Crustless Caramelized Onions and Cheese

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Imagine biting into a warm, gooey slice of pie filled with caramelized onions and melted cheese.

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Crustless Caramelized Onions and Cheese
Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 hr
Servings
8

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil together.

  4. Add the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 10 minutes).

  5. Transfer the cooked onion to a plate and let it cool.

  6. In a bowl, whisk together the cream, eggs, salt, and black pepper.

  7. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cooled onion.

  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

  9. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

  10. You can use a pie plate or an 8-inch square pan for this recipe.

  11. The top of the quiche should be a light brown around the edges, not brown all over.

  12. Keep in mind that the quiche may not rise much during baking.

  13. It may be difficult to remove the quiche from the pan, even if you've sprayed it with Pam.

  14. If using the magazine version of this recipe, consider adding Swiss or Gruyère cheese and spinach, and adjust the serving size accordingly.

About this recipe

Crustless Caramelized Onions and Cheese: A Savory Delight

Imagine biting into a warm, gooey slice of pie filled with caramelized onions and melted cheese. The savory aroma wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and creating a sense of anticipation. But what if you could enjoy all that flavor without the fuss of making a traditional pie crust? That's where crustless caramelized onions and cheese come in.

A Twist on Tradition

Caramelized onions are a staple in many dishes, providing a sweet and savory flavor that enhances everything from burgers to soups. But when paired with melted cheese, they take on a whole new level of deliciousness. The combination of the rich, sweet onions and the creamy, melty cheese creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.

No Crust, No Problem

One of the best things about crustless caramelized onions and cheese is that it eliminates the need for a traditional pie crust. This means less time spent rolling out dough and more time enjoying the flavors. Plus, without the crust, the focus is solely on the star ingredients – the onions and the cheese.

Simple and Versatile

This dish is incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. All you need are onions, cheese, and a few basic pantry staples. And the best part? You can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Want to add some herbs or spices? Go ahead! Feel like mixing in some other veggies? The choice is yours.

The Art of Caramelization

Caramelizing onions is a process that takes a little time and patience, but the end result is well worth it. As the onions cook low and slow, their natural sugars are released and transformed into a deep, rich flavor. They become soft and sweet, with a hint of caramelization that adds complexity to any dish.

When caramelizing onions for this crustless delight, it's important to give them the time they need to develop their full flavor. This means cooking them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, but the end result is worth every minute.

Choosing the Perfect Cheese

When it comes to the cheese, the choice is yours. You can opt for a classic cheddar or go for something more adventurous like Gruyere or Fontina. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions.

Once you've caramelized your onions and selected your cheese, it's time to assemble your crustless creation. Simply spread the onions evenly in a greased baking dish, sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake until golden and bubbly. The result is a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.

Conclusion

Crustless caramelized onions and cheese offer a delightful twist on traditional pie recipes. By eliminating the crust, the focus is solely on the rich, sweet onions and the creamy, melty cheese. The process of caramelizing the onions adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the choice of cheese allows for customization and personalization. So why not give it a try? Indulge in this savory delight that will leave you craving for more.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use different types of onions?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of onions to vary the flavor profile. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, work particularly well.

. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the caramelized onions and assemble the dish in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the caramelized onions before baking for added flavor and texture.

. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast as a substitute for dairy cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.

. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

. Can I serve this dish as an appetizer?

Absolutely! Cut the crustless dish into smaller squares or triangles and serve as a savory appetizer at your next gathering.

. Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes, you can add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage to the caramelized onions and cheese for a heartier version of this dish.

. Can I use this filling in a traditional pie crust?

Definitely! If you prefer a traditional pie crust, you can use this caramelized onion and cheese filling as a delicious savory pie filling.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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