If you are looking for easy and unique side dishes, then these creamy pearl onions will fit the bill. Lightly caramalized pearl onions in cream sauce, flavoured with thyme and black pepper; this vegetarian side dish is great served with a glazed ham, roast chicken, roasted turkey or a delicious cut of beef. The onions are cooked on the stovetop freeing space in the oven. Perfect as a Thanksgiving side or on your Christmas dinner table. Plus get my top tip for how to easily peel pearl onions.
This pearl onion dish is so creamy and delicious!! Plus that cream works so well with roast meats. The creamy deeply savory sweet cream soaks into the meat and gives you a taste explosion. It is amazing how a humble onion can add so much to a dinner.
Which is why these are a must for the holidays! With your thanksgiving turkey, your Christmas goose or your Easter ham. These onions work perfectly. Or serve them with a roast rib of beef and watch your family go nuts for onions!
Plus you can cook these on the stovetop which is perfect when oven space is at a premium. (Especially if you have a tiny oven like mine!!!)
Are Pearl Onions difficult to use?
I know many people steer away form pearl onions (or baby onions as my kids call them) because they are so difficult to peel. Oh I hear you!!! Peeling all those fiddly layers from the baby onions is time consuming and laborious! Which is where my top tip comes in!
Well I have two top tips…..
Firstly did you know you can buy already peeled pearl onions in the freezer section! I know right. MIND BLOWN! There are various different brands out there. I usually pick Birds Eye as they are a consistent size and quality. But check out your local store and see what you can find.
My other tip is handy for when you can only buy fresh.
How to Peel Pearl Onions
- To easily peel pearl onions, set a pan of boiling water on the stovetop and prepare a large bowl of cold water and ice.
- Slice the ends off the onions and then drop them into the boiling water for 45 seconds.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer then to the ice water, to instantly stop the cooking.
- After the onions are cool you should be able to just slide the papery skins off!
Enjoy x
For more great side dishes perfect for the holidays checkout these gorgeous recipes.
- Cheesy Rutabaga and Carrot Casserole (Sprinkles and Sprouts)
- Hedgehog Potatoes (Sprinkles and Sprouts)
- Baked Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese (The Kitchen Girl)
- Cinnamon and Thyme Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (Sprinkles and Sprouts)
- Roast Brussel Sprouts with Lemon and Parsley (Sprinkles and Sprouts)
- Rice, Maple Pumpkin and Goats Cheese Salad (Sprinkles and Sprouts)
- Southern Style Green Beans and Tomatoes (The Anthony Kitchen)
- Easy Cranberry Sauce (Dinner at the Zoo)
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Creamy Pearl Onions – An Easy Side
Ingredients
- 14.4 oz frozen pearl onions (or fresh)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
If using frozen onions allow the onions to thaw and drain.
If using fresh onions start by peeling them:
- Set a pan of boiling water on the stovetop and prepare a large bowl of cold water and ice.
- Slice the ends off the onions and then drop them into the boiling water for 45 seconds.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer then to the ice water, to instantly stop the cooking.
- After the onions are cool you should be able to just slide the papery skins off!
To cook the creamy onions.
- Place a large skillet over a medium high heat and add the oil and butter.
- Add the peeled onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned.
- Add the vegetable broth and thyme.
- Bring to a simmer, lower the heat and then cook for 10 minutes until the onions are soft but still holding their shape.
- Add the cream and a generous pinch of salt and pepper, bring back to a simmer and cook or 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Linda Nortje says
We are huge fans of Pearl Onions, but have never had a creamy version. I can see why it would be good as a side dish with roast meats !
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Linda, they are just is delicious with roasts and glazed ham 😀
Sandra Shaffer says
You are so right! These pearl onions are a great side to any main dish. Bookmarking to add to my Thanksgiving menu.
Claire McEwen says
I hope your family loves them as much as mine does 😀