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This heirloom creamed onions recipe is a perfect sweet and savory blend that showcases mild onion flavor in a rich, buttery cream sauce. Serve it up as a side dish for any holiday or special occasion meal!
One of the perks of food blogging is all the creative and thoughtful gifts that people bestow once they find out about your blog.
I’ve received wonderful things like fresh, home-grown produce, exotic spices, and unique baked goods (you wouldn’t believe how tasty potato chip cookies are!). Despite all these treats, I think my favorite gifts are heirloom recipes.
This creamed onions recipe is a holiday tradition that comes from my grandfather on my mom’s side.
My mom told me this easy side dish is one of my grandfather’s absolute favorites. Nary a holiday feast (including Thanksgiving and Christmas) goes by that he doesn’t make creamed onions to accompany.
According to my grandfather, this is a traditional American farmer dish typically made to go with holiday meals. Sweet onions were always used because this recipe was a good way to use up a lot of them at once, as their shelf life is shorter than cooking onions.
This recipe is a good one to try if you think you don’t like onions. Their sharp flavor mellows beautifully!
What Are Creamed Onions?
Also called New England creamed onions, this old fashioned boiled onions recipe is a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish or first course. It features onions and cream in a buttery broth. The broth is meant to be thin and is eaten like a soup, not as a condiment or sauce.
Pro Tip: Adjust the Flavor to Taste
I learned this recipe from my grandfather, who told it to me while he and I were sitting at the kitchen table in my grandparents’ house one day over a cup of coffee. He dictated, and I diligently wrote everything down. His original recipe called for double the amount of sugar (1/2 cup for this recipe), which I found to be too much. (My grandfather had quite the sweet tooth and he always added sugar, even to savory dishes!) Also, in his original recipe, he used salted butter because that’s what he always kept on hand.
Feel free to make this dish your own; I recommend starting with less sugar and salt, and adding more until it tastes good to you. The best creamed onions recipe is the one that suits your taste preferences! Just keep track of how much sugar and salt you add so you can replicate it.
Ingredients
Breaking It Down
Ingredients Explained
In this section I explain the ingredients and give substitution ideas where applicable. For the full recipe (including the ingredient amounts), see the recipe card below.
- Sweet onion – Such as Vidalia. You’ll need about 3 pounds of onions, which is around 10 cups of sliced onion.
- Unsalted butter – Salted butter will also work, just be sure to add less salt.
- Heavy whipping cream – This adds rich, creamy texture and makes the broth of this dish.
- Sugar – To enhance the onion’s natural sweetness.
- Coarse kosher salt – To create a balanced flavor profile.
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Put the onions in a 5-quart pot with a lid and barely cover them with water.
- Bring to a boil, then turn down heat, cover the pot, and simmer until soft and translucent but not mushy, about 7 to 10 minutes. This is how the onions look when they’re ready.
- Drain the onions and put them back into the pot.
- Add the butter, cream, sugar, and salt.
- Cook over low heat until warm throughout.
Pro Tip: Don’t Overcook the Onions
The onions are ready to drain when they’re soft and translucent but not mushy, as pictured in the step-by-step instructional photos.
Storage & Reheating
Once cool, store this covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat until warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweet onions are onions that taste sweeter and less pungent than other onions. According to Wikipedia, their sweetness is due to their low sulfur content and high water content. Types of sweet onion include Vidalia, Walla Walla, and Maui.
Yes, pearl onions make delicious creamed onions! Use about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of pearl onions, and peel them as directed in the section “How to Peel Pearl Onions” below. Then boil the peeled onions until tender but not mushy, about 7 to 10 minutes. After that, continue on with Step 2 in the recipe card below.
Yes, you can use frozen pearl onions instead of fresh onion in this recipe. As my grandfather explained it, this traditional boiled onions recipe was meant as a way to use a lot of fresh onions from your root cellar before they spoiled. However, not many of us have an onion crop we’re trying to use up! And it’s definitely a time-saver to use frozen pearl onions instead of taking the time to peel fresh pearl onions to use. Even though this recipe will work with frozen pearl onions instead of fresh onion, its onion flavor will be more subtle.
Note that if you use frozen pearl onions in this recipe, I recommend thawing and draining them, and then starting with Step 2 in the recipe card below.
How to Peel Pearl Onions
Time needed: 1 hour
For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of pearl onions. Follow this process to peel them, and then continue on with Step 2 in the recipe card below.
- Boil the Onions
Fill a 5-quart pot 2/3 full with water, and bring it to a boil. Add the unpeeled onions to the boiling water. Bring back up to a boil, and then let it boil for 3 minutes.
- Shock the Onions in an Ice Bath
Drain the onions, and immediately transfer them to a large bowl full of ice water to shock them and stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the onions.
- Remove the Peels
Cut the root end off an onion and gently squeeze the other end. The onion will slip out of its skin. Continue this way until all the onions are peeled.
More Traditional Holiday Side Dish Recipes
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Creamed Onions Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds large sweet onion such as Vidalia, peeled and sliced into 1/4 to 1/2-inch strips (see Notes)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt use less if using fine table salt
Instructions
- Put the onions in a 5-quart pot with a lid and barely cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat, cover the pot, and simmer until soft and translucent but not mushy, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the onions and put them back into the pot.
- Add the butter, cream, sugar, and salt, and cook over low heat until warm throughout.
Notes
- Onion: 3 pounds of onion is about 3 very large onions or 10 cups sliced.
- For Deeper Flavor: Add 3 sprigs of fresh thyme (in a bouquet garni bag for easy removal) along with the cream and remove before serving. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sherry right before serving.
- Storage: This recipe can be made up to 3 days ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge and reheat until warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Recipe Yield and Serving Size: This recipe makes about 8 cups of creamed onions, or about 16 (1/2-cup) servings.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximate.
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This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on December 22, 2010 and updated on December 11, 2024. As a point of comparison to show how much my photography has evolved, I kept one of my original photos (below).
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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I haven’t tried it yet but from the ingredients (sugar) I know it’s the recipe I’ve been looking for. Many thanks for sharing.
I cannot wait to make these onions!!! Living in south middle Florida, onions are plentiful!!
I make something like this, but with parmesan added and we serve it with steak…yummy goodness! I’ll have to try this!
I was guessing this was a side dish. But a first course? How interesting! I bet it’s just perfect on a cool winter evening, too. Nothing like a bowl of creamy goodness to warm you up from the inside out. Happy holidays! ;)
Hi Faith–I love the white-on-white look of this dish—the way you’ve sliced the onions elevates the appearance. This is always such a delicious, savory-sweet treat.
This is really unique. I have never seen this dish. It does sound delicious. I agree; those recipes passed down are the best, even more special that it is your grandfather’s favorite:)
I hope you had a very merry Christmas!
Wishing you the happiest of holidays.
I am an onion lover and this is an ideal way of serving onions.
Merry Christmas Faith! It is heavenly what things we can give & receive as food bloggers. I have never heard of creamed onions, sounds so interesting! XO
I agree, Heirloom recipes are truly something special!
Merry Christmas :)
Passion4Food here to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. May 2011 bring you lots of happiness and friendship. Have an awesome day with your love ones!!
jen @ http://www.passion4food.ca
This is a wonderful recipe Faith, one which I have never tried but would love to taste! So special knowing its origin too! (I would also like to keep that onion water)
Happy Holidays to you and your lovely family.
I adore heirloom recipes too. They always infuse my baking and cooking with love. These creamed onions look and sound delicious. I wish you the Merriest Christmas. Thank you for always infusing my days with such great eats, sweet words and thoughtful comments….I’m thankful for you!
I could really use those onions for my cold right now! Sounds great!
Faith, here’s hoping for a wonderful christmas for you and yours… I do miss creamed onions.. haven’t had them in years!!! The photos are so dreamy and gorgeous… who knew onions could ‘clean up’ so well!
I don’t tell my friends about my blog – they dont cook – but it must be lovely to receive blog-related gifts.
The creamed onions sound good – and look very nice and creamy and pale – and I hope you have a lovely holiday.
I love sweet onions!! I have never had creamed onions and oh my they sound delicious!!
Have a very merry Christmas!
Dennis
My mother serves creamed spinach at nearly every holiday meal, as it was my grandmother’s favorite. I guess our grandparents were on the same page!
This sounds amazing Faith! I’ve heard of creamed onions but never seen them before. I didn’t picture them like though. I’m so curious about them now. I hope you and Mike have a wonderful Christmas! :D
Another great dish~ I’d love to make more dishes that my grandma made me when I was a kid.
Happy holidays Faith! :)
Faith, thanks for sharing this interesting recipe. I think it’s wonderful that you are making a recipe that was passed down from your grandfather. Have a very merry Christmas and all the best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
Faith,
What a fabulous onion dish. I love onions and this would really hit the spot. Gorgeous.
Have a fantastic holiday season
Be well
Oh Faith , i so agree , nothing like a fantastic recipe and this is a delicious example!
Loveee the onion soup and honestly i wouldn wanna drain them , not wanting to loose on any goodness ,must try this lovely warm soup and babe happy hols with love!
Merry Christmas!!
That is so incredibly creamy that at first I thought it was a HUGE bowl of butter! Much better that it’s a creamy delicious bowl of creamed onions. heirloom/passed down recipes are the best. They stood the test of time for a good reason after all!
I feel left out. I’ve never had creamed onions before. They certainly sound wonderful.
*kisses* HH
I love creamed onions and love to serve them at least once during the holiday season. Yours really do look scrumptious. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
Creamed onions always grace our holiday table but are made with pearl onions. I love yours made with Vidalia onions. Thank you for sharing your heirloom recipe! Merry Christmas Faith!
Merry Christmas to you, too! Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
That looks just so delicious, I want some right now :) Diane
Your pictures are still look wonderful. I’m struggling with the lack of light as well. This sounds interesting and delicious all in one! I think I’ll be trying this one.
Have a wonderful Christmas holiday!
I know what you mean about the winter photos. I’ve never heard of creamed onions but they sure do sound and look tasty! Merry Christmas to you too!
Looks great!
Ah longer days, won’t be dark when I return home from work!
I too love these old heirloom recipes!! I’ve never heard of creamed onions but I’d say it sounds like a winner. I hear you on the pictures–it’s so hard to get good ones during the winter, esp when you work until after dark.
Faith, that’s so funny about what you said at the beginning of your post. I’ve also noticed that ever since my friends and family found out I have a food blog, they bring over prettier, more unique looking dishes. Lol.
Your grandfather’s recipe sounds wonderful. I love how little ingredients it requires and how easy it is. Definitely a great way to use up your onions. Thanks for sharing. I hope you and Mike have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Fabulous Lovely one.., just fabulous. I love a white on white theme… :)
Take care, be happy & have a wonderful Christmas & holiday season.
Cheers
Anna
xx
Isn’t it amazing how sometimes the simplest of ideas are incredible… like this one as a first course… and a little herb on top, like a fresh sprig of thyme would be pretty on it, too – but your photos are gorgeous. I agree with you about the importance of traditional family recipes, Faith. As a school teacher, some of the students would proudly arrive with a beautifully wrapped gift for the teacher… and some would look very sad when they came into the room empty handed. So, I have had a tradition most of my teaching career that they all HAVE to give me a gift, and that is the one family recipe that is their favourite, or the one that everyone always raves about, or the one their family is “famous” for. I have had such lovely recipes with such incredible stories gifted to me through the years. Some have become part of our own family traditions!!!
Now, enjoy your break… and have a wonderful, splendorous holiday!
)
Valerei
How great to have recipes handed down through the generations. How can you go wrong with sweet onions and heavy cream.
I’ve never had creamed onions but they do look delicious! That it’s your grandfather’s recipe makes it even more special. :) I hope you have a very merry Christmas!
Thanks for sharing this family recipe. Sounds like a great accompaniment to the holiday feast. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!
Faith, thank you for showing off my dad’s recipe! I can’t imagine anyone making it and not loving it. Love, Mom
What an interesting onion soup, love the it…and it is so nice of you sharing such an special recipe ;-) Merry Christmas to you too Faith!
Merry Christmas, Faith!! Thanks for sharing this family recipe. I love seeing the traditions that different people have for the holidays, they are always so fun and unique :)
I love onions so I’m sure I would love this recipe. What a unique idea!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and Mike as well Faith!
Again a recipe from you so new to me. i have never made something like this. I will try it for sure.
I’ve never had creamed onions but I love onions so can imagine that it is really delicous and satisfying! Thanks for always providing such unique, fabulous recipes!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I love creamed onions, yours look amazing! Potato chip cookies? I bet they’re good, salty-sweet maybe?
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I love onion soup and this one looks so yummy! A pinch of ground black pepper would be perfect on its top!
I love onions…this looks wonderful. Heavy cream, butter, and onions…you can’t go wrong :) Merry Christmas, Faith!
Yummy tempting creamed onions, Happy Xmas wishes!
Merry Christmas!
What a wonderful dish Fatih, easy to make but awesome tasty.
What a beautiful looking dish. I have never heard of creamed onions before, but I would love to try them! And I agree with you about the gifts thing… a friend gave me two brand new cookbooks for my birthday this year and that was definitely one of my favorite birthday presents! I too struggle with the lighting in my house as far as pictures… any time of the year. It’s frustrating! Your pictures still look wonderful.
What a soup, for sure for farmers. Like Julia Child would say More butter, More cream. Looks awesome. Merry Christmas to you and all your family. Evelyne xoxox
The creamed onions (which I’ve never tried before) look delicious. Have a great holiday season.
A tasty soup! I love onion and this should be really good!
I love the simple list of ingredients in this recipe. Marry Christmas to you and your family Faith!
As a child, I feared getting onions in my Christmas stocking…and now I would actually welcome them. LOL
A very interesting heirloom delicacy.
Faith…I wish you the merriest of Holidays with your family and friends ;o)
All the best and flavourful wishes,
Claudia
This sounds fantastic! And since we are fans of onions, I am going to give the recipe a try!
Merry Christmas!
Angie
Yummy!
Merry Christmas!
Cheers,
Rosa
Faith, I agree – the heirloom recipes are greatness, and this looks to be no exception; I’d never thought of creamed onions before, but they sound and look fantastic.
What a lovely recipe for the winter and festive season, Faith. Yes I do love to get gifts from my friends :)