Balsamic Glazed Pearl Onion Recipe (Fresh Or Frozen)

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Some people look at me funny when I tell them I like serving onions as a side dish. The honest truth is that they are amazing if cooked properly, like with these Balsamic Glazed Pearl Onions!

What You’ll Need

The sauce for these glazed pearl onions is a amped up balsamic reduction that edges between sweet and jammy with a little tang. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

Pearl onions – The pearl onion is a small white onion with many names, some depending on geographic location. Other names are button onions, baby onions, creamers and in French, oignon grelot. I recommend using frozen. If you are using fresh, cut them at the stem end and the root end and then use a paring knife peel the outer layers.

Unsalted butter
Light brown sugar
Balsamic vinegar
Dijon mustard

Vegetable broth
Coarse Kosher salt
Ground black pepper
Fresh parsley

ingredients for making balsamic pearl onions

What to Serve with Balsamic Pearl Onions

This is a great side dish for nearly any meal, but here are a few of my favorite dinner ideas. The taste is subtle enough that they pair so well with all things, but here are some of my fav flavors.

Roast Beef
Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Baked Chicken Thighs

Beef Stroganoff
Maryland Crab Cakes
Prime Rib
Grilled Lobster Tails

balsamic onions served with roast chicken and bread

Pearl Onions Recipe

4.23 from 54 votesThese EASY Balsamic Glazed Pearl Onions are great for a simple side dish. Elegant enough for the holidays, but also for weeknight meals! Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Cook ModePrevent your screen from going darkServings: 6 Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved! Rate this Recipe

Equipment

Large Cast Iron Skillet
Whisk

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter , divided
14.4 ounces frozen pearl onions
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3-4 tablespoons low sodium vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
fresh parsley , chopped and optional

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the 14.4 ounces frozen pearl onions, stirring and cooking for 15 minutes.
Stir the 1 tablespoon light brown sugar into the onions until fully coated. Stir in the 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Cover and reduce the heat. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the onions get too dry, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable broth. You may not need the whole amount of broth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter, 1/4 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!

Nutrition

Calories: 84 kcal, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 10 mg, Sodium: 219 mg, Potassium: 108 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 8 g, Vitamin A: 117 IU, Vitamin C: 5 mg, Calcium: 21 mg, Iron: 1 mgAuthor: Jessica FormicolaCalories: 84Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanKeyword: pearl onion recipe Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

Storage and Freezing

How to Store

One of my favorite things is that glazed baby onions can be made up to 2 days in advance. Simply make the whole recipe and refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve. Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop in a baking dish (preferred). Onions will stay good for up to a week in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Glazed Pearl Onions?

This recipe can also be frozen and thawed for a later occasion. I add a small amount more balsamic vinegar while cooking in a skillet or in the oven.

White Pearl Onions Recipe FAQs

Are baby onions the same as pearl onions?

Baby onions and pearl onions are similar but not necessarily the same. Baby onions can refer to any small-sized onion, while pearl onions specifically refer to a specific variety of small, round, white onions.

Are pearl onions the same as pickled onions?

No, pickled onions have been pickled in a brine, but the type of onion used to make pickled onions is typically a baby onion or pearl onion.

Are pearl onions the same as white onions?

Pearl onions are generally white, but white onions are much larger in size.

How to Peel Pearl Onions

We suggest using frozen pearl onions to avoid peeling them, but if you are making them with fresh onions, here is how to peel them. This recipe doesn’t require you to drain them or do much more than use just one pan. To peel pearl onions, blanch them in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. Afterward, you can easily peel the skins off by gently squeezing each onion between your thumb and forefinger.

More Delicious Holiday Side Dishes

Monday Holiday Side Dish Recipes:

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles by House of Nash Eats
Balsamic Glazed Baby Onions by Savory Experiments
Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe by The Fresh Cooky
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Stuffing by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes with Sausage Crumbles by Food Lust People Love
Cauliflower Gratin by Lemon Blossoms
Cheese Herb Potato Gratin by Shockingly Delicious
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole by Blogghetti
Cranberry Fluff by An Affair from the Heart
Easy Chorizo Cornbread Dressing by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries & Pecans by Sweet Beginnings
Holiday Side Salad by Our Good Life
Honey Roasted Carrots by Devour Dinner
No Knead Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Roasted Buttercup Squash by Palatable Pastime
Roasted fingerling potatoes with Parmesan by The Foodie Affair
Slow Cooker Cheesy Vegetables by Cheese Curd in Paradise
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans by West Via Midwest
Sweet Potato Salad by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Traditional Cranberry Sauce by Family Around the Table
Twiced Baked Sweet Potatoes by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

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About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

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Questions and Reviews

My daughter adores onions. I need to make this for her sometime.
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This sounds so good. I’m pinning to make soon
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These look amazing. And I hear you about peeling tiny onions!
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I have been looking for some new and exciting side dishes. This is perfect!
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what a delightful side to add to the dinner table!
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Yum!! These had such great flavors, can’t wait to make again!!
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When I first saw the title I thought fahgeddaboutit because those little buggers, though delicious, truly are a pain in the neck. Using frozen makes all the difference. I look forward to trying these.
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1. Agreed!!!!I hate the fresh ones!
  Reply
These are just perfect for the Thanksgiving table! The glaze is so amazing!
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I can see me snacking on these all day! They look so delicious and easy to make!
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I’ve never tried pearl onions before, but these sound delicious! We usually do a “cowboy” Thanksgiving with bison steaks instead of turkey, and these would go so well!
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1. These would be great with bison steaks!
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About The Author

Chef Jessica Formicola

Welcome! While I might look like I have it all together, I am most likely strutting around my kitchen in yoga pants, drinking wine and jamming to 80’s music creating restaurant worthy recipes. Find me as a judge on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. *****************************

No AI here! I am a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contribute to national publications, appear on TV and work with major food brands.