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Home » Sides » Classic Creamed Pearl Onions

Published: Jan 5, 2021 Michelle Boulé

Classic Creamed Pearl Onions

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pinterest image for classic creamed pearl onions

In my family if someone liked a certain dish, it became "their dish" at every holiday meal. We had to have cheesecake for my sister, crudités for my cousin Nate, gumdrops for my cousin Jonathan and Creamed Pearl Onions for my cousin Chris. After so many years of doing this, we began to switch things up and try new recipes, but I have to admit, I'm still partial to these traditions.

These Creamed Onions are cooked to perfection in a thick creamy sauce topped with minced parsley. This dish is best served with a flavorful protein and something to mop up all that sauce.

A tan bowl full of Classic Creamed Pearl Onions topped with minced parsley.
Jump to:
  • Where to find Pearl Onions
  • How to peel pearl onions
  • Best times to make creamed pearl onions
  • How to make this a meal
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Equipment Needed
  • Storage Tips
  • Creamed Pearl Onions
  • About Michelle

Where to find Pearl Onions

Pearl onions can be found at most grocery stores. I was able to find them in the produce section by the other onions and root vegetables. Sometimes they will be loose, but it's also common to find them bagged like garlic or shallots.

Pearl onions are also commonly found in the frozen food section with the other frozen vegetables. For this recipe, I used frozen onions for ease of use (from my testing I found no change in texture or taste when using frozen over raw onions).

An over heat shot of Classic Creamed Pearl Onions in a tan bowl with a silver spoon.

How to peel pearl onions

The easiest option for pearl onions is to buy them frozen as they are already peeled. However if that is not an option or not preferred, there are a few tricks to peel them easily.

My favorite method is to cut off the tip of the onions, boil them for 1-2 minutes, then put them in an ice bath. Once this is done, the onion can be popped out of the skin by squeezing the root end and pushing the onion out.

A spoonful of Classic Creamed Pearl Onions.

Best times to make creamed pearl onions

Creamed pearl onions are a traditional holiday side dish at holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. However you can make creamed onions for any occasion as it's a fairly simple recipe. The most time intensive part is peeling the onions. But if you buy frozen, you'll save a good amount of time.

How to make this a meal

Because this is such a rich side dish, I like pairing creamed onions with a robust protein that can pair well with the creaminess of this dish. Beef recipes are a common go to and my recipes for Flank Steak with Pan Gravy, Garlic Rosemary London Broil, or Lemon Pepper London Broil would make great choices. Savory chicken recipes like this Garlic Rosemary Roasted Chicken would also pair well.

A detailed close up shot of Classic Creamed Pearl Onions.

Ingredients Needed

  • 4 Cups Pearl Onions
  • 3 Tbsp Butter
  • 3 Tbsp Flour
  • ¾ Cup Chicken Broth
  • ¾ Cup Half and Half
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • ¼ Cup Parsley Minced
  • 3 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese Grated

Equipment Needed

  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Sauce Pan
  • Saute Pan
  • Wooden Spoon

Storage Tips

Fridge: Creamed onions can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freezer: Creamed onions can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months in an airtight container. To defrost, warm in the microwave until heated through.

a bowl full of creamed pearl onions

Creamed Pearl Onions

Michelle Boulé
Make a favorite traditional side dish with this recipe for Creamed Pearl Onions. Perfect for the holidays or just a night in.
4.55 from 20 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 178 kcal

Equipment

Saucepan
Saute Pan
Wooden Spoon
Chef's Knife

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 Cups Pearl Onions
  • 3 Tbsp Butter
  • 3 Tbsp Flour
  • ¾ Cup Chicken Broth
  • ¾ Cup Half and Half
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • ¼ Cup Parsley Minced
  • 3 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese Grated

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water (8 cups) to boil. Add pearl onions and boil until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove onions, drain and peel. Set aside for later. If using frozen onions, boil onions until no longer frozen. Remove onions and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook until bubbling. Stir in broth and half and half until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Fold in parsley and cheese.
  • Add onions to cream mixture and toss to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Adapted from Taste of Home and an old family recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 218mgPotassium: 307mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 512IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Creamed Pearl Onions

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About Michelle

Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!

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Comments

  1. Carrie says

    March 15, 2021 at 4:39 pm

    5 stars
    Oh yum! This is such a great idea for a side dish! And so smart to use the frozen pearl onions. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Tara says

    March 15, 2021 at 4:42 pm

    5 stars
    Oh wow! It has been way too long since I have cooked with pearl onions. They look absolutely amazing paired with that creamy sauce!

    Reply
  3. Beth says

    March 15, 2021 at 5:38 pm

    5 stars
    I love creamed pearl onions! I'm so excited to make this! I'm going to the store now. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Sara Welch says

    March 15, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    5 stars
    Gave this a try with dinner last night and was pleasantly surprised! Easily, my new favorite way to enjoy onions; delicious!

    Reply

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About page profile picture

Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!

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