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Classic Glazed Pearl Onions with Crispy Bacon

glazed pearl onions with crispy bacon - featured image
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Tender pearl onions are glazed in a buttery, sweet-savory sauce and tossed with crispy bacon for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 oz (about 4 cups) fresh or frozen pearl onions
  • 6 to 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 5–6 oz)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • Optional: 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • Optional: 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • Optional: 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pearl Onions: If using fresh, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add onions and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to ice water. Once cool, trim the root end and peel off skins. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Slice bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 2 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Glaze the Onions: Add butter to the skillet with bacon fat. Once melted, add peeled onions and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring gently until onions soften and begin to turn golden.
  4. Add Sugar and Broth: Sprinkle in brown sugar and pour in chicken broth. Stir to coat onions. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces to a syrupy glaze, about 8 minutes. Add more broth if glaze gets too thick.
  5. Season and Finish: Season with salt and pepper. Stir in optional thyme or balsamic vinegar if desired. Cook another minute or two if onions aren’t caramelized.
  6. Toss with Bacon: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle crispy bacon over onions and toss gently. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish. Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh pearl onions and cook bacon until truly crisp. Blanch and peel onions ahead for easier prep. Add bacon at the end to maintain crunch. Optional add-ins like thyme, balsamic vinegar, or maple syrup can enhance flavor. For vegetarian, skip bacon and use veggie broth and plant-based butter. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving, pearl onions, glazed onions, bacon, holiday side, easy side dish, comfort food, crowd pleaser, gluten-free, classic recipe

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/classic-glazed-pearl-onions-with-crispy-bacon-easy-thanksgiving-side/