Grandma’s Cozy Old Fashioned Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe

These delectable creamed pearl onions represent a nostalgic culinary treasure that connects generations through simple, elegant comfort.

Pearly white gems nestled in a velvety sauce bring memories of grandmother’s classic holiday table.

Delicate and small, pearl onions offer a sweet, mild flavor that melts effortlessly into rich cream.

Our recipe captures traditional techniques with a subtle modern twist that makes each bite memorable.

Soft and luxurious, these onions create a side dish that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Subtle seasonings enhance the natural sweetness without overwhelming the gentle onion flavor.

You can serve this timeless dish alongside roasted meats or as a sophisticated vegetable accompaniment that impresses without complicated preparation.

Old Fashioned Creamed Pearl Onions That Comfort

• Boost Kitchen Confidence: Master a classic side dish that impresses guests and elevates your cooking skills with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Quick Family Comfort: Deliver a creamy, hearty side that brings warmth to the dinner table, perfect for gathering loved ones around a delicious meal.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Pair beautifully with roasted meats, holiday dinners, or as a standalone vegetable dish that complements multiple main courses.
• Nostalgic Flavor Experience: Reconnect with traditional cooking techniques that transform simple ingredients into a rich, memorable culinary creation that sparks conversations about home-style cooking.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Creamed Pearl Onions

• Pearl Onions: Small, delicate onions that provide a sweet and mild flavor to the creamy dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a roux and thickening the cream sauce.
• Milk: Provides the creamy, smooth texture of the sauce.

• Cooking Liquid: Reserved water from boiling pearl onions that adds depth to the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the creamed pearl onions with subtle seasoning.

How to Cook Old Fashioned Creamed Pearl Onions

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Water

Fill a medium pot with water and bring to a vigorous boil. Carefully add peeled pearl onions and cook until they become tender and soft.

Drain the onions using a colander, saving two cups of the cooking liquid. Set the cooked onions aside.

Step 2: Create Butter Base

Heat a saucepan over medium flame and melt butter completely. Swiftly whisk in flour until a smooth, silky paste forms.

This creates the foundation for a velvety cream sauce.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

Combine the reserved onion cooking liquid with milk.

Slowly pour this mixture into the butter-flour base, whisking continuously to prevent any lumpy formations. Keep stirring as the sauce transforms into a thick, luxurious cream sauce.

Step 4: Season and Combine

Sprinkle salt and black pepper into the cream sauce, adjusting to your preferred taste. Gently fold the cooked pearl onions into the sauce, ensuring each onion is beautifully coated with the rich, creamy mixture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the creamy pearl onions to a serving dish. The dish is now ready to be presented as a delightful side that will impress family and friends with its comforting, classic flavor.

Pro Tips for Old Fashioned Creamed Pearl Onions

• Peel pearl onions effortlessly by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then quickly transferring to ice water to slip off skins easily.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting milk quantity; add more liquid for a thinner consistency or cook longer for a richer, more concentrated cream sauce.
• Enhance flavor by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the cream sauce for added depth and aromatic complexity.
• Reduce dairy content by substituting half-and-half or using a plant-based milk alternative for those with lactose sensitivities or dietary preferences.
• Prevent sauce from scorching by maintaining medium-low heat and stirring continuously during the roux and sauce-making process to ensure smooth, lump-free results.

Variations on Old Fashioned Creamed Pearl Onions

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the cream sauce for an aromatic flavor boost that complements the pearl onions.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in grated parmesan or gruyère cheese into the sauce for a richer, more indulgent side dish that adds depth and complexity.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based butter to create a similar texture and flavor profile for those avoiding animal products.

Pairing Suggestions with Old Fashioned Creamed Pearl Onions

• Pair the delicate pearl onions with a golden, crispy roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme, creating a harmonious blend of creamy and savory flavors.
• Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes to balance the rich cream sauce and highlight the onions' subtle sweetness, providing a sophisticated dining experience.
• Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the luxurious cream sauce, adding textural contrast and enhancing the overall meal's depth and enjoyment.

Storage Advice for Old Fashioned Creamed Pearl Onions

• Store leftover creamed pearl onions in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, preventing moisture and maintaining flavor integrity.
• Transfer cooled onions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of milk if sauce seems thick.

FAQs

• Are pearl onions different from regular onions?

Pearl onions are much smaller, sweeter, and milder than regular onions. They have a delicate flavor and are often used whole in dishes, unlike larger onions that are typically chopped.

• How do I easily peel pearl onions?

Blanch pearl onions in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water. The skins will slip off easily when you pinch the root end, making peeling quick and simple.

• Can I use frozen pearl onions instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen pearl onions work perfectly in this recipe. They are pre-peeled and save significant preparation time. Simply thaw them before adding to the cream sauce.

Old Fashioned Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic Creamed Pearl Onions recipe celebrates traditional American side dishes with a rich, comforting blend of sweet onions and creamy sauce. Hearty home cooks will savor this nostalgic holiday accompaniment that connects generations through simple, delicious cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) pearl onions (peeled)
• 6 tbsps (90 ml) butter
• 6 tbsps (45 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) milk
• 4 cups (960 ml) water
• 1 pinch salt
• black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously gather all culinary components needed for crafting the creamed pearl onions, ensuring each ingredient is prepped and ready.
2. Submerge peeled pearl onions in a pot of vigorously boiling water for approximately 5-7 minutes until they reach a tender consistency. Carefully drain the onions using a colander, preserving two cups of the cooking liquid for subsequent sauce preparation.
3. Position a saucepan over medium heat and gently melt butter until it transforms into a smooth, golden liquid. Swiftly incorporate flour, whisking energetically to create a uniform roux that will establish the sauce’s foundational texture.
4. Combine the reserved onion cooking liquid with milk, then methodically stream this mixture into the roux while continuously stirring. Maintain consistent movement to prevent luminal formation and cook until the sauce achieves a luxurious, velvety thickness.
5. Enhance the cream sauce with judicious amounts of salt and freshly ground black pepper, calibrating the seasoning to personal preference. Delicately integrate the cooked pearl onions into the sauce, ensuring each onion receives an elegant coating of the creamy mixture.
6. Transfer the completed dish to an elegant serving platter, presenting a classic side dish that marries tender onions with a rich, smooth sauce.

Notes

• Avoid aggressive boiling to prevent pearl onions from breaking apart or becoming mushy during the initial cooking process.
• Consistently whisk the butter and flour to create a smooth, lump-free base for the cream sauce, which guarantees a silky texture.
• Warm the milk slightly before adding to the roux to prevent sudden temperature shock and ensure a seamless sauce integration.
• Swap dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, maintaining the creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 201 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg