Holiday Pearl Onions
A rich and savory holiday side featuring pearl onions in a creamy cheese sauce with tarragon, perfect for festive gatherings and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drop pearl onions with skins on into boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain, remove skins, and set aside.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk until well blended.
- Heat half and half separately until just below boiling, then gradually add to the butter-flour mixture, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Add 3/4 cup grated cheese, tarragon, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Mix well.
- Add the prepared onions to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered ovenproof dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after melting the butter. If you can't find Jarlsberg cheese, Swiss or Gruyere makes a great substitute. To make this dish even more vibrant, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice. Remember to handle the pearl onions carefully to avoid bursting them while peeling.
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Pearl Onions make a delightful side dish for holiday meals, pairing excellently with roasted meats or vegetarian recipes like Wyatt'S Baked Eggplant. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving. They can also be served alongside a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Holiday Pearl Onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring often.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Pearl Onions contains roughly 566 calories, with 18g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (125% of the Daily Value), calcium (62% of the Daily Value), and potassium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pearl onions instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen pearl onions can be a convenient alternative. Just thaw them before using and reduce the boiling time to about 5 minutes, as they may be partially cooked already. This will save you time while still delivering great flavor in your dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but to enhance the flavor, you could use vegetable broth instead of half and half for a lighter version. Additionally, you can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
What can I serve with Holiday Pearl Onions?
These onions are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Consider serving them alongside roasted chicken, beef, or even a hearty vegetarian option like Prairie Potato Wedges. They also complement a simple green salad or a creamy pasta dish for a complete meal experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).