Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and quick this dish is to make—just a few pantry staples come together to create something that feels special. Whether served alongside roasted meats, baked chicken, or holiday dishes, creamed peas never fail to impress. The creamy texture and mild sweetness from the peas make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Frozen green peas
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Unsalted butter
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All-purpose flour
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Whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Optional: a pinch of sugar, freshly grated nutmeg
Directions
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In a medium saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat.
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I whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly so it doesn’t brown.
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Gradually, I whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
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I continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens—this usually takes 3–5 minutes.
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I stir in the peas, salt, and pepper. I sometimes add a pinch of sugar to enhance the sweetness of the peas.
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I let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and tender.
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I taste and adjust seasoning, sometimes grating in a little nutmeg for depth.
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I serve hot as a comforting side dish.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings. The preparation time is 5 minutes, and cooking time is 10 minutes, making a total time of approximately 15 minutes.
Variations
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Cheesy Creamed Peas: I stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end for a cheesy twist.
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Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions: I add thawed pearl onions along with the peas for an extra layer of flavor.
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Bacon Version: I cook and crumble bacon, then stir it into the finished dish for a smoky touch.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover creamed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. They can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
Yes, I can, but I prefer frozen peas for their brighter color and firmer texture. If using canned peas, I drain and rinse them well, and reduce the cooking time slightly since they’re already soft.
What can I use instead of milk?
I often substitute whole milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce or use a dairy-free alternative like oat milk if needed. The texture may vary slightly depending on what I use.
Do I need to thaw the peas first?
No, I typically add frozen peas straight to the hot cream sauce. They thaw and cook quickly, so there’s no need to defrost in advance.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I sometimes make creamed peas a day ahead. I reheat them gently and stir in a splash of milk to refresh the sauce if it thickens too much.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
I make sure to whisk the flour and butter mixture well before adding milk, then slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. This helps ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Conclusion
Creamed Peas are a timeless and cozy side dish that’s always a welcome addition to my dinner table. Quick to make and full of comforting flavor, they pair wonderfully with just about any main course. Whether I’m cooking a holiday feast or a weeknight meal, these peas bring the perfect touch of creamy comfort.
Print
Creamed Peas
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy stovetop side features sweet peas in a silky white sauce with butter, milk, and a touch of seasoning—quick, cozy, and versatile.
Ingredients
2 cups frozen green peas
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: pinch of sugar, freshly grated nutmeg to taste
Instructions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a light roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
Cook the sauce, stirring often, until it thickens—about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in the frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Optionally add a pinch of sugar or a dash of nutmeg for added flavor.
Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of milk.
Add a handful of shredded cheddar or parmesan for cheesy creamed peas.
Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon or pearl onions for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
