Schwäbischer Zwiebelkuchen Recipe

Introduction

Schwäbischer Zwiebelkuchen is a traditional German onion tart known for its rich, savory filling and flaky crust. This comforting dish combines caramelized onions with a creamy, spiced custard baked on a crisp dough—perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds white onions
• 1 stick butter
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
• 1 cup crème fraîche
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 package prepared pizza crust
• Butter, to taste (for drizzling)
• 1 pinch fresh chives

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and thinly slice the white onions. Sauté them in the butter over medium heat until they are lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. Season with kosher salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, eggs, and caraway seeds. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then set this mixture aside to cool to room temperature.
3. Step 3: Once the egg mixture has cooled, combine it thoroughly with the caramelized onions.
4. Step 4: Roll out the prepared pizza crust onto a baking sheet. Spread the onion and cream mixture evenly over the crust. Drizzle a little butter on top for extra richness.
5. Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the filling is set and heated through, about 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, cut into portions, and sprinkle with fresh chives before serving. Enjoy your Schwäbischer Zwiebelkuchen warm!

Tips & Variations

• Use sweet onions for a milder, sweeter flavor. Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the custard can enhance its depth.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the pizza crust with a gluten-free pastry base.
• If you like a smoky touch, add a little smoked paprika along with the cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover Zwiebelkuchen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through to preserve the crust’s texture and the creamy filling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Schwäbischer Zwiebelkuchen ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the onion filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake just before serving for best flavor and texture.

What can I serve with this onion tart?

This tart pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a crisp white wine, making it a delightful light meal or appetizer.

Schwäbischer Zwiebelkuchen Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Schwäbischer Zwiebelkuchen is a traditional German onion tart featuring a flavorful combination of caramelized onions, creamy egg mixture, and fragrant caraway seeds baked on a crisp pizza crust. This savory dish is perfect for autumn gatherings or comforting meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Onion Filling

• 4 pounds White Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 stick Butter (4 tablespoons)
• Kosher Salt, to taste
• Cayenne Pepper, to taste

For the Cream Mixture

• 1 cup Crème Fraîche
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Caraway Seeds

For the Base and Topping

• 1 package Prepared Pizza Crust (approx. 12 inches diameter)
• Butter, to drizzle (about 1 tablespoon)
• Fresh Chives, 1 pinch, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced white onions and cook them slowly until they are lightly caramelized, which should take about 20-25 minutes. Season with kosher salt and cayenne pepper to taste during cooking to enhance the flavors.
2. Prepare Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, eggs, and caraway seeds until smooth and well combined. Taste and season if necessary. Let this mixture cool to room temperature to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely when combined with the warm onions.
3. Combine Mixtures: Once the crème fraîche mixture is cooled, mix it thoroughly with the caramelized onions ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
4. Assemble on Crust: Spread the combined onion and cream mixture evenly over the prepared pizza crust laid out on a baking sheet. Drizzle the top lightly with butter to add richness and help with browning during baking.
5. Bake the Tart: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled onion tart for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the topping is set, lightly golden, and the onions are heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut into portions and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• For sweeter onions, choose yellow onions or a mix of yellow and white onions.
• Allow the onions to caramelize slowly to develop depth of flavor without burning.
• If crème fraîche is unavailable, sour cream can be substituted but will alter the taste slightly.
• The prepared pizza crust can be replaced with a homemade shortcrust or yeast dough for a more traditional base.
• Serve with a light salad or a glass of dry white wine to complement the richness of the tart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Keywords: Schwäbischer Zwiebelkuchen, German onion tart, caramelized onion pie, savory tart, Octoberfest recipe