Creamed Peas

Tender sweet peas in a luscious and creamy white sauce make this classic comfort food one that the whole family will love. Made with pantry staples and ready in less than 20 minutes, Creamed Peas are perfect for a busy weeknight.

Creamed Peas Recipe

This classic side dish is made with simple ingredients and will please even the pickiest eaters.

Plus, it’s super easy to make and comes together in just a few minutes. A favorite side dish for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Peas are super versatile! Not only can you serve them plain, you can make a mixed vegetable casserole, a pea casserole or use them in layered salads.

What are creamed peas?

Creamed peas are a classic comfort food side dish made with sweet peas that have been cooked and then combined with a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, and milk or cream.

The dish is often seasoned with salt, pepper. I like mine with fresh ground black pepper to contrast the rich and creamy sauce. Plus it adds a pop of color.

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Ingredients Needed

Butter – I like to use unsalted butter to control the salt level.

Flour – All purpose flour is perfect. I haven’t tested this with alternative flours.

Milk – Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce but reduced fat is ok.

Peas – Use frozen peas for best results. See my tips section below for more options.

Cream – Heavy cream will give you the best sauce texture but you can also use regular whipping cream or half & half. You can also stir in a few ounces of softened cream cheese.

Pantry staples – Salt and black pepper, parsley for garnish.

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How to Make Creamed Peas

First: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook 2-3 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Second: Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Cook 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in salt and pepper.

Third: Pour in peas and cook for 5-6 minutes until peas are heated through.

Fourth: Remove from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and heavy cream if desired. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How to Store Leftovers

It is advised to store any remaining portions of this dish in a sealed container in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.

To reheat creamed peas, place in a skillet or saucepan over low heat, and heat slowly, stirring often, just until warmed through. Add more milk or broth if the sauce gets too thick.

Can you freeze creamed peas?

You can freeze them, but there are some ways the recipe can change. The sauce can become grainy or watery as it separates when you thaw it. The peas will also get extra mushy and release water.

If you need to freeze creamed peas, it’s best to do so in a good freezer container or freezer bag and lay flat. Cool them before freezing and only freeze for 1 month tops.

When reheating from frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then reheat them slowly on the stovetop, adding additional milk or cream to make the sauce creamy again.

What to Serve with Creamed Peas

Chicken or turkey: I love these with a baked chicken breast, fried chicken thigh, or a few slices of fried turkey.

Meatloaf: This creamy side dish is perfect with meatloaf. They work well with the savory and slightly tangy taste of the meatloaf.

Pork chops: I love peas with pork anytime!

Potatoes: Creamed peas are great with mashed potatoes or spooned inside a baked potato with a crispy skin!

Are creamed peas and lady peas the same thing?

Creamed peas are a side dish made with sweet peas that are cooked in a creamy sauce.

Lady peas, on the other hand, are a specific type of field pea that are smaller and more delicate than regular green peas.

How do you jazz up canned peas?

Canned peas can be a convenient and budget-friendly ingredient, but they can sometimes be a bit bland on their own.

One of the best tips with using any canned vegetable is to drain and rinse them really well before using them.

This removes any canned flavor and then you can fix them any way you like.

Here are a few ides:

Seasoning: One of the simplest ways to add flavor to canned peas is to season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other herbs and spices you like.

You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for some tanginess.

Bacon: Cook up some bacon in a pan until crispy, then crumble it over the top of the canned peas for a salty and savory boost of flavor. You can even use the bacon grease to make the roux.

Onions and garlic: Heat up some butter or oil in a pan and saute some diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Stir in the canned peas and cook for a few minutes until heated through. Pearl onions work well with this to add some texture.

Cheese: Shred some cheddar, Parmesan, or another favorite cheese and sprinkle it over the top of the canned peas. Pop the dish in the oven or under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Salad: Drain the canned peas and mix them with some diced celery, red onion, and a quick dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.

Chill the green pea salad in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors mix together.

Recipe Variations

Creamed Peas with Bacon: Mix cooked bacon in the peas and cream sauce and heat through. Serve with more crispy bacon on top.

Creamed Peas with Cheese: Stir grated Parmesan cheese in while cooking the cream sauce until melted and smooth. Add the peas and heat through.

Creamed Peas with Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they are tender and browned. Add them to the cream sauce along with the peas and heat through.

Creamed Peas with Ham: Dice cooked ham and add it to the cream sauce along with the peas. Heat through and serve.

Tips for No Leftovers

• Unsalted butter is best but if you only have salted, leave out the additional salt.
• Use bacon grease instead of butter in the roux for a little extra flavor.
• Substitute equal parts evaporated milk and water when making the roux.
• You can use fresh peas in this recipe. Just be sure to blanch them first.
• Do not overcook the peas. They will be very mushy.
• Make this in a large skillet instead of a pot if you prefer.
• If you have a larger family, it’s easy to double this recipe.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Our easy creamed peas recipe is the perfect solution when you’re looking for a simple and delicious side dish that will elevate any meal?

More Easy Recipes

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