Simple Joy: Heavenly Creamed Onions Recipe for Beginners

Creamed onions from Joy of Cooking sparkle as a nostalgic culinary treasure that transforms modest pearls into pure comfort.

These tiny white orbs bathe in a luscious, velvety sauce that whispers memories of family gatherings.

Delicate and sophisticated, the dish weaves tradition through its simple yet elegant preparation.

Tender pearl onions absorb the rich cream, creating a symphony of subtle flavors that dance on your palate.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of home cooking, bridging generations with its unpretentious charm.

The recipe celebrates simplicity, turning everyday ingredients into a side dish that feels both luxurious and deeply familiar.

Let’s unlock the magic of this timeless comfort classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 175 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Creamy Onions

• Pearl Onions: Select small, uniform-sized onions with smooth, papery skins and no blemishes.
• Butter: Choose high-quality unsalted butter for richer flavor and better control of salt content.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh, sifted flour to prevent lumps in the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Water: Opt for fresh, cold cream with high fat content for smoother texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Select a melting cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for robust flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt for enhanced taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Pick bright green, crisp parsley leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Pimientos: Choose vibrant red, jarred pimientos for a pop of color and sweet tang.

Tools Needed for Creamed Onion Prep

• Dutch oven: Large, deep pot perfect for boiling onions and creating sauces.
• Pot: Medium-sized cooking vessel for preparing creamy base.
• Whisk: Essential tool for smoothly blending flour and cream without lumps.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure cream and water.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for chopping fresh parsley.
• Sharp knife: Precise tool for chopping parsley and dicing pimientos.
• 1.5-quart baking dish: Ceramic or glass container for storing and baking the dish.
• Aluminum foil or lid: Covers baking dish during refrigeration and initial baking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps fold ingredients and stir sauce gently.
• Colander: Drains boiled onions and rinses under cold water.

Cooking Instructions for Creamed Onions

• Blanch Onions

Drop pearl onions into boiling water and cook until they soften. Cool them down quickly under cold water to stop the cooking process. This technique helps prepare the onions for the creamy sauce.

• Craft Silky Sauce

Warm butter in a pan and blend in flour with a gentle whisking motion. Season with salt and pepper. Slowly introduce cream and water, stirring consistently to prevent any unwanted clumps from forming. Keep stirring until the sauce transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency.

• Combine and Enrich

Integrate the tender onions into the velvety sauce. Sprinkle in shredded cheese and fresh parsley, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully. The combination creates a rich, comforting flavor profile that will tantalize taste buds.

• Prepare and Rest

Transfer the sauce to a baking dish. Cover and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen and intertwine. Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature to ensure even heating.

• Bake and Enjoy

Heat the oven to a cozy 350°F. Bake the dish covered, then give it a gentle stir midway. For an extra pop of color, scatter diced pimientos on top. Continue baking until the sauce bubbles with enthusiasm and warmth. Serve immediately as a delectable accompaniment to your main course.

Creamed Onion Additions and Tweaks

Replace shredded cheese with gouda, fontina, or gruyere for a richer, more complex flavor profile. Each cheese brings its unique tangy or nutty notes to the dish.

Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill instead of parsley. Chopped herbs add fresh, aromatic dimensions that elevate the entire casserole.

Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before final baking. This creates a delightful crispy texture that contrasts with the creamy sauce.

Incorporate diced bacon, ham, or cooked chicken to transform this side dish into a hearty main course. Meat adds depth and makes the casserole more substantial.

Serving Creamed Onions at the Table

• Pair with Protein Partners: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish for a complete and satisfying meal that balances creamy texture with lean protein.
• Garnish with Green Goodness: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bright pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce.
• Create Elegant Appetizer Presentation: Transfer to small individual ramekins for an upscale dinner party side or appetizer that looks as delightful as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
• Wine Companion Recommendation: Match with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the creamy cheese and onion flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How to Store and Reheat Creamed Onions

• Maximize Freshness: Store the creamy onion casserole in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish maintains its rich, velvety texture when properly sealed.
• Freeze with Confidence: Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its delicate flavor profile.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of cream if the sauce seems dry to restore its original creamy consistency.
• Portion and Prep: Divide leftovers into individual serving containers for quick meal prep. Label with the date and contents to track freshness and make weeknight dinners a breeze.

Velvety Joy Of Cooking Creamed Onions Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamed onions from Southern United States cuisine offer a rich, comforting side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Silky pearl onions swim in a luscious cream sauce that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable culinary experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (946 ml) pearl onions
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) butter
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (177 ml) chicken broth
• ¾ cup (177 ml) half-and-half cream
• ¼ cup (59 ml) minced fresh parsley
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• Dash pepper
• Pimiento strips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Onion Preparation: Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot, immerse pearl onions, and cook for 6-7 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water, carefully peeling off skins.
2. Roux Creation: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour, salt, and pepper until a smooth, lump-free mixture forms, creating a golden base for the sauce.
3. Sauce Development: Slowly stream cream and water into the roux, continuously stirring to prevent burning. Cook until the sauce transforms into a silky, thick consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
4. Cheese and Herb Incorporation: Fold shredded cheese, cooked pearl onions, and chopped parsley into the velvety sauce, stirring until cheese melts completely and ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Flavor Melding: Transfer the creamy onion mixture to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to harmonize and intensify.
6. Baking Preparation: Remove dish from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Final Cooking: Bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncover, gently stir, and optionally sprinkle pimientos for a pop of color. Return to oven for an additional 10 minutes until heated through and edges are bubbling.

Notes

• Skin Removal Hack: Boil onions briefly to easily slip off skins without tedious peeling, saving time and reducing frustration.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter slowly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth base that ensures a silky, professional-quality sauce.
• Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate overnight to allow ingredients to meld, deepening the rich, complex taste of the creamed onions.
• Temperature Tip: Let the dish rest at room temperature before baking to ensure even heating and prevent potential cracking or uneven cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Boiling, Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg