ZWIEBELKUCHEN : GERMAN BACON + ONION PIE : SEPTEMBER PIES S2 E9

ZWIEBELKUCHEN : GERMAN BACON + ONION PIE : SEPTEMBER PIES S2 E9 is a medium German recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Knorpp and South on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 20 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 3 hrs 35 min

Cost: $7.55 total, $1.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast (instant, dissolved in warm water)
  • 0.75 cup Warm Water (about 110°F (43°C))
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar (for yeast activation)
  • 3 cup All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, melted)
  • 10 pieces Bacon Strips (cut into ½‑inch pieces)
  • 2 large Yellow Onion (thinly sliced (about 2 cups))
  • 1 tsp Caraway Seeds (toasted lightly)
  • 0.5 cup Dry White Wine (deglazes the onion‑bacon mixture)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
  • 3 pieces Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast

    In a mixing bowl combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Yeasted Dough

    Add 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp salt, and 2½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8‑10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT10M

  3. First Rise

    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 60 minutes.

    Time: PT60M

  4. Prepare Bacon and Onions

    While the dough rises, cut the bacon into ½‑inch pieces and thinly slice the onions.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Caramelize Bacon and Onions

    Heat a skillet over medium‑low heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they begin to render fat, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, then cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30‑35 minutes until the onions are deep golden and sweet.

    Time: PT35M

  6. Deglaze with White Wine

    Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted caraway seeds over the onion‑bacon mixture, then pour in ½ cup dry white wine. Stir, scraping up any browned bits, and let the liquid reduce for 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Prepare the Egg‑Cream Custard

    In a separate bowl whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Assemble the Pie

    Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out to about ¼‑inch thickness and fit into a 9‑inch pie dish, trimming excess. Spoon the caramelized onion‑bacon mixture into the crust, spreading evenly. Pour the egg‑cream custard over the filling, allowing it to soak through.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Bake the Zwiebelkuchen

    Place the pie on the middle rack of a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown.

    Time: PT55M

    Temperature: 375°F

  10. Cool and Serve

    Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, slice, and serve warm with horseradish mashed potatoes or a glass of apple cider.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
18g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Sulphites (wine)

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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ZWIEBELKUCHEN : GERMAN BACON + ONION PIE : SEPTEMBER PIES S2 E9

Recipe by Knorpp and South

A traditional German autumn pie featuring a yeasted bread crust filled with caramelized onions, smoky bacon, caraway seeds, and a rich egg‑cream custard. Served warm with horseradish mashed potatoes or a glass of apple cider, this comforting Zwiebelkuchen brings the flavors of a German fall kitchen to your table.

MediumGermanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 55m
Prep
1h 30m
Cook
25m
Cleanup
3h 50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.55
Total cost
$1.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Activating the yeast properly (foam formation).
  • Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic.
  • Allowing the dough to double in size during the first rise.
  • Slowly caramelizing the onions and bacon for deep flavor.
  • Deglazing with white wine to capture browned bits.
  • Ensuring the custard sets without over‑baking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot skillet and oven with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Bacon fat can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Alcohol in wine evaporates, but keep away from open flames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of German Onion Bacon Pie (Zwiebelkuchen) in German cuisine?

A

Zwiebelkuchen is a traditional German autumn dish, especially popular in the wine‑growing regions of the Rhineland and Swabia. Historically, it was a way to use the harvest onions and leftover bacon, often enjoyed with new wine during the harvest festivals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Zwiebelkuchen in Germany?

A

In the Palatinate region the pie often includes a thicker sour‑cream custard, while in Swabia the crust may be made with rye flour. Some versions add apples or cheese, but the classic version uses a yeasted bread crust, caramelized onions, bacon, and caraway seeds.

cultural
Q

How is Zwiebelkuchen traditionally served in German culture?

A

Traditionally Zwiebelkuchen is served warm, sliced into squares, and enjoyed with a glass of young Riesling or other white wine. It is a staple at Oktoberfest‑type gatherings and harvest celebrations, often accompanied by potato salad or horseradish mashed potatoes.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Zwiebelkuchen associated with in German culture?

A

Zwiebelkuchen is closely linked to autumn festivals, wine harvest celebrations (Weinfeste), and family gatherings after the harvest. It is also a popular dish for Christmas markets in some regions.

cultural
Q

What makes Zwiebelkuchen special or unique in German cuisine?

A

The combination of a yeasted bread crust with a sweet‑savory onion‑bacon custard, flavored by caraway seeds, creates a hearty, rustic flavor that reflects German farm cooking. Its texture sits between a quiche and a savory loaf, making it uniquely satisfying.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Zwiebelkuchen versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include yeasted bread dough, bacon, yellow onions, caraway seeds, eggs, and heavy cream. Acceptable substitutes are smoked pancetta for bacon, half‑and‑half for cream, and cumin seeds for caraway if unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Zwiebelkuchen at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the onions (they can burn), using too much liquid in the filling (which makes the crust soggy), and under‑baking the custard. Also, not allowing the dough to rise fully will result in a dense crust.

technical
Q

Why does this Zwiebelkuchen recipe use a yeasted bread crust instead of a traditional pastry crust?

A

The yeasted crust gives the pie a hearty, bread‑like texture that mimics the rustic German farmhouse style. It also holds up better to the moist onion‑bacon filling compared to a flaky pastry, preventing sogginess.

technical
Q

Can I make Zwiebelkuchen ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead. Keep the risen dough covered in the refrigerator, and store the caramelized filling in an airtight container. Assemble and bake when ready, or freeze the assembled uncooked pie and bake from frozen.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when Zwiebelkuchen is done cooking?

A

The crust should be golden‑brown and firm to the touch. The custard filling will be set but still slightly wobbling in the center, similar to a baked custard. The onions should be deep caramel color, and the bacon pieces visible throughout.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Knorpp and South specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Knorpp and South focuses on family‑friendly cooking adventures, exploring comfort food recipes from around the world, and often adds personal twists or modern twists to classic dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Knorpp and South's approach to German cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Knorpp and South emphasizes hands‑on experimentation, such as doubling bacon or adding wine for depth, and they often share personal anecdotes that make traditional recipes feel approachable, unlike more formal German cooking channels that stick strictly to classic methods.

channel

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