Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe

The Best Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe You’ll Ever Try

I just made these creamed pearl onions, and they turned out to be the star of the dinner table. They’re so tender, sweet, and coated in a light yet decadent sauce that everyone adored. It’s a classic side that feels special but is surprisingly simple to put together.

After mastering this, I feel ready to try something new, and our guide for a Sausage and Gravy Breakfast Poutine Recipe looks like a great next adventure to explore.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this dish a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it.

• Don’t Rush the Simmer: I learned that letting the onions simmer slowly over low heat is crucial. It prevents the cream from scorching and allows the onions to cook through evenly, becoming sweet and tender without turning to mush.
• Taste and Adjust: I always taste the sauce before serving. Sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt or a bit more black pepper to balance the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the cream.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: If you decide to add cheese, I highly recommend using a block of Parmesan and grating it yourself. The pre-shredded kind often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce a bit grainy.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is fantastic, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. These variations can add new dimensions of flavor and texture. If you’re looking for more inspiration, you can also explore our other dinner recipes.

• Make It Cheesy: For an extra layer of flavor, add about ¼ cup of grated Gruyère or white cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan.
• Add Some Spice: A pinch of grated nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper stirred into the cream sauce at the beginning can add a lovely warmth.
• Introduce More Veggies: About 10 minutes before the onions are done, add a cup of frozen peas to the saucepan for a classic peas-and-onions combination.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Equipment You Need

You don’t need much to make this simple side dish.

• Medium Saucepan: For simmering the onions and creating the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients without scratching your pan.
• Serving Bowl: To present the finished dish beautifully at the table.

How to Serve Creamed Pearl Onions

Presentation can make this simple dish feel even more special.

• Garnish with extra minced parsley or some fresh chives for a vibrant touch of green.
• Serve it warm alongside roasted meats like turkey, beef roast, or leg of lamb.
• For a complete holiday spread, pair it with your main course and other sides. You could even follow it up with a delightful dessert like our Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe.

Calories Count

Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 103 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg
• Sodium: 49 mg

How to Store Creamed Pearl Onions

This dish is a great make-ahead option for holiday meals.

• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the onions in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or place them in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this creamed pearl onions recipe will become a new favorite.

• Simple Elegance: It’s a sophisticated side dish that is surprisingly easy to make.
• Perfect for Holidays: It’s a classic accompaniment to any festive meal, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Great Make-Ahead Dish: You can prepare it a day or two in advance, saving you time on the big day.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe uses the natural reduction of cream to thicken the sauce, making it naturally gluten-free.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet onions and rich cream is a guaranteed hit with guests.

More Details for the Perfect Dish

Pearl onions can be a bit tedious to peel. A great time-saving tip is to blanch them first. Simply drop the onions into boiling water for about a minute, then transfer them to an ice bath.

Once cooled, the skins will slip right off. You can also often find pre-peeled fresh or frozen pearl onions in the produce or freezer section of your grocery store, which is a fantastic shortcut for a busy cook.

This dish is meant to have a light sauce, not a thick, gravy-like one, allowing the delicate, sweet flavor of the onions to be the main focus.

Ben Carraoli

Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe

I just made these creamed pearl onions, and they turned out to be the star of the dinner table. They're so tender, sweet, and coated in a light yet decadent sauce that everyone adored. It’s a classic side that feels special but is surprisingly simple to put together.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Calories: 103

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup heavy cream – This is the key to the luxurious creamy texture of the sauce. For the richest result, don’t substitute with milk or half-and-half.
• ¼ cup less-sodium chicken or vegetable broth – The broth thins the cream just enough adding a savory depth without making the sauce too heavy. Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian.
• 1 bay leaf – This aromatic leaf infuses the sauce with a subtle almost pine-like flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Seasoning to taste is crucial. Use freshly ground pepper for a more potent flavor.
• 2 pounds pearl onions peeled – You can use fresh or frozen. If using fresh, check out tips for easy peeling to save time.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional – A touch of nutty, salty Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce and adds a savory boost. Grating it fresh from a block provides the best melt and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a clean bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream.

Method

 

1. First, combine the heavy cream, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Add the peeled pearl onions to the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then immediately lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
2. Let the onions cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the onions will become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce. The liquid will also reduce and thicken slightly, creating a light cream sauce that perfectly coats each onion.
3. Once the onions are tender, remove the pan from the heat and discard the bay leaf. If you’re using Parmesan, stir it in now until it melts into the sauce. Finally, stir in the freshly minced parsley and transfer the creamed onions to a serving bowl. Serve them hot.