Dreamy Creamed Onions Recipe: A Barefoot Contessa’s Holiday Gem

Silky smooth and rich with flavor, these creamed onions dance with a decadent sauce that whispers comfort and warmth.

Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa creamed onions recipe brings elegant simplicity to any holiday table or weeknight dinner.

The delicate pearl onions melt into a velvety cream base that’s both luxurious and understated.

Each spoonful carries notes of butter and subtle sweetness, creating a side dish that steals the spotlight.

Tender onions nestle in a luscious sauce that transforms ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.

The recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to elevate your meal with this irresistible classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Barefoot Contessa Creamed Onions

• Pearl Onions: Delicate, sweet little bulbs that provide a mild, elegant flavor and create the heart of this creamy dish. Choose firm, unblemished onions with tight, papery skins for the best texture.
• Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of onions and balances the overall flavor profile. Use fine-grain table salt for even distribution.

• Whole Milk: Delivers rich, velvety smoothness and creates the luxurious sauce base. Select fresh, full-fat milk for maximum creaminess.
• Quick-Mixing Flour: Ensures smooth sauce without lumps, providing perfect thickening power. Look for finely milled varieties that blend seamlessly.
• Butter: Adds deep, golden richness and silky texture to the sauce. Choose high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.

• Additional Salt: Fine-tuning seasoning to elevate the dish's overall taste. Taste and adjust gradually for perfect balance.

Cooking Gear for Barefoot Contessa Creamed Onions

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling and cooking onions, with enough space to stir ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending milk and flour without lumps.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for milk, water, and flour are crucial.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed for accurately measuring salt and butter.
• Cutting Board: Use for prepping and peeling pearl onions.
• Sharp Knife: Required for peeling and trimming onions.
• Colander: Helpful for draining onions after boiling.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring onions and sauce without scratching the pot.

How to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Creamed Onions

• Onion Preparation Gentle boiling transforms pearl onions into tender, silky treats perfect for elegant side dishes.
• Liquid Magic Creating a luscious cream sauce requires careful mixing of milk and flour to achieve smooth, velvety texture.
• Gentle Heating Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and comforting accompaniment that elevates any main course.
• Seasoning Secrets Salt plays a crucial role in balancing and enhancing the delicate flavor profile of these creamy onions.
• Final Touch Serving hot ensures maximum enjoyment of this classic side dish that brings warmth and sophistication to the dinner table.

Tips to Modify Barefoot Contessa Creamed Onions

• Experiment with different milk options like half-and-half or heavy cream for richer, more indulgent results. Skim or low-fat milk works for lighter versions.
• Sprinkle fresh thyme, chopped rosemary, or nutmeg into the cream sauce for complex, aromatic undertones that complement the sweet pearl onions.
• Top the creamed onions with toasted breadcrumbs, crushed pecans, or crispy bacon bits right before serving to introduce a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension.
• Stir in grated Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or Parmesan cheese during the final cooking stage to create a decadent, melty cheese sauce that elevates the classic recipe.

Plating Ideas for Barefoot Contessa Creamed Onions

• Pair with Roasted Delights: Complement the creamy onions with succulent roasted turkey, golden-brown chicken, or herb-crusted beef roast for a classic holiday meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or thyme on top to add a bright, fresh pop of color and enhance the dish's earthy flavor profile.
• Create a Comforting Casserole: Layer the creamed onions in a baking dish, top with buttery breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese, and bake until golden and crispy for an extra indulgent side dish.
• Elevate Thanksgiving Spread: Serve as a traditional side that brings warmth and richness to your festive table, offering a creamy contrast to other savory holiday dishes.

Storing Leftover Barefoot Contessa Creamed Onions

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover creamed onions to an airtight container, ensuring they cool completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate Quickly: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking, where the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent sauce separation.
• Freeze for Later: Pack the cooled onions in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months, but note that the cream sauce might slightly separate upon thawing, requiring gentle stirring to recombine.

Elegant Barefoot Contessa Creamed Onions Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s creamed onions recipe delivers a luxurious side dish with pearl onions bathed in a rich, creamy sauce. Gentle seasoning and careful preparation make this classic companion an elegant addition to holiday tables that will delight dinner companions.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups pearl onions (peeled)
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) butter
• ¼ cup quick-mixing flour (such as Wondra), or more as needed
• ¾ cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

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Instructions

1. Blanching Onions: Submerge pearl onions in boiling, salted water and simmer for 6-8 minutes until tender, ensuring they maintain structural integrity without becoming waterlogged.
2. Preparing Base: Drain onions while reserving cooking liquid, then return pan to low heat and melt butter, gently coating onions with rich, golden essence.
3. Creating Cream Sauce: Whisk cold whole milk with quick-mixing flour until achieving a silky, homogeneous liquid without lumps or streaks.
4. Developing Texture: Pour milk-flour mixture into onion pan, stirring consistently over medium-low heat to transform sauce into a luxurious, velvety consistency that gracefully envelops each onion.
5. Seasoning and Finishing: Fine-tune salt levels through careful tasting, ensuring balanced flavor profile, then transfer creamy pearl onions to serving dish, presenting an elegant side that complements roasted proteins or traditional festive meals.

Notes

• Blanch for Perfection: Boil pearl onions exactly 6-8 minutes to achieve tender texture without turning mushy, ensuring ideal consistency.
• Butter Coating Technique: Gently swirl melted butter over drained onions to create a luxurious, even flavor distribution that enhances overall taste.
• Smooth Sauce Secret: Whisk milk and flour thoroughly before adding to prevent lumps, guaranteeing a silky, professional-grade cream sauce.
• Heat Management Matters: Maintain medium-low temperature while stirring consistently, allowing sauce to thicken without burning, which develops rich, complex flavors.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg