I’ll be honest; I had my doubts about making creamed pearl onions for the first time. But the moment the creamy sauce mingled with the delicate sweetness of the onions, I was hooked. This dish brings a rich comforting elegance to the table that’s sure to impress.
Whether it’s a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or a cozy winter night, this recipe perfectly balances simplicity and decadence. The fragrant sage and thyme take this comfort food to the next level, and it pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roast turkey or beef. Now it’s one of my go-to side dishes when I want to add a touch of sophistication.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire. Here are four reasons you’ll absolutely love it:
Elegant Yet Simple
With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a side dish that looks and tastes gourmet. The creamy sauce and herbs add a luxury that belies the recipe’s simple steps. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine, creating a rich, decadent dish that feels elevated.
Versatile Pairing
Pair it with holiday meals or everyday dinners; it’s incredibly versatile. These onions go well with roasts, steaks, or even simple mashed potatoes. Their savory flavor complements a wide range of dishes, making them an excellent side for almost anything.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Hosting a big meal? This dish can be prepped in advance, saving you time and stress when guests arrive. Simply prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just heat it up, and it’s good to go.
Packed with Comfort
This creamy dish is the ultimate in comfort food. The buttery sauce, sweet onions, and hints of sage and thyme will wrap you in cozy vibes. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth and contentment, perfect for those moments when you want to indulge in something rich and soothing.
Customizable Flavors
You can easily adjust the herbs, substitute milk types, or even add a bit of cheese to tailor it to your liking. If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the cream for a plant-based option. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or basil, to create your own flavor profile.
Cooking Time
This recipe is simple and efficient to prepare.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your creamed pearl onions a delicious success:
- Kosher salt
- Pearl onions
- Black peppercorns
- Bay leaves
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Sage leaves
- Thyme
Variations
This dish is easy to customize with some simple swaps and additions:
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter and almond or oat milk for a creamy, lactose-free version.
- Cheesy Addition: Mix Parmesan or Gruyère into the sauce for a cheesy twist.
- Extra Herbs: Include rosemary or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile.
- Frozen Onions: Swap fresh pearl onions for frozen pre-peeled ones for a quicker option.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Saucepan: For boiling the onions.
- Slotted Spoon: To drain the onions after boiling.
- Ice Bath Bowl: To cool the onions quickly.
- Medium Saucepan: For preparing the creamy sauce.
- Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the final dish.
How to Make Creamed Pearl Onions?
Transform simple ingredients into a rich and impressive side dish! 🧅✨
Step 1: Blanch and Peel the Onions
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pearl onions and blanch them for one to two minutes. This makes peeling a breeze! Transfer them to an ice bath, then trim the root ends and remove the skins.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Return the peeled onions to a saucepan filled with water, seasoned with black peppercorns and bay leaves. Simmer for about 5-8 minutes until tender. Drain and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Bechamel Sauce
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook until it forms a bubbling paste. Gradually whisk in the milk, creating a smooth, thick sauce. Add sage and thyme for that unique, fragrant aroma.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the cooked onions in a baking dish and pour the creamy bechamel sauce over them. Bake for 20 minutes until the top starts to brown and the dish is bubbling.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs for a pop of color and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
Follow these practical tips for the best creamed pearl onions every time:
- Blanch for Easy Peeling: The quick blanch technique will save you loads of peeling time! Make sure to use an ice bath.
- Season the Sauce Generously: Creamy dishes like this rely on well-balanced seasoning. Taste as you go to get the flavors just right.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: Sage and thyme bring a cozy, fragrant depth to the dish that you don’t want to miss.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep the onions tender but intact by monitoring the simmering time closely.
How to Serve Creamed Pearl Onions?
These onions are more than your average side dish. For an extra touch of presentation, sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving. Pair them with holiday staples like roasted turkey, stuffing, or mashed potatoes, or serve alongside a meaty entree like steak or pork chops. 🌿
For a rustic vibe, transfer the onions directly from the oven to the table in their baking dish. Alternatively, plate them in individual ramekins for an elegant touch.
Nutritional Information
This dish offers a delicious balance to your menu. Per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 9 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Creamed pearl onions are perfect for making ahead, especially during busy holidays.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover onions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing Option: Freeze the ready-to-bake dish for up to one month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as normal.
Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- Pearl onions
- Black peppercorns
- Bay leaves
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Sage leaves
- Thyme
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pearl onions and blanch them for one to two minutes. This makes peeling a breeze! Transfer them to an ice bath, then trim the root ends and remove the skins.
- Return the peeled onions to a saucepan filled with water, seasoned with black peppercorns and bay leaves. Simmer for about 5-8 minutes until tender. Drain and set them aside.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook until it forms a bubbling paste. Gradually whisk in the milk, creating a smooth, thick sauce. Add sage and thyme for that unique, fragrant aroma.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the cooked onions in a baking dish and pour the creamy bechamel sauce over them. Bake for 20 minutes until the top starts to brown and the dish is bubbling.
- Remove the dish from the oven and rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs for a pop of color and enjoy!
Notes
- Blanch for Easy Peeling: The quick blanch technique will save you loads of peeling time! Make sure to use an ice bath.
- Season the Sauce Generously: Creamy dishes like this rely on well-balanced seasoning. Taste as you go to get the flavors just right.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: Sage and thyme bring a cozy, fragrant depth to the dish that you don’t want to miss.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep the onions tender but intact by monitoring the simmering time closely.
