This Creamed Pearl Onions recipe is a rich, creamy, and elegant side dish to any holiday meal – packed with pearl onions in a decadent, buttery, cream sauce.
What dish is a tradition at your Thanksgiving table?
Come the holidays, it’s so important to have quick, easy side dishes that you don’t have to think about. Because of that, I’m just about to make your Thanksgiving a whole lot easier. 🙂
The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it a day ahead for stress-free baking the day-of.
What could be better than a side dish that just waits until you’re ready to heat it? 🙂
So to answer the question I asked, the dish that always makes an appearance at our house is stuffing. I know. Boring, right? But we love stuffing, and it just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it!
However, traditions can change. Things can be added. Can’t they?
Like this absolutely decadent, rich and luxurious Creamed Pearl Onions recipe. What I love is, how they ‘pop’ in your mouth when you crunch into them. Then, they’re filled with that onion-y flavor we all love so much.
I think onions add so much depth of flavor to a dish, don’t you?
I’m not going to lie. This is not a dish that’s going to be friendly to your diet.
But holidays are for indulging. And, every once in a while, it’s OK to cut loose and be a little free with the calories. Are you with me?
I hope so because, you just might need to get out your eatin’ pants. Remember them?
If you don’t remember, I’ve talked about them at least 5 times before in these posts:
- Candied Pecans
- Candied Pecan Maple Ice Cream
- Caramel Banana Xango
- French Onion Soup Burgers
- Chicken Marsala
So, you should totally have a pair right now. In case of an emergency, you know?
These onions? They are that emergency. #youneedtheminyourlife
Now… don’t worry if your family can’t finish this rich dish all in one sitting. You know why? Since it was just the two of us, we had leftovers and ate it over grilled hamburgers. It was AWEsome! Very rich, creamy, with loads of onion flavor. Just how we like our burgers!
Oh! One more thing. Don’t forget the salt, pepper and parsley! They are a must, so you don’t want to omit them. With this dish’s rich, onion-y, creamy flavor, it’s an excellent comforting dish that you’ll want to put in your holiday sides rotation! Comfort food at it’s best!
Enjoy!
Creamed Pearl Onions
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 14-ounce package, frozen pearl onions
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pour 1/4 cup of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add frozen pearl onions. Cover and boil for 5 minutes or until pearl onions are tender (don't overcook - they will be baked again). Set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter on medium to medium-low heat until melted (you do not want to burn it!). Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually stir in the broth, milk and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the parsley, Parmesan cheese and onions. Remove from heat.
- Pour into an un-greased 1-qt. baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 15 minutes; stir. Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes longer or until bubbly and heated through.
Recipe modified from Taste Of Home @ Creamed Pearl Onions.
Johlene @Flavours & Frosting says
Oh wow what a good idea to use these little onions in a dish and then to add parmesan and cream! I will be inviting myself over if you cook this! 🙂 xoxo
Kristi says
Hahaha! I would happily make it for you Johlene. Especially if you make me your Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream with Praline Topping! Then girl, we’ll definitely need to go on a diet! xoxo
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
Yep, I’m gettin’ out my eating pants for these gorgeous onions. Hooooly yum I am literally drooling, Kristi! These would be SO perfect for T-day! But I’m just sayin’, they might not make it to the table with me around. 😉
Kristi says
Hahaha! I LOL’d Sarah – you and your posts always crack me up! I love your sense of humor!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
How fun to give onions center stage. Looks like the perfect side for a holiday table!
Kristi says
Thanks Marissa! They were so tasty – fattening, but tasty!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
What a fun way to eat onions Kristi! Looks so cheesy,creamy and yummy!
Kristi says
Thanks Manali! They did taste amazing! Have a great week!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
You know, now that I think of it… I don’t think I’ve ever in my life had creamed pearl onions!!! I know, isn’t that an absolute travesty?!?!!? I love onions! Gotta try this for sure!
Kristi says
Yes! It’s a travesty – because if you love onions, you’ll love this!
Ashley says
Stuffing is hands down my favorite side dish at Thanksgiving! That and rolls – I have a carb problem 🙂 But I also love making new dishes each year! And one that can be made a day ahead?? Super bonus!
Kristi says
Thanks Ashley! I’m with you – I love me some carbs!
Marcie says
The things that must be on the holiday table are sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce (for me), and either creamed spinach or green bean casserole. That’s a lot, but I make other sides too. I would love these onions — I love to cook them with roasted meat, etc. but I’ve never creamed them! Guess what…they’re pinned.
Kristi says
Thanks Marcie for the pin! And, after seeing that list, don’t be surprised if you see someone else show up this year at your holiday table. Hint, hint!
Kelly says
My eating pants never leave my side so I’m always prepared to scarf down on yummy eats like this 🙂 Looks perfect for Thanksgiving and love that you can make it ahead of time!
Kristi says
Mine either Kelly! I practically live in mine these days. It’s so freeing! LOL
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Rich and delicious. I love creams onions and make a similar recipe but add baby green peas to the onions.
Kristi says
Oooo Karen, that sounds really good! I’ll try that next time. Even more creamy goodness and pretty peas too!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
These look fantastic! There’s nothing better than a dish you can make ahead for the big day.
Kristi says
Thanks Sarah! I love the make-ahead part too! So much less stress on the holidays!
Ella-HomeCookingAdventure says
My daughters love onion.. they might love this dish too:) Will be a must for the next week
Kristi says
Thanks Ella! I hope they love it – we sure do!
Dedy@Dentist Chef says
damn deliious!!!
simply screw the diet program, lol
actually we didn’t celebrate thanksgving here in Indonesia, but some fany restaurant and hotel used to celebrate it and i used to had dinner on it, it’s obviusly with several turkey dishes…
Kristi says
Hahaha! Thanks Dedy! You don’t need to celebrate Thanksgiving to enjoy – go ahead! It’s worth the break in the diet! LOL
whatjessicabakednext says
Love these creamed onions, so good! Anything in a creamy sauce, is a must try recipe for me!
Kristi says
Thanks Jessica! It is comfort food, for sure! Have a great weekend!
ananda says
this would be so perfect on a cold winter day!! not only is it yummy looking, it’s really beautiful too!! xo
Kristi says
Thank you Ananda! Cold weather is perfect for this dish!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I love pearl onions so I can imagine how delicious this dish tastes Kristi! Even though we don’t celebrate thanksgiving here in Australia, it’s definitely one I can see myself making!!
Kristi says
Thanks Thalia! You don’t need to celebrate Thanksgiving to make these – so indulge and enjoy! Have a great weekend!
Karishma says
Yum this sounds so creamy and good! A definite fall comfort food.
Kristi says
Thanks Karishma! Sometimes when it’s cold, we need something more hearty, you know? Forget the calories! 🙂
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
My eatin’ pants have been on for weeks! This recipe looks delicious! You have been throwin down some amazing sides recently and I’m lovin it! Love these photos! You have managed to make an all white and grey dish look nothing short of spectacular! And the tea towel is rockin too…don’t think I didn’t notice, love, because I did.
Kristi says
Hahaha! I love you Lindsey – I really do. Our love of tea towels knows no bounds, no? So glad you like this dish, but you definitely will need your eatin’ pants! xoxo!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
Oh my!! I never would have thought to use pearl onions like this! I want to dive right into this!
Kristi says
Thanks Ashley! It is decadent for sure. But, it’s ok to indulge once in a while! Have a beautiful Sunday!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I want to make this just so I can have leftovers to serve over burgers! That sounds amazing!
Kristi says
OMGosh Christin, you can not imagine how good! If you love burgers and onions, this takes it over the top! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Annie+@+ciaochowbambina says
Yes…I do believe I need these in my life! What a great side-dish. I love onions!
Kristi says
Thanks Annie! I am so glad you like them!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This looks like such an amazing side dish, and I can imagine they would be amazing on a burger! I think I’ll have to make these just to try it!
Kristi says
Thanks Rachel – I think you’d love it! Have a great week!
Tash says
Amazing idea! I don’t think I could make them as delicious as this though. I’d need someone else to come make them for me!
Kristi says
I’ll make them for you Tash! 🙂 They are so worth it! Have a great week!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
I am not going to lie: I really don’t like onions. There….I said it. But you actually make them look appealing with this dish. I have never heard of creamed onions before but this might be one way I could eat them! 😉
Kristi says
Wow Renee! I don’t know what I’d do without onions! I love them. That’s ok though, I’ll just eat these for you! 🙂
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
My husband is the same way Kristi. And he doesn’t like mushrooms but I do so we swap at restaurants all the time!! It’s a good partnership! 🙂
Kristi says
I love it! You two were made for each other!
Juliana says
This is such an interesting dish…I have never thought in using pearl onion creamed…more I read more I like it…indeed a great side dish!
Thanks for the inspiration Kristi, have a wonderful week 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Juliana! A friend gave me the idea, and once we tried it, we couldn’t get enough of it! It’s indulgence for sure! Have a beautiful week, my friend!
Mira says
This sounds amazing ! I usually buy pearl onions when I’m roasting chicken/turkey, but will definitely have to try that creamed onions recipe! Pinned!
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Mira! I hope you love it!
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
Pearl onions are some of my favorite ever! We used to have a mac and cheese with pearl onions at the restaurant I worked at and it was one of our most popular dishes. And now I’m married to someone that hates onions, so I get to eat them all! Gorgeous pics!! Pinned 🙂
Kristi says
Oh my gosh Chelsea – I cannot imagine hating onions! They are one of my favorite things. They’re like my cooking’s little black dress! 😉 Thank you for the pin shugs!
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ says
So delicious! I don’t need a thanksgiving to indulge into this beautiful creamy dish (the fact is that we don’t celebrate thanksgiving here 🙁 ).
Kristi says
Oh wow! Well, you can have this dish without Thanksgiving then! 🙂
Connie @ Sprig and Flours says
Oh my! Kristi, this is so genius! I think my family will love having this on our Thanksgiving dinner table!
Kristi says
I’m so glad you like it Connie! It truly is a decadent dish. Rich, but fabulous! I hope you get a chance to try it!
Katerina @Diethood says
That’s a brilliant idea! I’ve only roasted pearl onions with meats, but this recipe is waaaaaay awesome!
Kristi says
Thanks Katerina! I think you will love this, if you love pearl onions. It is so rich and delicious!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
I love onions and anything creamed is a winner in my books. I think this would be most excellent along side a juicy slab of prime rib.
Kristi says
OMGosh Michelle – you just totally made my mouth water with that comment! Have a delicious Thanksgiving!