Zwiebelkuchen
German Onion Tart
A classic German savory tart, Zwiebelkuchen features a rich filling of slowly cooked onions and crispy bacon nestled in a buttery crust. It's a beloved tradition, especially during wine festivals in autumn.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Yellow onions
- 200 g Bacon
- 200 g Sour cream(Full fat recommended for richness)
- 3 Eggs
- 300 g Bread dough or shortcrust pastry(Store-bought or homemade. If using bread dough, ensure it's a plain, unsweetened variety.)
- 2 tablespoons Butter or oil(For sautéing onions)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg(Freshly grated, optional but recommended)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the onion and bacon filling: In a large skillet or pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. Add the butter or oil to the skillet if needed. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are very soft, translucent, and lightly golden. Avoid browning them too quickly; the goal is to sweeten them. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 2
Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 23-25 cm (9-10 inch) tart pan or pie dish. Roll out the bread dough or shortcrust pastry and carefully line the prepared pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork a few times to prevent puffing during baking.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Make the custard filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream and eggs until well combined. Stir in the cooked bacon, and the optional nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Assemble and bake: Spread the softened, cooked onions evenly over the bottom of the prepared crust. Pour the sour cream and egg mixture over the onions, ensuring it fills the gaps. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The center should no longer be jiggly when gently shaken.
⏱️ 45-50 minutes - 5
Cool and serve: Let the Zwiebelkuchen cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to firm up. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Zwiebelkuchen is traditionally served with Federweißer, a young, slightly fermented wine, especially popular in autumn.
- ✓This tart is a quintessential part of German autumn traditions and wine festivals.
- ✓Don't be afraid of the amount of onions; they cook down significantly and their sweetness is key to the dish.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of caraway seeds to the onion mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the onions in butter or oil, adding a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.