Creamed Peas are one of those nostalgic side dishes that always seem to bring a cheerful smile and a little sigh of contentment to the table. With soft, sweet peas wrapped in a velvety, creamy sauce, this classic dish manages to strike the perfect balance between hearty comfort and timeless simplicity. Whether you’re dreaming up a memorable holiday menu or looking for a fast, no-fuss side for a weeknight dinner, Creamed Peas deliver cozy flavor that makes everyone come back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easily a batch of delicious Creamed Peas comes together thanks to a handful of fridge and pantry staples. Each ingredient has a simple job to do—melting for richness, seasoning for that perfect savory pop, or lending the classic green burst of color and sweetness—making every bite feel like a treat.
- Unsalted butter: Adds lush richness and gives your creamy sauce a silky foundation—use the real thing for the best flavor!
- All purpose flour: Acts as the thickener—whisk it in fully for a lump-free sauce.
- Garlic powder (optional): Introduces a mellow hint of savory warmth that’s totally optional but totally tasty.
- Whole milk or half and half: The heart of the sauce—whole milk creates a classic texture, while half and half makes things ultra-luxe.
- Salt: The seasoning that wakes up all the other flavors and balances out the sweetness of the peas.
- White pepper or black pepper: Delivers a gentle, cozy heat—white pepper gives a mild background warmth, while black has a bolder kick.
- Frozen peas: The vibrant, sweet star of the show—go for frozen for best texture, color, and freshness.
- Heavy cream (optional): Stirs in at the end for extra decadence and a beautiful glossy finish.
How to Make Creamed Peas
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan and setting it over medium-high heat. Add your unsalted butter and let it melt gently, swirling occasionally so it doesn’t brown. The scent of melting butter alone is enough to make mouths water and sets the stage for what’s to come!
Step 2: Make the Roux
Whisk in your flour (and garlic powder, if you’re using it) into the butter. Stir constantly until everything is smooth and well blended. No dry spots! This creamy base is your secret for a perfect, silky sauce that hugs every pea.
Step 3: Add the Milk and Thicken
Take your time and slowly pour in the milk or half and half, whisking as you go. Keep the mix moving so your sauce stays on the path to creaminess, not clumpiness. Let it bubble on medium-high heat for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll see it gently thicken—a sign it’s full of promise! Season with salt and pepper here to let the flavor shine.
Step 4: Stir in the Peas
Now comes the star attraction: pour in the frozen peas and give everything a generous stir. In just 4 minutes, your peas will go from frosty to perfectly tender, locking in their sweetness and bright color. You want them plump and heated through but not overcooked.
Step 5: Finish with Cream (Optional) and Taste
If you’re after extra richness, add in a splash of heavy cream. Do a final check on your seasonings—sometimes just a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference. The sauce should be dreamy, thick, and ready to cascade over every pea.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your beautiful Creamed Peas to a serving dish and get ready to garnish. The aroma alone will attract a crowd! This dish is best enjoyed piping hot, right off the stove.
How to Serve Creamed Peas
Garnishes
The right garnish can make your Creamed Peas look even more inviting. A sprinkle of freshly ground pepper, a few extra dots of butter, or a generous handful of freshly chopped chives or dill add color and a touch of freshness. Try lemon zest for a bright twist if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Creamed Peas slide right in alongside all-American classics. Pair them with mashed potatoes and roast chicken, serve with baked ham or holiday turkey, or even nestle them beside a flaky biscuit or savory stuffing. Their creamy texture complements meats and starchy sides beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just limit Creamed Peas to a side dish! Pile them over toasted sourdough, spoon them into a puff pastry shell for a vintage-inspired appetizer, or swirl them into mac and cheese for an extra pop of sweetness and color. They’re a flexible crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Creamed Peas, pop them into an airtight container and tuck them away in the fridge. They’ll keep happily for up to 3 days, ready to be reborn with your next meal.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? Let your Creamed Peas cool completely, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and comfort for up to 3 months. Just remember to press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To bring Creamed Peas back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just use 50 percent power and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use canned peas for Creamed Peas in a pinch! Just add them right at the end of cooking and heat gently, as canned peas are much softer and can become mushy if cooked too long.
What can I use as a milk substitute?
Feel free to substitute whole milk with any non-dairy milk that’s unsweetened and plain—just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Oat milk or unsweetened soy milk are good options for a creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make Creamed Peas gluten free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all purpose flour for a gluten free flour blend (a 1:1 option works best) or try cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
Can I prepare Creamed Peas ahead of time?
You can! Prepare the dish as directed, cool completely, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Why is my sauce lumpy?
Lumpy sauce usually means the flour wasn’t whisked in thoroughly or the milk was added too quickly. For the smoothest result, whisk constantly, add the milk gradually, and don’t be shy about stirring!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like serving up a warm, homemade dish of Creamed Peas and seeing the instant delight on everyone’s faces. Give this timeless recipe a spot at your dinner table and watch it become a favorite in no time—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
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Creamed Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamed Peas are a simple, comforting side dish made with just four basic ingredients. This classic creamed peas recipe is perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners, offering a delicious and easy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Creamed Peas:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 cups whole milk or half and half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
- 4 cups frozen peas
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter: Melt butter over medium-high heat in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Whisk in flour: Whisk the flour and garlic powder (if using) into the butter until smooth.
- Add milk: Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add peas: Add the peas and cook until heated through, about 4 minutes.
- Finish and garnish: Stir in heavy cream, check seasonings, garnish, and serve.
Notes
- To Store: Leftover creamed peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
- To Freeze: Transfer cooled creamed peas to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Canned peas can be used but should be added at the end to prevent mushiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 183 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 324mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
