German Zwiebelkuchen (Onion Pie) Recipe

German Zwiebelkuchen, also known as Onion Pie, is a traditional German dish that features a rich and savory filling made with caramelized onions, bacon, and a creamy custard, all baked in a flaky pastry crust. This hearty pie is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner and is often enjoyed with a glass of young Federweisser wine during the autumn season in Germany. Try this easy and delicious recipe to experience the comforting flavors of German cuisine.

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• - 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• - ½ teaspoon salt
• - ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• - 1 egg yolk
• - 2-3 tablespoons ice water
• For the filling:
• - 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• - 6 slices bacon, diced
• - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• - 3 large eggs
• - 1 cup sour cream
• - ½ cup heavy cream
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - ½ teaspoon black pepper
• - ½ teaspoon paprika
• For garnish:
• - Fresh chives, chopped

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt for the crust. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and ice water. Pour the mixture into the flour-butter mixture and mix until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times to ensure it is well combined. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
5. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
6. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges. Place the pie dish in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill the dough.
7. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
8. Take the pie crust out of the refrigerator and spread the caramelized onions evenly over the crust. Scatter the cooked bacon on top of the onions. Pour the egg mixture over the onions and bacon, making sure it fills any gaps.
9. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
10. Remove the Zwiebelkuchen from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped chives. Serve warm or at room temperature.
11. Enjoy this German Zwiebelkuchen as a delicious and comforting meal!

Interesting Facts