Creamed Peas is a bowlful of pure, unadulterated comfort. It is a dish that brings back memories of weeknight dinners and the happy chatter of my family around the table. The gentle sweetness of the peas and the creamy sauce bring a sense of warmth and contentment to my kitchen.
IF you have a tough time getting your children to eat their vegetables, try serving them my roasted garlic carrots and my marinated green beans.
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Why this Homemade Creamed Peas Recipe is a Keeper
Sometimes, the simplicity of a dish is what makes it special. My grandmother always had this dish on the table for special meals. Therefore, for me it will always be special.
- Comforting Classic: Creamed peas are a nostalgic and beloved side dish that brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to any meal.
- Simple Elegance: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that feels both comforting and slightly elevated sing basic pantry staples.
- Quick Cooking: Peas cook quickly, making this a fast side dish option, especially when using frozen peas or cans of peas in this recipe.
- Versatile Pairing: Creamed peas complement a wide variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and fish to mashed potatoes and meatloaf.
- Deliciously Creamy: The rich and velvety sauce coats the sweet peas perfectly, creating a satisfying and flavorful bite.
- Customizable: The recipe can be easily adapted with different flavorings and additions to suit your taste. Everyone loves creamed peas.
Can I use fresh peas to make creamed peas?
Absolutely! In fact, using fresh peas will elevate your creamed peas to a whole new level of deliciousness. They offer a brighter, sweeter flavor and a slightly firmer texture compared to frozen or canned peas.
Pro Tip for the Easy Side Dish
Add Milk: Adding cold milk or cream to the hot roux helps prevent lumps from forming.
Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions for the Best Creamed Peas Recipe
I use this basic white sauce for creamed spinach, creamed corn and other quick and easy side dishes.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Green Peas: Fresh Green Peas are best for this recipe.
- VARIATION: You can used canned peas but they will get mushy.
- Heavy Cream: I use heavy cream for the cream sauce.
- VARIATION: You can use half and half or whole milk but you may need to add a thickening agent.
- VARIATION: Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, mint, or thyme add a bright, herbaceous note. Stir them in at the end of cooking.
- Spices: A pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper, white pepper, onion powder or garlic powder can add subtle warmth and flavor.
- Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyere cheese at the end for a cheesy creamed pea dish.
- Bacon or Ham: Cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham adds a salty and smoky element when tossed in a creamy sauce.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can be incorporated for an earthy flavor.
- Lemon Zest: I have made this dish with a little lemon zest can brighten the overall flavor of this simple recipe.
How to Make Recipe for Creamed Peas
You can make this delicious side dish in so many different ways. My mother used to make this easy side dish recipe with creamed peas and new potatoes.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Boil Water: Stir in the peas and cook.
- Sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour until thick and whisk in cream.
- Combine: Once cream mixture is bubbly, add the peas, then reduce to low heat to low and cook for 2 minutes.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for the Old Fashioned Creamed Peas
You can easily prep some of the ingredients for this simple comfort food.
- Chop Aromatics: If your recipe includes onions or garlic, you can chop them in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Make the Roux (Partially): You can whisk together the butter and flour for the roux ahead of time and store it in a small container at room temperature. This will speed up the cooking process.
- Measure Spices for the Simple Side Dish: Measure out any dried herbs or spices you plan to use.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Peas and Pearl Onions
One of the classic ways to enhance this basic recipe is to add some lovely pearl onions.
- Storing: Transfer the cooled creamed peas to an airtight container. This will help to maintain their quality and prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
- Reheating the Comforting Side Dish: Stovetop: This is often the best method for maintaining the texture. Place the leftover creamed peas in a saucepan over medium heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of milk, cream, or even a little water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Heat until warmed through.
- Using Leftovers: Top Toast or Biscuits: Spoon warmed creamed peas over toasted bread or biscuits for a simple and comforting light meal or snack. You can even add a sprinkle of cheese on top and broil briefly.
- Add to Egg Dishes: Incorporate warmed creamed peas into scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for added moisture and flavor.
- Filling for Savory Pies or Turnovers: Use cooled creamed peas as part of the filling for savory pies, tarts, or turnovers. Combine them with other vegetables or cooked meats.
- Base for a Creamy Soup: Add more liquid (broth, milk, or cream) and blend the leftover creamed peas to create a creamy pea soup base. You can add other vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.
- Mix into Rice Dishes: Stir warmed creamed peas into cooked rice for a creamier and more flavorful side dish.
Common Questions About This Favorite Side Dish Recipe
Inadequate stirring allows the thickening agent to settle and clump at the bottom of the pan. Stir your sauce continuously, especially as it begins to thicken. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent lumps from forming.
Follow your recipe as usual, but consider slightly undercooking the peas. They will continue to cook a bit when reheated. Once cooked, allow the creamed peas to cool down to room temperature completely. This is crucial for safe storage and prevents condensation.Transfer the cooled creamed peas to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will generally keep well for 2-3 days.
Can I freeze creamed peas?
While you can technically freeze creamed peas, it’s generally not recommended as it can significantly impact the texture and quality of the dish.
Expert Tips to Amp Up the Flavor when Making Creamed Peas Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Tender Peas: Cook the peas until they are just tender-crisp to maintain their sweetness and texture. Overcooked peas can become mushy.
- Season Well: Taste and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper) at the end of cooking to enhance the flavors.
- Finish with Butter: Stirring in a knob of butter at the very end can add extra richness and shine to the sauce.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation of the simple sauce. It will also amp up the flavor.
- Gentle Cooking: Cook the sauce over medium-low heat to prevent scorching.
- Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer gently for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve this recipe with: Finger Steaks, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole or Garlic Crockpot Pork Tenderloin.
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Creamed Peas
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Ingredients
- 3 cups Peas
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Flour
- ¾ cups Cream
- ¾ teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Place peas in a boiling pot of water and cook for 3 minutes.
- Blanche and drain, setting aside.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 Tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour until thick and whisk in cream.
- Add in salt, paper and garlic powder.
- Once cream mixture is bubbly, add the peas, then reduce heat to low and cook for 2 minutes.
Christina’s Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Tender Peas: Cook the peas until they are just tender-crisp to maintain their sweetness and texture. Overcooked peas can become mushy.
- Season Well: Taste and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper) at the end of cooking to enhance the flavors.
- Finish with Butter: Stirring in a knob of butter at the very end can add extra richness and shine to the sauce.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation of the simple sauce. It will also amp up the flavor.
- Gentle Cooking: Cook the sauce over medium-low heat to prevent scorching.
- Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer gently for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve this recipe with: Finger Steaks, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole or Garlic Crockpot Pork Tenderloin.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.