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To make a delicious German Onion Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients: - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 3 large eggs - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap ingredients if needed: - Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor. - Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter filling. - If you don’t have thyme, use oregano or basil. - For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free pie crust. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh onions are sweeter and more flavorful. Fresh herbs like parsley add brightness to the pie. Quality eggs make the filling rich and creamy. When you use fresh, you enhance the taste and aroma. Plus, it shows you care about what you eat. This pie is all about comfort and warmth, so fresh ingredients help you achieve that perfect bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we need to bring out the sweet flavor of the onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 large onions, thinly sliced. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the mixture often. Cook until the onions turn golden brown, which takes about 15-20 minutes. This step creates a deep, rich flavor that is key to our pie. Next, let’s prepare a creamy filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for extra taste. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined. This filling will balance the sweet onions perfectly. Now it’s time to put everything together. Once the onions are caramelized, let them cool slightly. Then, fold them into the egg and cheese mixture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a pre-made pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the onion mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You want the filling to be set and the top to be lightly golden. After baking, let the pie cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish it with fresh chopped parsley before slicing. Enjoy your delicious German onion pie! Caramelizing onions is key to this dish. Start with large onions. Thinly slice them for even cooking. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir them often. This helps them cook evenly. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown. If they stick to the pan, add a splash of water. This adds flavor and keeps them from burning. A creamy filling makes the pie rich and smooth. Use a mix of sour cream and ricotta cheese. Whisk them together in a bowl until they are smooth. Add the eggs, thyme, and nutmeg. These spices add warmth to the filling. Make sure to blend everything well. After caramelizing the onions, let them cool a bit. Fold them into the creamy mixture gently. This keeps your filling light and fluffy. The right baking time gives you a perfect texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the onion mixture into the pie crust evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The filling should be set and the top lightly golden. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with foil. Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape better when served. Add fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. Pro Tips Use Sweet Onions: Opt for sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for a milder, sweeter flavor in your pie. Chill the Crust: For a flakier texture, chill the pie crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before adding the filling. Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing in different cheeses like Gruyère or feta for added depth and flavor. Add a Splash of Wine: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after caramelizing the onions for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} German Onion Pie has many versions across different regions. In Swabia, they use a thicker, creamy filling. This gives it a rich taste that many love. You might find bacon in some recipes, adding a smoky flavor. In the Saarland area, they often serve it with a side of apple sauce. This sweet touch balances the savory pie perfectly. Each region adds its own twist, making this dish unique and fun to explore. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust. This swap keeps the pie tasty without the gluten. If you're vegetarian, simply skip the bacon or any meat. You can also try adding mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor. For a lighter dish, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt. This swap cuts down the fat while keeping it creamy. When serving German Onion Pie, think about balance. A fresh green salad pairs well with it. The crunch of the salad complements the soft pie. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream on the side. This adds a cool touch that enhances the flavors. For drinks, try a light white wine or a crisp apple cider. These beverages match the pie's savory notes and make the meal more enjoyable. To store leftovers, let the pie cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the pie fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking tray. Cover it with foil to avoid burning the top. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for quick meals. If you want to freeze the onion pie, do this before baking. Prepare the pie as usual, but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. The pie can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake as directed in the recipe. German Onion Pie, or Zwiebelkuchen, has roots in Germany. It often comes from the region of Swabia. This pie is a favorite in fall, especially during harvest time. Many people enjoy it with a glass of wine. The dish reflects a blend of simple ingredients and rich flavors. It is a comfort food for many families. The pie has spread beyond Germany and gained fans worldwide. Yes, you can swap cheeses in this recipe. While ricotta is common, feel free to use cottage cheese or cream cheese. Each cheese brings a unique taste and texture. If you prefer stronger flavors, try using sharp cheddar or feta. Just remember that the pie's creaminess may change slightly. Experimenting with cheese can lead to delightful new flavors. To add heat to your German Onion Pie, consider adding red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or fresh chili peppers for a kick. Another option is to mix in spicy sausage or chorizo with the onions. These additions will bring a bold flavor to the pie while keeping its comforting essence. Enjoy the balance of spice and sweetness! This article covered the key steps to make a delicious German onion pie. We examined important ingredients, from fresh picks to substitutes. I shared tips for caramelizing onions and crafting a creamy filling. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. As you try this recipe, remember it’s all about balance. Enjoy every bite of your pie!

German Onion Pie

A savory pie filled with caramelized onions, eggs, and cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine German
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 black pepper
  • 1 2 thyme (dried)
  • 1 4 nutmeg
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, ricotta cheese, thyme, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
  • Once the onions are caramelized, let them cool slightly and then fold them into the egg and cheese mixture.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the pre-made pie crust in a pie dish. Pour the onion mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
  • Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm, sliced into wedges, with a side of extra sour cream or a fresh green salad.
Keyword German cuisine, onion pie, savory pie