Description
A comforting and elegant holiday side dish featuring tender pearl onions coated in a rich, velvety white sauce with a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds pearl onions, peeled (fresh or frozen)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pearl onions and blanch for 1 minute. Drain and transfer to ice water. Peel off skins once cooled.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the peeled onions and sauté gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly golden.
- In a separate skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until slightly golden and nutty.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until silky smooth.
- Fold the cooked onions into the sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes so flavors meld.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but not be gluey. If too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, simmer longer. Don’t rush the onion sauté—it enhances their natural sweetness. For gluten-free, use rice flour; for dairy-free, use plant-based butter and coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup per serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: pearl onions, white sauce, holiday side, creamy onions, Christmas recipe, Thanksgiving side, comfort food