Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that delivers southern soul in every bite, this Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie is about to become your new obsession. Imagine sweet Vidalia onions gently nestled in a golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust, all puffed up and creamy with a luscious egg custard, then finished with a bubbly crown of sharp cheddar cheese. This savory pie is comforting as a cozy hug, outrageously delicious, and doubles effortlessly as a brunch centerpiece or a memorable dinner side. The best part? The ingredients are humble, but the flavor is anything but—get ready to meet your new favorite recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this pie are beautifully simple yet each one plays a pivotal role. From the Ritz crackers’ irresistible crunch to the mellow sweetness of Vidalia onions, every component adds a layer of taste, texture, or color that makes the Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie shine.

• Ritz cracker crumbs: These buttery, flaky crumbs form the foundation of your crust, lending a unique crispness and rich flavor no classic pie dough can match.
• Butter: Essential both in the crust and for sautéing, butter ensures a velvety texture and a deep, comforting aroma in every bite.
• Vidalia onions (or sweet onions): These are the star of the dish—their mellow, natural sweetness caramelizes lightly as they bake, infusing the pie with southern charm.
• Eggs: Lightly beaten, they bring structure and silkiness to the custard filling, binding all the flavors together.
• Milk: Milk lightens the filling and keeps the custard tender, ensuring the pie remains creamy without being dense.
• Salt: The right touch of salt balances the sweetness of the onions and brings out the flavors in every bite.
• Black pepper: Just a little lifts the overall flavor and adds the tiniest bit of background heat.
• Sharp Cheddar cheese: Cheese makes everything better—its sharp tang tops the pie with gorgeous color and punchy flavor.
• Paprika: This spice adds a gentle warmth and just the right glow to the finished topping.

How to Make Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pie Plate

Start by turning on your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) so it’s ready and waiting. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or an equivalent baking pan—you want to make sure that legendary crust unmolds easily and stays intact when slicing.

Step 2: Build the Signature Ritz Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with the melted butter, stirring until all the crumbs are glistening and evenly moistened. Press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pie plate, creating a firm, even layer. The buttery crackers bake up beautifully golden and provide that signature salty note.

Step 3: Sauté the Vidalia Onions

Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbly, toss in the chopped or thinly sliced Vidalia onions and cook for a few minutes—just until softened and translucent but not browned. This step coaxes out every bit of sweetness from the onions, turning them meltingly tender.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Shell

Spread your softened onions evenly over the Ritz cracker crust, making sure to reach right to the edges. Every slice will get that perfect hit of onion flavor.

Step 5: Make the Custard Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy custard is going to gently set in the oven, enveloping the onions in a silky texture.

Step 6: Assemble and Top with Cheddar

Pour the custard over the onions in the crust, ensuring everything is beautifully covered but not overflowing. Sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese evenly across the top—this is the ingredient that turns our pie into an absolute showstopper.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is just set in the center and the crust is lightly golden. The cheese should be melted and starting to crisp at the edges. Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing—trust me, this little wait makes for tidy, perfect slices.

How to Serve Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie

Garnishes

A classic slice of Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie is already stunning, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or flat-leaf parsley gives it extra flair. If you like a little heat, a dash of extra paprika or a grind of black pepper on top right before serving is fantastic.

Side Dishes

This pie is the ultimate versatile player at any table. It pairs perfectly with a simple spring greens salad, roasted asparagus, or creamy tomato soup. For brunch, serve it alongside fruit salad and crispy bacon for that sweet-savory yin and yang.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, turn the pie into mini tartlets using a muffin tin—just adjust the baking time. Or, cut the pie into small squares and serve as an appetizer for parties, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese and herbs. It’s even gorgeous served room temperature as part of a picnic spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap the pie (or individual slices) tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze this pie for up to two months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. When you’re ready for another slice of comfort, defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a preheated 350 °F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the crust will lose its delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion?

Absolutely! While Vidalia onions deliver unmatched sweetness, any sweet yellow onion works nearly as well. If using regular yellow onions, consider cooking them a minute longer to mellow out the sharpness.

Is there a substitute for Ritz crackers?

If Ritz crackers aren’t available, buttery round crackers or even seasoned breadcrumbs make a great stand-in. The unique flavor of Ritz does add something special, so use them if you can.

Can I make this pie ahead for a party?

Definitely! The Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie can be baked the day before, then reheated or even served at room temperature for stress-free entertaining. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, as long as your cheese and crackers don’t contain animal-derived enzymes, this pie is perfectly meat-free but still satisfyingly hearty.

Can I add other veggies or mix-ins?

The beauty of this pie is its flexibility! Feel free to toss in a handful of sautéed mushrooms, cooked spinach, or even diced ham if you like. Just make sure any add-ins are cooked and not watery to keep that lovely custard texture.

Final Thoughts

If you only make one savory pie this season, let it be Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie—the flavors are pure comfort and the recipe couldn’t be more approachable. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and everyone at your table will be asking for seconds!

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