Irresistible Ricotta Onion Pie: A Savory Delight
When it comes to baking, there is nothing more satisfying than the smell of a freshly baked pie wafting through the house. And if you’re looking for a unique and flavorful addition to your pie repertoire, I have just the recipe for you: Ricotta Onion Pie.
This Italian-inspired savory pie combines creamy ricotta cheese with caramelized onions and a flaky, buttery crust. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for second helpings.
The recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and the end result is sure to impress your dinner table guests. So dust off your rolling pin and preheat your oven, because it’s time to dive into the world of Ricotta Onion Pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever tasted a cheesy, savory pie that’s so good it feels like it was made with love? Well, that’s just what our Ricotta Onion Pie recipe delivers. This is one of those recipes that every home cook needs in their arsenal – it’s simple, delicious, and always hits the spot.
One thing I love about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is – just flour, butter, water, salt, onions, and of course creamy ricotta cheese. And yet, when these ingredients come together, something magical happens. The onions become sweet and caramelized, balancing beautifully with the tanginess of the ricotta cheese.
Another reason I know you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. If you’re craving a little extra veggie power in your diet, try adding some zucchini or leek to the mix. Feeling fancy? Switch up the crust by using a store-bought pie crust or even making a galette.
But ultimately, what makes this recipe so special is that it’s comfort food at its finest. It’s perfect for bringing to potlucks, serving as a side dish at dinner parties, or even enjoying as a hearty lunch at work. Plus – leftovers are delicious and easy to reheat!
I truly believe everyone needs a go-to pie recipe in their life – and our Ricotta Onion Pie recipe is an excellent choice. Trust me – this slice of heaven will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Ingredient List
Before starting with the recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients handy. Here’s what you need:
For the crust:
- 1 and 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons margarine, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3 eggs beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onion
Make sure to select high-quality ingredients as this will impact the final result of your onion ricotta pie.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have a good understanding of the ingredients list, let’s dive into how to make this ricotta onion pie. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Steps
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Preheat your oven at 375°F/200°C.
Step 2: Caramelize onions
Chop 3 medium onions thinly and add them to a skillet with melted butter and olive oil. Cook on medium-high heat until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Make Pie Crust
Combine flour, margarine or butter, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix well, then add water gradually to form a dough. Roll out the dough on parchment paper, and place it into a buttered pie dish.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In another mixing bowl, add ricotta cheese, caramelized onions, chopped chives, green onions or leeks, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and onion powder (optional). Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Pour Into The Pie Crust
Pour the filling mixture into the pie crust.
Step 6: Bake The Ricotta Onion Pie
Bake for about 45 minutes or until it is golden brown. Use a fork to check if it’s cooked through (if it comes out clean then it’s ready). Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Additional Tips
- If you want to make a spinach ricotta pie, just add about 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves into the filling mixture.
- This recipe can also be used to make a savory pumpkin pie or zucchini ricotta pie! Just replace the onions with pumpkin or zucchini.
- If you don’t have time to make your own crust, you can use store-bought pie crust in this recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
As a baker, I’m all about experimenting with new flavor combinations and variations of classic recipes! If you’re looking to switch things up for your next ricotta onion pie, here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– Zucchini Onion Ricotta Pie: Instead of solely using caramelized onions in your pie, try throwing some thinly sliced zucchini into the mix for added texture and flavor. This variation is perfect for those who love savory pies that highlight fresh veggies.
– Spinach Ricotta Pie: Want to add some extra greenery to your dish? Swap out caramelized onions for cooked spinach and enjoy a whole new flavor profile. The combination of spinach and ricotta cheese is a classic Italian staple that works beautifully in this savory pie.
– Savory Pumpkin Pie: Looking for something a little more unique? Try subbing in pumpkin puree for caramelized onions in your ricotta pie recipe. This variation is sure to be a hit with fall flavors lovers and is perfect for holiday gatherings.
– Caramelized Onion Tart: If you prefer a thinner, crispier crust rather than a pie, try turning your ricotta onion pie into a tart by using store-bought or homemade pastry dough. This variation results in a delicate, buttery crust that pairs perfectly with sweet caramelized onions and savory ricotta cheese.
No matter which variation you choose, be sure to experiment with different spice blends, herbs, and cheeses to make it truly unique. Happy baking!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Ricotta Onion Pie is baked and golden, it’s time to serve it to your family and friends. You can enjoy this pie on its own or pair it with some delicious sides to make a complete meal.
For a light and fresh meal, you can serve the pie with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The sharp tang of the dressing contrasts well with the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, you can pair your Ricotta Onion Pie with roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. The natural sweetness of these vegetables complements the savory flavor of the pie.
For those who prefer meats, some slices of grilled chicken or a juicy steak will also go great alongside this savory pie.
To complete your meal, don’t forget about dessert! A light and refreshing fruit salad will cleanse your palate after enjoying the robust flavors of the pie. Alternatively, if you’re feeling indulgent, try serving a slice of decadent cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream.
No matter what you choose to serve alongside it, the Ricotta Onion Pie is sure to be the star of the show. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making this ricotta onion pie recipe, meal planning is made easy with the option to make-ahead or store leftovers for later. The great thing about this savory pie is that it can be prepared ahead of time up to a day in advance by storing it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It can even be frozen beforehand for up to three months.
To store the ricotta onion pie, simply place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If you prefer to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil before placing them in the freezer. When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
It’s important to note that reheating won’t affect the texture or flavor of this ricotta onion pie recipe, so no need to worry about compromising its taste. Just be sure to add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top and enjoy as is, or pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal anytime during the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making this ricotta onion pie recipe, there are a few tips that will help you achieve the perfect outcome. Here are some tips that I recommend:
Firstly, make sure to properly caramelize the onions. This will not only give them a delicious flavor but also a soft and tender texture. When caramelizing the onions, cook them on medium-high heat until golden brown but not burned.
It is also important to use fresh ricotta cheese instead of store-bought varieties. Fresh ricotta has a rich and creamy flavor with a smooth texture that blends well with the other ingredients.
When preparing the pie crust, use butter or margarine instead of oil in order to get a flakier and tastier crust. Make sure to cold ingredients for the crust, as it leads to better result.
In addition, you can add extra flavor by incorporating fresh herbs such as chives or green onions into the filling mixture.
Another tip is to allow the pie to completely cool before slicing it to avoid any messiness or falling apart. It is best served at room temperature or slightly warm.
Finally, for reheating purposes, simply place a slice in the oven on low heat for five minutes until heated through or microwave it for around 30 seconds on high power.
By following these tips, you will have a perfectly cooked ricotta onion pie with caramelized onions and a mouth-watering flaky crust.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Ricotta Onion Pie recipe is the must-try dish for all baking enthusiasts. It’s easy to make and uses ingredients that are easily accessible. The recipe produces a delicious savory pie with an irresistible blend of caramelized onions, ricotta cheese, and a perfect pie crust. The servings are versatile and suitable for almost any occasion or mealtime, from a Sunday brunch to a light evening dinner.
If you’re looking to add some variety to your usual repertoire of baked goods or impress your guests with a unique and tasty dish, definitely give this onion ricotta pie recipe a shot. And don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking or experiment with variations of the recipe – who knows, you might just discover your new favorite flavor combination.
Overall, I can’t emphasize enough how much joy this recipe has brought me in the kitchen – I hope it will do the same for you.
Ricotta Onion Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie shell
- 2 onions, sliced thin and sauteed in
- 1 teaspoon margarine
- 1 cup chopped chives or 1 cup green onion
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or 1/2 cup cracker crumb
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Sauté onions until soft and slightly browned.
- Place in unbaked pie shell.
- Combine melted butter and crumbs and set aside.
- Mix all the rest of the ingredients and pour into pie shell.
- Top with crumb mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.