If you’ve been on the lookout for a cozy, comforting side dish that’s ridiculously easy to whip up, then you’re going to love this Creamed Peas Recipe. It’s one of those gems I keep going back to because it turns simple frozen peas into a velvety, flavorful delight that your family will seriously go crazy for. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips on making it perfectly creamy every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry and freezer already.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, this creamed peas recipe takes about 15 minutes flat.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s smooth, creamy, and nostalgic — perfect for chilly nights or any time you want a little kitchen hug.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with everything from roast chicken to casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this creamed peas recipe is in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a key role — the frozen peas bring fresh sweetness, the butter and flour create a silky base, and the milk with a touch of sugar rounds everything off perfectly. When shopping, look for fresh-tasting frozen peas and quality butter, as they really make a difference.
- Frozen peas: Frozen peas are a lifesaver here — they’re sweet and tender when cooked well. Fresh peas work too, but frozen are easier and just as delicious.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dish precisely.
- All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce to that creamy, dreamy consistency we love.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance flavors without overpowering.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle touch of warmth — freshly ground is always best.
- Whole milk: Creaminess comes from the milk — whole milk is ideal, but you can swap with 2% if needed.
- Sugar: A small spoonful balances the peas’ natural sweetness and rounds out the sauce.
Variations
I love how flexible this creamed peas recipe is — it’s like a blank canvas that you can tweak to match your mood or whatever’s in your fridge. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Herb infusion: I sometimes add fresh mint or thyme to brighten up the classic flavor, which gives it a fresh twist my family adores.
- Dairy-free version: Swap butter with olive oil and milk with your favorite plant-based milk — just keep an eye on consistency.
- Cheesy cream peas: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar right at the end for an indulgent upgrade.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes adds surprising warmth without overpowering the peas’ gentle flavor.
How to Make Creamed Peas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Peas Perfectly
Start by cooking your peas according to the package instructions — I usually steam or boil them for just a few minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant green. Quick tip: don’t overcook the peas! You want them soft enough to enjoy but still bright and fresh tasting. Drain them well and set aside to get rid of any excess water. This is key to avoid watery sauce later on.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
While the peas cook, melt your butter gently in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour, salt, and pepper to make a smooth roux — cook this for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to keep lumps at bay. Add sugar, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep stirring until it thickens to a luscious, pourable sauce — this usually takes one to two minutes. Patience here really pays off for that silky texture you’re after.
Step 3: Combine and Heat Through
Drain your peas well once more if needed, then fold them gently into your creamy sauce. Let everything heat together on low for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. That moment when the sauce clings perfectly to each pea? That’s what I live for! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — maybe a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
Pro Tips for Making Creamed Peas Recipe
- Don’t Skip Draining the Peas: I discovered this trick when my sauce once looked way too runny — thoroughly draining the peas makes all the difference.
- Whisk Constantly: When adding milk to the roux, whisking keeps your sauce beautifully smooth without lumps.
- Use Whole Milk: It provides that perfect creaminess — skim or low-fat milk tends to make the sauce thinner and less rich.
- Adjust Sweetness Last: Some peas are naturally sweeter than others, so add sugar gradually and taste as you go.
How to Serve Creamed Peas Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top — it adds just the right pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a tiny grating of lemon zest gives a subtle zing that elevates things, especially if you’re serving with rich main dishes.
Side Dishes
This creamed peas recipe is a dream alongside roast chicken, baked ham, or even grilled fish. It also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served creamed peas in cute ramekins topped with crispy pancetta or even a delicate puff pastry cap for a fancy twist. It’s a fun way to dress up this humble side dish and impress guests without much extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken a bit overnight, but a quick stir with a splash of milk helps bring it back to that creamy texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen creamed peas a couple of times with decent results — just be aware the texture changes slightly after thawing and reheating. To maintain creaminess, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on low heat, stirring often.
Reheating
When reheating, I recommend using the stove over the microwave for the best flavor and texture. Warm it slowly over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of milk if the sauce gets too thick. This helps keep it as luscious as when freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for the creamed peas recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will work beautifully and actually taste fantastic, but keep in mind you’ll need to cook them just until tender (usually less time than frozen peas). If you don’t have fresh peas on hand, frozen ones still yield an excellent, sweet flavor.
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What can I substitute for whole milk in this recipe?
You can use 2% milk or even a plant-based milk like oat or almond, but whole milk provides the best creamy texture and flavor. If you swap, just be prepared for a slightly thinner sauce, and consider adding a little more butter to compensate.
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How do I prevent lumps in the creamed peas sauce?
The key is to whisk constantly while gradually adding the milk to the butter-flour roux. This helps create a smooth sauce. Also, cook the roux for a minute before adding milk to avoid that raw flour taste.
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Can I make the creamed peas recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk like coconut, almond, or oat milk. You can use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken as needed. The flavors will be different but still delicious in their own right.
Final Thoughts
This creamed peas recipe has quietly become one of my all-time favorite sides because it’s approachable, comforting, and consistently satisfying. I love how it transforms humble peas into something a little luxurious without requiring fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Honestly, once you try it, I think you’ll find yourself making it again and again — it just feels like a warm hug on a plate. So go on, give it a shot tonight and watch how it quickly becomes a regular in your recipe rotation!
Print
Creamed Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamed peas is a simple, comforting side dish featuring tender peas in a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and a touch of sugar. This easy-to-make recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and is perfect for enhancing weeknight dinners with a cozy vegetable option.
Ingredients
Peas
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Cook the Peas: Prepare the peas according to the package directions, which can involve microwaving or stovetop cooking to ensure they are tender.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper until the mixture is blended smoothly. Gradually whisk in the milk and sugar, bringing the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook and stir for one to two minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Heat Through: Drain the cooked peas thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. Stir the drained peas into the thickened sauce in the saucepan. Cook together for a few minutes to heat the peas through and allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- This quick and easy side dish is cozy and satisfying, ideal for turning ordinary weeknight dinners into something special.
- For the creamiest sauce, be sure to drain the peas well to avoid thinning the sauce.
- You can cook the peas either by microwaving or on the stovetop depending on your preference and available time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 271mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
