Cheese-Onion Pie(A Big Favorite, Precursor Of Quiche)
A savory cheese and onion pie with a crunchy cracker crust, rich Swiss cheese, and a creamy custard filling, perfect for brunch or light dinners for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed saltines with 1/4 pound melted butter or margarine.
- Press the mixture into a buttered 9-inch pie tin to form the crust.
- Prepare the filling by sautéing or softening the sliced onions if desired (optional, not specified).
- In a bowl, beat 2 or 3 eggs well.
- Add grated Swiss cheese, flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and hot milk to the eggs and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the custard mixture over the prepared crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the filling is set and golden on top, about 30-40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions until they are golden before adding them to the filling. If you're out of Swiss cheese, Gruyère or cheddar can be excellent substitutes. To make it vegetarian, ensure the butter or margarine is plant-based. For a twist, try adding herbs like thyme or chives to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese-onion pie warm, garnished with fresh herbs for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a delightful brunch option, enjoy it alongside fruit or a light yogurt. Browse more vegetarian recipes for additional meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese-onion pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pie for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispy crust while warming the filling evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese-Onion Pie(A Big Favorite, Precursor Of Quiche) contains roughly 1466 calories, with 33g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (89% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2251mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Assemble the pie and cover it tightly with plastic wrap, keeping it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld, making for an even tastier dish.
What if I don't have saltines?
If you don't have crushed saltines, you can substitute with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. Alternatively, a pre-made pie crust can be used, but be sure to adjust baking time accordingly to ensure the filling sets properly.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Just ensure any additional vegetables are cooked down to avoid excess moisture in the pie.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).