These creamed pearl onions are a classic, creamy holiday side dish that belongs right next to your turkey and stuffing. Made with tender pearl onions in a silky garlic-herb cream sauce, they add that cozy, old-fashioned touch to a Thanksgiving or Christmas menu without giving you one more complicated dish to manage. Pair them with my Chicken Sausage and Apple Stuffing, then browse even more easy ideas in my Thanksgiving recipe collection and holiday side dishes.
More Holiday Side Dished You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love These Creamed Pearl Onions
- Easy shortcut recipe using frozen, peeled pearl onions
- Creamy from-scratch sauce with garlic and fresh herbs
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- A classic addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or Sunday dinner
- Can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 (14- to 16-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
How to Make Creamed Pearl Onions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute. This creates a quick roux that gives the cream sauce a smooth, velvety texture.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any flour from the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the heavy cream, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Add the frozen pearl onions. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the parsley and chives, taste, and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Creamed Pearl Onions
Use frozen onions for an easy holiday shortcut
Frozen pearl onions are the best choice when you are making several side dishes at once. They are already peeled, taste great, and cook directly in the sauce.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer
Avoid a hard boil once the cream is added. A gentle simmer helps the sauce thicken smoothly without separating.
Let the sauce stand before serving
The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it sits. If it gets thicker than you like, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream before serving.
Make It Your Own
- Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a savory Parmesan cream sauce.
- Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish for a bold pairing with prime rib.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a more traditional holiday flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian side dish.
- Finish with crispy bacon pieces for an extra-special holiday version.
Can I Make Creamed Pearl Onions Ahead?
Yes. Make the recipe up to 2 days ahead, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.
What to Serve with Creamed Pearl Onions
These creamy onions are especially good with a holiday main dish and a few classic sides. Serve them with your favorite turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry relish, and gravy for a complete Thanksgiving plate.
They are also delicious with ham, beef tenderloin, roast chicken, pork roast, or prime rib.
The Best Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe
Tender pearl onions simmered in a rich garlic-herb cream sauce make an easy, classic holiday side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: HOLIDAYS, Side Dish
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American, Holiday Recipes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 (14- to 16-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Add the bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the frozen pearl onions. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the parsley and chives. Taste, adjust the salt and pepper as needed, and serve warm.
Notes
Frozen pearl onions make this recipe quick and easy because they are already peeled. The sauce thickens a little more as it cools; stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating, if needed. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pearl onions?
Yes. Peel fresh pearl onions first, then simmer them in the sauce until tender. They may need a few extra minutes of cook time compared with frozen onions.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the finished sauce will be less rich. For the creamiest result, use heavy cream. Half-and-half is a good middle-ground option.
Why is my cream sauce thin?
Give it a few more minutes at a gentle simmer. If needed, make a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water, then whisk it into the sauce and simmer until thickened.
Are creamed pearl onions a Thanksgiving side dish?
Absolutely. They are a classic, creamy Thanksgiving side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an easy side dish that feels nostalgic and holiday-worthy, these creamy pearl onions are always a good choice. The tender onions, garlic-herb cream sauce, and simple one-pan method make them a dependable addition to any special dinner.
