Creamed Peas are a favorite side dish! Frozen peas cook in a savory Parmesan cream sauce with bacon and onions—all in one dish, no thawing needed!
If you’re looking for a milk-free recipe using frozen peas, try this Frozen Peas Recipe!
Creamed Peas Recipe
During the holiday season, I’m all about indulgent yet simple side dishes that make any holiday spread feel complete and this creamed peas fits that bill.
Serve Creamed Peas with a seared skillet steak, pan-seared salmon, or quick Blackened Chicken, and you’ve got a fancy-looking, satisfying dinner with minimal effort. But beware—these Creamed Peas just might steal the show from any main dish!
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Use just a small amount to keep the bacon from sticking.
- Bacon: Dice before cooking for even browning and quicker cooking time.
- Yellow Onion: Finely dice for quick cooking and even blending with the peas.
- Frozen Peas: Add them directly from frozen to keep them fresh and firm.
- Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the final dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency.
- Whole Milk: Use whole milk or heavy cream here. No lower fat milk.
- White Sugar (skippable): Add only if the peas need a bit more sweetness.
- Parm Cheese: Freshly grate it for the best melt and flavor.
Variations
Switch Things Up
- Peas & Carrots: Use 4 cups of frozen peas and carrots instead of just peas.
- Pancetta Option: Swap bacon with pancetta for a less smoky flavor.
- Shallots Instead of Onion: Use shallots for a sweeter, milder taste.
- Parm Reggiano: Try Parmigiano Reggiano for extra flavor—it’s satisfying here!
- Peas & Potatoes: Boil diced potatoes, drain, and mix in with the peas; double the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Add a small handful of fresh herbs for extra freshness.
How To Make Creamed Peas
- Bacon & Onion: Cook bacon and onion in olive oil until the bacon is crispy..
- Peas & Butter: mix in peas, butter, salt, and pepper; cook until the peas are hot.
- Thicken with Flour: Add flour and stir for 1 minute to get rid of the raw taste.
- Milk & Parm: Pour in milk and a little sugar if you’d like, stirring until it thickens. Mix in Parm, taste, and adjust salt if needed.
Quick Tip
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen? Yes, canned peas work, but frozen peas have a better taste and texture.
Storage
To store leftover creamed peas and bacon, first let the dish cool completely to room temperature. Then, move the cooled dish to airtight containers and place them in the refrigerator. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
More Tasty Side Dishes
- Sausage Stuffing Recipe with sage and apple
- Grapefruit Salad with an straightforward Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Funeral Potatoes with a crispy potato topping
- Orange Fluff Salad with mandarin oranges
- Life-changing no-knead Dinner Rolls
