THE BEST ONION PIE RECIPE

WineCheeseScallops
7 hours ago
5 min read

Some recipes transport you straight back to the heart of home, where comfort food meets pure nostalgia — and The Best Onion Pie Recipe is one of them. Buttery, golden, and layered with the mellow sweetness of sautéed onions, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven. 🥧

A slice of crumbly, golden pie on an ornate plate. In the background, gold cutlery rests on a table. Warm, inviting atmosphere.

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This recipe takes simple pantry staples — sweet onions, butter, crackers, milk, and cheese — and turns them into something truly special. The result? A rich, savory pie with a crispy Ritz cracker crust, creamy filling, and melty cheese that makes every bite irresistible. Whether it’s served as a side at Sunday dinner or the star of a cozy potluck, this old-fashioned favorite never fails to impress.

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Chopped onions, shredded cheese, milk, and crackers on a wooden surface; ingredients in glass measuring cups, creating a cooking prep scene.

Sweet Onions

The star of this pie is undoubtedly the sweet onion — varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla add natural sweetness without overpowering sharpness. When sautéed in butter, they soften and caramelize slightly, creating a gentle sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory crust and melted cheese. Onions are also rich in antioxidants and add depth to countless comfort dishes — this pie showcases them in all their simple glory.

Ritz Crackers

The humble Ritz cracker steps into the spotlight here, transforming into a flaky, buttery crust that complements the creamy filling perfectly. Crushed and mixed with melted butter, they create that signature salty crunch that makes this pie both rustic and satisfying. It’s a clever shortcut that delivers classic flavor with minimal effort — no rolling pin required!

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Hands pour chopped onions from a Pyrex measuring cup into a skillet on a stove. Background shows kitchen items and a teapot.

Recipe Origin

This Onion Pie Recipe is a throwback to vintage Southern-style cooking — the kind of recipe found in handwritten church cookbooks and passed from one kitchen to another. Originally popular in the mid-20th century, onion pies and casseroles were beloved for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing comfort.

In many ways, this dish bridges generations. It’s easy to prepare, uses affordable ingredients, and brings together that sweet-and-savory magic that Southern comfort food does so well. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a brunch table, or just because, it’s the kind of recipe that sparks smiles — and second helpings.

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Tips, Serving Suggestions, and Storage Advice

Shredded cheese and milk being whisked in a pot on a stove, creating a creamy mixture. The setting is a kitchen, highlighting cooking in progress.

Use sweet onions for best results — they bring natural flavor without sharpness.
If you love deeper flavor, sauté the onions until just golden for a hint of caramelization.
Add a touch of black pepper or cayenne for a gentle kick.
Make sure to temper your eggs slowly so they don’t scramble when added to the hot milk.
A glass or ceramic pie dish works best for even browning.
Let the pie rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to help it set.
Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a more golden, gooey crust.
Pair it with a crisp salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a perfect comfort meal.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days — reheat at 325°F until warm.
This pie freezes surprisingly well — wrap slices tightly and thaw before reheating.

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Unique Recipe Qualities

Classic Southern comfort dish made with simple pantry staples.
Buttery Ritz cracker crust adds a unique, salty crunch.
Sweet onions create a naturally rich flavor.
Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crisp textures.
Requires no pie dough — ideal for beginner bakers.
Family-friendly and crowd-approved.
Great make-ahead option for potlucks or holidays.
Nostalgic recipe with old-fashioned roots.
Customizable with different cheeses or seasonings.
Feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to prepare.

Close-up of a crumbly pie crust in a white fluted dish, set on a kitchen countertop. The crust is golden and textured.

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Onion Pie Recipe

A slice of crumbly pie on an ornate plate, set on a table with silverware. The pie has a golden crust, evoking a warm, inviting mood.

Ingredients:

3½ cups diced sweet onion (about 3 large)
1½ sticks salted butter, divided
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1½ cups Longhorn Colby cheese, grated

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a skillet, sauté diced onions with ½ stick of butter until tender.
In a bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with the remaining 1 stick of melted butter.
Press most of the cracker mixture into a pie dish to form a crust, reserving some for topping.
In a small saucepan, heat milk and salt until just boiling.
Slowly pour about ¼ cup of the hot milk into the beaten eggs, whisking constantly to temper.
Gradually whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously.
Remove from heat, then add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Stir in the sautéed onions.
Pour the mixture into the prepared crust and sprinkle the reserved cracker crumbs on top.
Bake for 1 hour, until golden and set.
Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

A slice of crumb-topped pie on a decorative beige plate with floral patterns, featuring golden and pale yellow colors, on a wooden table.

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