Creamed Pearl Onions with Bacon Recipe Easy Holiday Side

The creamy, velvety texture of pearl onions paired with the crunch of crispy bacon is pure magic on a plate. If you’ve never tried creamed pearl onions before, you’re in for a treat—and honestly, they’re about to become your favorite holiday side dish. This recipe is easy, indulgent, and has all the cozy vibes you crave during the festive season. Let’s face it, there’s something about the sweetness of pearl onions swimming in a rich cream sauce that feels like a warm hug. Add smoky, salty bacon to the mix? Game over. You’ll want seconds and thirds.

I first made this dish for Thanksgiving years ago as a spur-of-the-moment addition, and it quickly outshined every other dish on the table. Everyone raved about it—even the picky eaters—and now, it’s a must-have every year. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian spread, creamed pearl onions with crispy bacon are guaranteed to earn a permanent spot on your holiday menu.

What makes this recipe extra special is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a side dish that feels gourmet. Plus, pearl onions are surprisingly affordable, and you can even use frozen ones to save time. Trust me, once you taste this creamy, savory goodness, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet pearl onions, smoky bacon, and rich cream come together in harmony—every bite is a flavor explosion.
• Ideal for Holidays: This dish screams festive comfort food. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping required! You probably have most of the ingredients on hand already.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks who don’t want to compromise on taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it without losing any of its creamy, crispy charm.
• Customizable: There are so many ways to adapt this recipe to suit your diet or taste preferences. More on that below!
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is universally loved—adults, kids, and even those who claim not to like onions always come back for seconds.

What sets this recipe apart is the crispy bacon topping. The combination of creamy and crunchy textures makes it stand out from traditional creamed veggie dishes. Plus, it’s not overly heavy—just indulgent enough to feel special without being overwhelming.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that work together to create a luxurious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pearl onions: You can use fresh or frozen pearl onions. If using fresh, you’ll need to blanch and peel them first, but frozen ones save time and work just as well.
• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is ideal for achieving crispy, flavorful pieces that hold their own against the creamy sauce.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the base for the sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Creates a roux to thicken the cream sauce.
• Heavy cream: The star of the show! This creates the velvety texture and decadent flavor of the dish.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch is enough to add a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweetness of the onions.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish just right.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.

Feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking! You can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon or swap the heavy cream for a lighter option like half-and-half.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking the bacon and preparing the cream sauce.
• Medium saucepan: For blanching fresh pearl onions, if using.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping the bacon to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Whisk: Essential for making a smooth roux and cream sauce.
• Baking dish: For assembling and serving the dish.

If you don’t have a whisk, a fork can work in a pinch—it just requires a bit more effort to get the sauce lump-free. And for peeling fresh pearl onions, a small paring knife is your best friend.

Preparation Method

1. Prep the pearl onions: If you’re using fresh pearl onions, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the onions and blanch for about 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to an ice bath. Once cooled, peel the onions by trimming the root end and gently squeezing the bulb until the skin slides off. If using frozen onions, let them thaw slightly before cooking.
2. Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook until crispy, turning occasionally, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the roux: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste and turns golden.
4. Prepare the cream sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then, add the heavy cream and keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine the onions: Add the pearl onions to the skillet and stir gently to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and the sauce has thickened further.
6. Assemble and serve: Transfer the creamed pearl onions to a baking dish and sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• If you’re peeling fresh pearl onions, take your time and don’t skip the blanching step—it makes peeling a breeze!
• Don’t rush the roux. Cooking the butter and flour together for a couple of minutes ensures the sauce won’t taste floury.
• Be careful not to overcook the bacon. You want it crispy, not burnt.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your preference—some like it saltier, others prefer a milder flavor.

One more tip: If you’re making this ahead, keep the bacon separate and sprinkle it on just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Variations & Adaptations

• Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that savory, smoky flavor.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in ½ cup of grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce for extra richness.
• Low-carb option: Use heavy cream and almond flour to create the roux instead of regular flour.
• Herby goodness: Add chopped fresh thyme or rosemary along with the onions for an aromatic twist.

Personally, I love making this with turkey bacon for a leaner option—it’s just as delicious, and no one can tell the difference!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve creamed pearl onions with crispy bacon warm, straight out of the oven. They pair beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or beef. For a vegetarian spread, serve alongside roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a fresh green salad.

To store leftovers, transfer the onions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. If freezing, skip the bacon topping and freeze the creamed onions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before adding freshly cooked bacon.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is indulgent but surprisingly balanced. Here’s a rough estimate per serving:

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

Pearl onions are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for boosting immunity—especially during cold weather months. Bacon adds protein and flavor, while the cream provides satisfying richness. This dish can be part of a balanced diet, especially when enjoyed with lean proteins and nutrient-dense veggies.

Conclusion

There’s a reason creamed pearl onions with crispy bacon have become my go-to holiday side dish. They’re comforting, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers every time. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can tweak it to fit your preferences without losing that irresistible charm.

I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does! If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Feel free to share your own adaptations—I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious meals ahead!

FAQs

Can I use frozen pearl onions?

Absolutely! Frozen pearl onions save time and work just as well. Just thaw them slightly before cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish without the bacon topping, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve. Add the bacon just before serving for maximum crispiness.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter option or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.

How do I prevent lumps in the cream sauce?

Whisk constantly while adding the broth and cream to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

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