If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly this winter, then look no further! Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter is a treasured recipe that brings a touch of comfort to any table. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this creamy delight showcases the humble pearl onion, transforming it into something truly special.

What makes this dish even more delightful is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a savory side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or as a side to your favorite roast, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavor of pearl onions, making it an instant hit at the dinner table.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Comfort Food at Its Best: The rich bechamel sauce combined with fresh herbs creates a warm and inviting dish that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! For Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter, you’ll need some simple and wholesome items that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Creamed Onions

Kosher salt
2 pounds pearl onions
2 teaspoons black peppercorns (plus ground pepper for seasoning)
2 bay leaves

For the Bechamel Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
2.67 cups whole milk
6 sage leaves (finely chopped)
0.5 teaspoon thyme (finely chopped)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty ways you can put your own spin on these creamed pearl onions:

Add Cheese: Mix in some grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Herb Swap: Try using other fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley if you want to change up the flavor profile.
Vegetable Mix-In: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and taste.
Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts before baking for a delightful crunch.

How to Make Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, set up an ice water bath. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Blanch the pearl onions until their skins loosen—this should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Quickly transfer them to the ice bath; this stops them from cooking further and helps retain their crispness!

Step 2: Simmer the Onions

Once cooled, drain the onions and pat them dry. Trim off their root ends and pinch off those pesky skins. Now, return to your saucepan and add black peppercorns and bay leaves into boiling water again. Add those beautiful peeled onions back in and simmer until they’re just tender—around 5 to 8 minutes will do!

Step 3: Make the Bechamel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over moderately low heat, melt the butter while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until bubbling slightly. Add in flour and keep stirring until it begins to turn color—this will take about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon—about 5 minutes! Stir in fresh sage and thyme, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine & Bake

Pour that luscious sauce over your tender pearl onions placed in a baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes until everything is bubbling away and starting to brown at the edges. Let it stand for about five minutes before serving so those flavors meld together beautifully.

Enjoy sharing this comforting dish with loved ones—it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes!

Pro Tips for Making Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

Making this comforting dish can be a delightful experience, especially when you keep a few tips in mind!

Use fresh pearl onions: Fresh onions have a sweeter flavor and a firmer texture, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Don’t rush the blanching process: Properly blanching the onions helps loosen their skins and ensures they maintain their shape while cooking in the sauce.
Whisk your bechamel vigorously: A well-mixed sauce is crucial to avoid lumps and to achieve that creamy consistency that makes this dish so indulgent.
Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for about 5 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes serving easier.
Experiment with herbs: While sage and thyme are traditional choices, feel free to add other herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh twist.

How to Serve Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter

When it comes to presenting this dish, a little creativity can go a long way! You want your creamed pearl onions to shine on the table, inviting everyone to dig in.

Garnishes

Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Crushed black pepper: Adding freshly cracked pepper gives an extra kick and enhances the aromatic flavors of sage and thyme.

Side Dishes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic compliment the rich flavors of the creamed pearl onions perfectly, making for a cozy combination.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts balances out the sweetness of the pearl onions, while their crispy texture provides a delightful contrast.
Herb-Crusted Baked Chicken: A simple baked chicken seasoned with herbs offers a hearty protein option that pairs wonderfully with these creamy onions.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with seasonal vegetables adds freshness to your meal. It’s not only healthy but also brings a nice textural balance against the richness of the creamed onions.

By following these serving suggestions, you can create a beautiful and satisfying dining experience that highlights Anthony Bourdain’s timeless recipe. Enjoy every warm bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious creamed pearl onions.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the creamed pearl onions to cool completely before storing.
Transfer them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Ensure the dish has cooled down before freezing.
Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw the frozen creamed pearl onions in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
For a crispy top, reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbling.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I use other types of onions instead of pearl onions?

While pearl onions are traditional, you can substitute them with shallots or small yellow onions. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter compare to other winter comfort foods?

These creamed pearl onions offer a unique blend of creamy texture and savory herbs that set them apart from typical winter comfort foods. They’re rich and indulgent yet simple enough for any occasion.

What can I serve with Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions Are Keeping Us Warm This Winter?

These delicious creamed onions pair beautifully with roasted meats, holiday dinners, or even as a standalone side during casual meals. They bring warmth and comfort to any table!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making Anthony Bourdain’s Creamed Pearl Onions! This recipe is not only filled with heartwarming flavors but also brings a sense of nostalgia to every bite. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or part of your festive spread, these creamy delights are sure to impress. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or ask questions along the way!