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Creamed onions served in a gray bowl.

Creamed Onions

Creamed onions are the perfect holiday-worthy side dish. Pearl onions paired with a rich cheese sauce turns a few ingredients into luxury.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 214kcal
Author: Carolyn Thomas

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 5 cups pearl onions fresh or frozen
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups half and half
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Add 2 quarts of water to a large, heavy stock pot or Dutch oven and bring to a boil.
  • To the boiling water, add onions and cook until tender (5-7 minutes). 
  • Drain cooked onions (or remove with a slotted spoon) and rinse in cold water. (If using fresh, peel onions and discard the skins.)
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, salt, and pepper and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Slowly add the broth and milk/heavy cream, whisking steadily to combine. Once the liquid is fully incorporated, simmer until thickened and bubbly (about 3 minutes.) 
  • Add cheese, stirring constantly until melted. Gently fold in onions and cook for 2-3 minutes more to heat through. Serve warm.

Notes

Recipe Variations

Creamed onions are one of those side dishes that can be made in many ways to suit different tastes and diets. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
Variation Description Key Ingredients
Creamed onions with cheese Enhanced with cheese for a rich, savory flavor. In addition to parmesan in the basic recipe add cheddar cheese
Gluten-free creamed onions Made to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Gluten-free flour
Vegan creamed onions In addition to parmesan in the basic recipe, add cheddar cheese Plant-based butter and milk
Caramelized onions Added sweetness and depth from caramelized onions. Caramelized onions
Herb-infused Unique flavor profile with various herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 386mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 403IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 1mg
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