Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Traditional German Onion Pie (Zwiebelkuchen): The Comforting Classic You Need to Try


  • Author: Hannah

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust (shortcrust version):

  • 1¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 stick (½ cup or 113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 1 egg yolk

  • 23 tbsp cold water

For the filling:

  • 56 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

  • 1 tbsp butter or oil

  • 1½ cups sour cream or crème fraîche

  • 2 eggs

  • ½ tsp caraway seeds (optional, but traditional)

  • Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)


Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  • In a bowl, cut cold butter into the flour and salt until crumbly.

  • Add the egg yolk and cold water and mix until the dough comes together.

  • Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Onions and Bacon

  • In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.

  • In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions in butter over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes until golden and soft (not brown).

  • Return bacon to the pan and let mixture cool slightly.

3. Preheat Oven & Prepare Crust

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Roll out dough and press into a 9-inch tart or pie pan. Prick the base with a fork.

4. Prepare Filling

  • In a bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and caraway seeds.

  • Stir in the cooled onion-bacon mixture.

5. Assemble & Bake

 

  • Pour filling into the crust and smooth the top.

  • Bake for 35–45 minutes or until the top is golden and set.

  • Let cool slightly before slicing.