Name: Deliciously Savory German Onion Pie (Zwiebelkuchen) Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm milk; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 3 ¼ cups (400g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 pounds (900g) yellow onions, finely sliced; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ teaspoons caraway seeds (optional); 1 ¼ cups (300g) sour cream; 2 large eggs; ½ cup (120g) grated Swiss or Emmental cheese

Deliciously Savory German Onion Pie (Zwiebelkuchen) Recipe

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This German Onion Pie is a delicious blend of textures and flavors. The soft, homemade yeast dough crust serves as the perfect base for the rich and creamy filling made from caramelized onions, sour cream, and Swiss cheese. The sweetness of the caramelized onions is beautifully balanced by the tanginess of the sour cream and the nutty flavor of the Swiss cheese. With the addition of caraway seeds for an extra hint of flavor, this pie is a comforting, savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust (Bread Dough):

1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
3 ¼ cups (400g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Onion Filling:

2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds (900g) yellow onions, finely sliced
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)
1 ¼ cups (300g) sour cream
2 large eggs
½ cup (120g) grated Swiss or Emmental cheese

Directions

Make the dough:
- In a bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and oil. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Caramelize the onions:
- While the dough is rising, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25–30 minutes, until they are golden and soft.
- Season with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds, if using. Remove from heat and let the onions cool.
Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and press it into a greased 10-inch tart or springform pan.
- Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Make the filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and grated Swiss or Emmental cheese.
- Add the cooled caramelized onions to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Assemble and bake the pie:
- Pour the onion filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Whole grain crust: For a heartier crust, use whole wheat or spelt flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Cheese alternatives: Gruyère or Fontina cheese can be substituted for Swiss or Emmental for a different flavor profile.
Sweet potato layer: For extra flavor and texture, try adding a thin layer of mashed sweet potato underneath the onion filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Zwiebelkuchen can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crust’s crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the pie.

2. Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I add meat to this recipe?

While traditional Zwiebelkuchen is vegetarian, you can add chicken, sausage for an extra layer of flavor if you prefer.

4. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, you can substitute a store-bought pie or puff pastry crust for the homemade bread dough if you’re short on time.

5. Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, you can substitute yellow onions with red onions for a slightly milder and sweeter flavor. However, yellow onions are typically used for the classic savory taste.

6. How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the filling is set, the crust is golden, and the top is slightly browned. You can also insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness.

7. Can I serve this pie warm or cold?

This pie can be served either warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious both ways, depending on your preference.

8. Can I make the filling spicier?

If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.

9. What can I serve with this onion pie?

Zwiebelkuchen pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

10. Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the crust gluten-free. Make sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

This Deliciously Savory German Onion Pie (Zwiebelkuchen) is the perfect dish for any occasion where you crave comfort food with a bit of rustic charm. With its rich, caramelized onions, creamy filling, and soft homemade dough, it’s a satisfying pie that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as part of a festive spread, this German classic will become a beloved dish in your recipe repertoire.

Deliciously Savory German Onion Pie (Zwiebelkuchen) Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe