a traditional dessert or snack from Nice, France. The sweet version includes Swiss chard, pine nuts, and raisins, sometimes flavoured with orange blossom water. However, there is a savoury version too.

Tourte de Blettes Salée from Nice

This savoury tart's main ingredient is blette (chard), which grows all year near Nice, France. Considered part of traditional Niçose cuisine, there are two variations sweet and savoury (salée). Serve this tart with a green salad for lunch or a light dinner.

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Petit Pâte Tarts

The French version of empanadas. A meat-filled pastry with flaky crusts that can be enjoyed as breakfast or a quick snack. Petit pate tarts can be served vegetarian style too!

Pastry Dough for Petit Pâte Tarts

Pastry dough is not difficult to make, but if you prefer you can skip this step and buy the dough.

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A puff pastry that can be shared at parties and get-togethers for everyone to enjoy. It is a simple recipe to prepare made with dough and cheese.

Tarte Soleil - Puff Pastry Appetizer

From the chef, "Provençals like things sunny and pretty, so this is a popular take on the local, traditional fougasse. It can be filled with any strong-flavoured spreadable mixture such as tapenade or anchoiade or a sundried-tomato paste or even a spinach/ricotta or goat cheese."

Fougasse Recipes

Ok, fougasse is not technically a tart. It is a flatbread that is a cross between an Italian focaccia and a thick-dough pizza. However, you find fougasse with many different savoury toppings, and here are a few.

Fougasse d’Aigues Mortes

Fougasse d'Aigues Mortes is a sweet brioche-style bread dusted in sugar. This traditional chewy bun can be enjoyed on its own or with other pastries. Either way, it's sure to impress.

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Fougasse with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes

The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes and tangy black olives make this focaccia-style bread a stunning addition to any meal. You can even enjoy it on its own with some olive oil or accompanying some soup for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

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Fougasse Pissaladière (Onion, Olive and Anchovy)

If you prefer, you can make a plain version of fougasse. However, we like this variation with a Pissaladière topping (onion, olives and anchovies) as it is really typical of this region and one with rosemary & salt. And delicious with a glass of rosé.

Check out this recipe

Fougasse with Tomatoes, Olives, and Peppers

This fougasse is rich and savory, almost a meal in and of itself. Pair with a more structured, but dry rosé for a perfect aperitif.

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Zucchini and Tomato Tarts

Zucchini and tomato tarts are two options to ensure you eat your vegetables.

Zucchini Tart

A tasteful dish best filled with seasonable vegetables and served for lunch, Enjoy!

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Jacques' Zucchini Tart

This tart is easy to make all you need is a few ingredients for the perfect pairing with a glass of chilled rosé. Easy and very tasty, serve as an appetizer or as a light main with a salad.

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Tomato Tarte Tatin

Allow enough time to prepare the key ingredients (onions and tomatoes) in advance. This savoury tart is a great lunch dish with a green salad or s starter course at dinner time. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

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Tomato Tarte Tatin

Highlighting the wonderful flavours of fresh Roma tomatoes and Oregano on a light and flaky tart shell served with crisp salad greens.

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Tomato Pesto Tart

This recipe calls for the freshest tomatoes and basil. While the tart is baking make the pesto and a salad, and lunch is ready. Enjoy!

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"Rose" Vegetable Tart

This tart is a beautiful creation, almost to pretty to eat. It takes a bit of time to cut the vegetables and arrange in the rose pattern, but it's not complicated.

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Olive Cakes

Savoury “cakes” made with olives for snacking with cocktails.

Savoury Olive Cake

Today we’re sharing a delicious recipe made of Provençal ingredients that will be perfect for your aperitif and a glass of Rosé (or 2!).

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Cake Aux Olives Vertes - Green Olive Cake

A quick and delicious appetizer bread that's easy to make and even easier to eat! A savoury delight with salted olives, rich smoky duck breast and creamy bites of Gruyère. A must for your next dinner party.