Description
This Cheddar & Ritz Cracker Vidalia Onion Pie combines the sweet, mellow flavor of Vidalia onions in a creamy, savory custard, cradled in a buttery Ritz cracker crust and crowned with sharp cheddar cheese. A classic comfort food side that’s ideal for brunch, potlucks, or southern-style meals alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) butter, melted
For the Onion Filling
- 2 cups finely chopped or thinly sliced Vidalia onions (or another sweet onion)
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Custard
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For the Topping
- ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a lightly greased 9-inch pie plate or similar baking dish to create your crust.
- Cook the Onions: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped or sliced Vidalia onions and cook for just a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and aromatic but not browned. Remove them from the heat once done.
- Fill the Crust: Spread the cooked onions evenly in the prepared Ritz cracker crust, ensuring an even layer throughout.
- Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth and well combined. Pour the custard mixture over the onions in the crust, making sure it’s distributed evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the custard and onions.
- Bake: Place the pie in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and the edges of the crust are lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Vidalia onions are renowned for their sweetness, but any sweet onion variety can be substituted.
- This pie is delicious served warm, but it also holds up well at room temperature.
- You can prepare the crust and onions in advance to save time on the day of serving.
- Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
- Leftovers store well, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—simply reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 pie (approx. 125g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 85mg