Creamed Onions Recipe

This decadent Creamed Onions Recipe is an exceptional side dish perfect for special occasions and holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with prime rib, holiday ham, turkey, standing rib roasts, pork, steak or chicken.

Easy Creamed Onions Recipe

Creamed onions are an easy side dish recipe that you can serve for weeknight dinners, holiday meals like Christmas, Easter or Thanksgiving, or as a special side dish in the summer with grilled steak, pork or chicken.

This recipe begins with frozen pearl onions smothered with a decadent creamy sauce and simmered until the sweet onions are tender. The sweet pearl onions have a buttery, creamy taste and the sauce ingredients are easy to find. Using frozen pearl onions makes this impressive recipe so much easier to make!

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Creamed Onions: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Onions – Two pounds of frozen pearl onions thawed per the package directions. You can use fresh pearl onions peeled and cooked.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter will work.
• Heavy Cream – Heavy cream adds the richness to the base of the sauce.
• Sherry or White Wine – This adds acidity and deglazes all of the brown bits and flavor form the bottom of the pan. If you prefer not to use white wine or sherry for a splash of acidity in these onions, you can replace it with the same amount of chicken stock or chicken broth.
• Chicken Stock or Chicken Broth – You can use either stock or broth.
• Spices and Seasonings – One teaspoon salt, white pepper or black pepper, nutmeg, bay leaves and fresh thyme.

How to Make the Best Creamed Onions Recipe

• Thaw Frozen Onions – Thaw the pearl onions onions per the package directions. The process can vary from brand to brand.
• Butter – Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thawed onions. Cook uncovered just until beginning to brown.
• Wine – To the onions, add a splash of sherry or white wine to deglaze the pan, scrape any brown bits on the bottom of the skillet.
• Flour – Add all purpose flour, stir gently to coat the onions.
• Sauce – Add chicken stock, salt, granulated garlic, white pepper, nutmeg and bay leaves to the flour mixture.
• Cook the Roux – Simmer the flour mixture for a few minutes then add heavy cream. Stir to fully combine.
• Simmer the Onions – Cook creamed onions over medium heat uncovered per the cook time in the recipe until the cream sauce has reduced. Add thyme, remove bay leaves, and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Creamed Onions Recipe Heavy Cream

• A large skillet.
• Rubber spatula or spoon for stirring.
• Colander.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Sharp knife and cutting board.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions for Creamed Onions

• Thawing the Onions – If the brand packaging isn’t clear about how to thaw the onions you can place them into a colander and run under hot water for a few minutes. Drain them well and pat dry with a paper towel then proceed with the recipe. If they aren’t completely thawed step #1 may take a little more time. Adjust the cooking time as needed, it will still work fine.
• Can You Make Creamed Onions Using Fresh Onions? Yes, you can. I choose frozen as they’re far less time consuming and just as delicious. That being said, you can use the same amount of fresh pearl onions for this recipe, if that’s your preference.  You’ll need to blanch and remove the papery skin and outer layers  along with the stem end. Next, boil them in chicken stock for 6-8 minutes or just until they’re tender and drain them well prior to beginning the recipe. Fresh onions may not take as long in step #1 to begin to caramelize.
• How to Peel Fresh Onions – You can blanch fresh onions in boiling water, then immediately submerge them in a bowl of ice water. Remove the stems prior to boiling, then remove the skins with a sharp knife after blanching.
• Topping Variations – You may choose to top these onions with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. Prepare the onions on the stovetop then pour into a baking dish, if the skillet used isn’t oven safe. In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle on top. Place the dish under the broiler and bake in the oven for 3-5 minutes to toast the crumbs.
• Fresh Herbs – You can use fresh rosemary or fresh parsley in place of thyme.
• Cheese – You could add 1/4 cup of finely grated Asiago cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to the cream sauce.
• Spice – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make Ahead Preparation – You can make these creamed onions up to 2 days in advance then reheat them gently on the stovetop in a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Thin the sauce with additional cream or stock as needed.
• Leftovers – Store leftover Creamed Onions in an airtight container or covered with foil chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat gently in single servings in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Thin the sauce with more stock or heavy cream as needed.
• Freezer – Freeze Southern Creamed Onions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.

More Southern Style Side Dishes to Make

I think the side dishes and accompaniments are just as important as the entrée.  Take a moment to plan your menu adding the perfect side dishes to complement and balance the flavors. More side dish recipes you may also like to try:

• This recipe for Creamed Peas is a fan favorite. You can serve them over buttered toast as a quick meal or delicious side dish.
• These caramelized Honey Roasted Carrots are super simple to make.
• Free up the oven with this creamy and delicious Crockpot Mac and Cheese.
• Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs this Creamed Spinach Gratin with bacon is better than steakhouse creamed spinach.
• An absolute classic these Southern Style Candied Yams are flavor packed.
• Bacon Wrapped Asparagus bundles can be assembled in advance then baked just before serving.
• Crunchy Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad from Pioneer Woman.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Skillet
• Measuring Set
• Whisk
• Bamboo Utensils