North German Onion Tart("Zwiebel Kuchen")
A savory North German Onion Tart features caramelized onions and crispy bacon in a buttery crust, perfect for brunch or a comforting dinner with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Lightly grease an 11-inch quiche pan; set aside.
- In a skillet, cook diced bacon slices until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt.
- Add butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and add 3 to 5 tablespoons of half and half; mix well.
- Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Press the dough into the prepared quiche pan to form the crust.
- Spread cooked bacon evenly over the crust.
- In a bowl, combine chopped onions and the whipped cream; season with salt.
- Pour the onion mixture over the bacon in the crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the filling is set and golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the onion mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You can use a mix of heavy cream and milk if you're short on whipping cream. Be sure to press the crust firmly to avoid a soggy bottom. For a twist, try using ingredients from other pork recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the North German Onion Tart warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer a side of German potato salad or a fresh cucumber salad for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tart in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of North German Onion Tart("Zwiebel Kuchen") contains roughly 292 calories, with 9g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before pressing it into the quiche pan.
What kind of onions are best for this recipe?
Yellow onions are traditionally used for their sweetness, but you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.
Can this dish be frozen?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the baked tart. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until heated through.
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).