Cheddar Vidalia Onion Pie is a delightful dish that perfectly embodies comfort food. With its savory combination of sweet, caramelized Vidalia onions and sharp cheddar cheese, this pie is both fulfilling and delicious. The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the Vidalia onion, a variety known for its sweetness and mild flavor, which caramelizes beautifully when cooked, adding a depth of flavor to the dish. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed at brunch, lunch, or even as a hearty dinner main, making it a favorite for any gathering.
What makes this Cheddar Vidalia Onion Pie even more appealing is its simplicity. With a few basic ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this impressive dish without breaking a sweat. The crispy Ritz cracker crust offers a delightful contrast to the creamy filling, making each bite a perfect combination of textures. Whether you are feeding a crowd or simply indulging yourself, this pie is sure to impress with its rich flavors and golden finish.
Another benefit of this recipe is its vegetarian nature, allowing it to cater to various dietary preferences. With just under an hour of total cooking time, including prep, you can have a delectable dish on the table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, Cheddar Vidalia Onion Pie is not just easy to prepare; it’s packed with nutrients, satisfying flavors, and is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Vidalia Onion Pie
- Flavorful filling: The combination of sweet Vidalia onions and sharp cheddar creates a mouthwatering profile.
- Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you’ll spend less time in the kitchen.
- Versatile dish: Perfect for brunch, dinner parties, or as a comforting everyday meal.
- Crispy crust: The Ritz cracker base adds a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall experience.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This pie fits well within vegetarian diets, making it suitable for a variety of guests.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making this Cheddar Vidalia Onion Pie, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s ready when you need it. Greasing a 9-inch pie dish with either butter or non-stick cooking spray is a crucial step to prevent the pie from sticking after baking. Furthermore, having a sharp knife to slice the onions thinly and a large skillet to caramelize them will make the initial steps smoother.
Having a mixing bowl for combining your ingredients and a spatula for spreading the mixture evenly in the pie dish will significantly simplify your cooking process. Consider also having measuring cups and spoons handy for precise ingredient quantities. A bit of organization will go a long way in ensuring a successful cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 2 sleeves)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions and sprinkle them with salt. The salt will help draw out the moisture from the onions, which enhances the caramelization process. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to slowly soften and transform into a beautiful golden brown color. This process usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. As the onions cook, their natural sugars will caramelize, resulting in a rich, sweet flavor that will form the heart of your pie. When done, remove them from heat and let them cool down slightly so they don’t cook the eggs when added.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the cooled caramelized onions with the ground black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and eggs. It’s essential to mix these ingredients well until they are fully incorporated. The sour cream will add creaminess and balance to the sharp flavor of the cheddar. Beat the eggs well before adding them to ensure a smooth filling. This mixture should be rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
In another bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the grated Parmesan cheese. Press half of this mixture into the greased pie dish to create a base crust that will provide both texture and flavor. Once the crust is in place, carefully pour the onion and cheese mixture over the cracker base, using a spatula to smooth it evenly. To finish, sprinkle the remaining cracker and Parmesan mixture over the top to create a crispy layer that will brown beautifully in the oven. Bake everything in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is set. Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham for an extra protein boost.
- Vegetables: For a twist, incorporate spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the filling for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with other herbs such as rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the onions are caramelized well; they should be deeply golden and sweet.
- This pie can be made a day ahead and reheated in the oven, making it a convenient dish for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh garden salad dressed with vinaigrette for a light meal.
- This pie can also be served alongside a selection of dips and breads for a delightful appetizer spread.
Tips
- Using fresh Vidalia onions is key to achieving that unique sweetness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 to 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 290 per serving
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 650mg
FAQs
Can I make Cheddar Vidalia Onion Pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving.
What can I serve this pie with?
It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Consider fresh fruits on the side for a refreshing balance.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie or leftovers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
What if I don’t have Vidalia onions?
While Vidalia onions are sweet and ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with sweet onions or even yellow onions, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Conclusion
Cheddar Vidalia Onion Pie is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will make your meal memorable. Its unique blend of caramelized onions and sharp cheddar topped with a crispy crust makes it an irresistible choice for any gathering, be it a cozy family dinner or a festive brunch. As you prepare this recipe, consider personalizing it with your favorite add-ins or serving it alongside complementary dishes. We encourage you to share your experiences and variations below and let us know how this divine pie turned out for you. Bon appétit!
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Cheddar Vidalia Onion Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Cheddar Vidalia Onion Pie is a delightful dish that perfectly embodies comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 2 sleeves)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions and sprinkle them with salt. The salt will help draw out the moisture from the onions, which enhances the caramelization process. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to slowly soften and transform into a beautiful golden brown color. This process usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. As the onions cook, their natural sugars will caramelize, resulting in a rich, sweet flavor that will form the heart of your pie. When done, remove them from heat and let them cool down slightly so they don’t cook the eggs when added.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the cooled caramelized onions with the ground black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and eggs. It’s essential to mix these ingredients well until they are fully incorporated. The sour cream will add creaminess and balance to the sharp flavor of the cheddar. Beat the eggs well before adding them to ensure a smooth filling. This mixture should be rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
- In another bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the grated Parmesan cheese. Press half of this mixture into the greased pie dish to create a base crust that will provide both texture and flavor. Once the crust is in place, carefully pour the onion and cheese mixture over the cracker base, using a spatula to smooth it evenly. To finish, sprinkle the remaining cracker and Parmesan mixture over the top to create a crispy layer that will brown beautifully in the oven. Bake everything in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is set. Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Using fresh Vidalia onions is key to achieving that unique sweetness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 to 35 minutes
- Category: Brunch
Nutrition
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Protein: 9 g