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Creamed Pearl Onions with Bacon Recipe Easy Holiday Side

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The creamy, velvety texture of pearl onions paired with the crunch of crispy bacon is pure magic on a plate. This easy and indulgent recipe is perfect for the holidays and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pearl onions (fresh or frozen)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. If 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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!

Notes

[‘If peeling fresh pearl onions, blanching them makes peeling easier.’, ‘Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to avoid a floury taste.’, ‘Add bacon topping just before serving to maintain crispiness.’, ‘If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.’, ‘Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamed pearl onions, holiday side dish, bacon, Thanksgiving recipe, Christmas recipe, easy side dish, festive comfort food

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamed-pearl-onions-with-bacon-recipe-easy-holiday-side/