Bourdain Creamed Pearl Onions (Printable View)

Pearl onions in a creamy, herbed béchamel baked until golden—rich, savory, and perfect for elegant meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 pounds pearl onions
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2.67 cups whole milk
05 - 6 sage leaves, finely chopped
06 - 0.5 teaspoon thyme, finely chopped
07 - Kosher salt, to taste
08 - Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Blanch pearl onions in boiling salted water for 1–2 minutes until skins loosen. Transfer onions to an ice bath to cool, then peel and trim the ends.
02 - Place peeled onions in a saucepan with water, a few black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Simmer until just tender, about 5–8 minutes. Drain and pat the onions dry.
03 - In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden and bubbling. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Incorporate sage and thyme, then season with kosher salt and black pepper.
04 - Evenly coat the onions with béchamel sauce in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling and the top is lightly browned.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For maximum flavor, use fresh herbs and ensure onions are well dried before combining with the sauce to prevent dilution.