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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flavor Melding: Transfer the creamy onion mixture to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Baking Preparation: Remove dish from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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