Description
German Onion Pie, or Zwiebelkuchen, is a savory traditional German tart featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a creamy mixture of caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and aromatic spices. Baked until golden brown, this hearty pie is perfect as a main course or appetizer, commonly served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 oz bacon, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and press it firmly into a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan, ensuring even coverage. Set aside for filling.
- Cook Bacon and Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for 2–3 minutes until the fat begins to render. Stir in the thinly sliced onions, cooking and stirring occasionally for 15–20 minutes until the onions become soft and lightly golden.
- Mix Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and let the onion and bacon mixture cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, ground black pepper, and ground nutmeg until smooth. Incorporate the cooled onion and bacon mixture thoroughly into this creamy blend.
- Fill and Add Topping: Pour the prepared filling evenly into the pie crust. Optionally, sprinkle caraway seeds over the top for additional flavor.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature as a comforting dish.
Notes
- Zwiebelkuchen is traditionally enjoyed with a glass of new wine (Federweißer) in Germany.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and substitute sautéed mushrooms for a similar savory flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated for later enjoyment.
