Cheese and Onion Pie vs Semmelknödel (German Bread Dumplings)

Both dishes rely on milk, onion, butter and egg, but use them very differently. In the Cheese and Onion Pie, butter is rubbed into flour for a shortcrust, onions cook slowly until sweet and lightly caramelized, milk loosens a creamy filling of mashed potato and strong cheddar, and egg simply glazes the lid golden. Semmelknödel soak stale bread cubes in lukewarm milk bound with egg, adding onion briefly sautéed in butter with parsley and a pinch of nutmeg. Gently poached rather than baked, they turn springy and mildly herby, unlike the pie's rich, cheesy comfort.