Oh, the comfort of a warm, creamy dish! It instantly takes me back to cozy family dinners, the kind where laughter filled the air and everyone’s favorite side dish was on the table. And you know what? Today, we’re recreating that magic with one of the simplest yet most satisfying recipes out there: Creamed Peas! Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and it’s so darn good, you’ll want to make it again and again. Get ready to fall in love with peas all over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for when you’re short on time.
Easy: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you can totally master this!
Giftable: While not a traditional gift, the skill of making this is a gift to yourself and those you cook for!
Crowd-pleasing: From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, everyone adores this creamy goodness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish. Nothing fancy, just good old pantry staples!

4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The foundation of our creamy sauce.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This will help thicken our sauce into that luscious creaminess.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Just a little hint of garlic adds a lovely depth, but it’s totally fine if you skip it!
2 cups whole milk or half and half: For that rich, velvety texture. Half and half will give you an even creamier result!
1 teaspoon salt: To bring out all the flavors.
½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper: White pepper is my go-to here for a cleaner look, but black pepper is perfectly fine too.
4 cups frozen peas: The star of our show! No need to thaw them beforehand.
¼ cup heavy cream (optional): If you want to go the extra mile for ultimate indulgence, this is your secret weapon!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! Grab your favorite apron, and let’s make some magic happen.

Melt the Butter: Start by melting your butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t brown!
Whisk in Flour (and Garlic): Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and garlic powder, if you’re using it. Stir it around for about 1 minute. This cooks out that raw flour taste and creates a lovely roux that will thicken our sauce.
Gradually Add Milk: Slowly pour in your milk or half and half, whisking constantly as you add it. Keep whisking until everything is nice and smooth. No lumps allowed!
Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, still stirring. You’ll notice it start to thicken up beautifully. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired creamy consistency – usually about 2-3 minutes.
Season It Up: Stir in the salt and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust if you think it needs more.
Add the Peas: Now, toss in those frozen peas! Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and heated through. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
The Grand Finale (Optional): If you’re feeling extra fancy, stir in the heavy cream now. Just heat it through for another minute.

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is wonderful as is, but it’s also super adaptable! Here are a few ideas to jazz it up:

Different Veggies: Feel free to add some corn, diced carrots, or even some chopped green beans along with the peas.
Bacon Bits: Who doesn’t love bacon? A sprinkle of crispy cooked bacon bits on top is divine!
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese at the end for a cheesy twist.
Herbs: A pinch of dried dill or chives stirred in at the end adds a fresh, herby flavor.
Milk Alternatives: You can try unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, but note that the creaminess might be slightly different.

Tips for Success

A few little pointers to make your creamed peas absolutely perfect every time!

Don’t Boil Rapidly: While you want it to simmer to thicken, avoid a rolling boil, as this can sometimes break down the sauce.
Whisk, Whisk, Whisk: Consistent whisking is your best friend when making the sauce to ensure it’s smooth and lump-free.
Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is key! Always taste your sauce before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Prep Ahead: You can make the sauce base (steps 1-5) a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, just reheat it gently and add the peas when you’re ready to serve.

How to Store It

Leftovers are a good thing, right? If you happen to have any (which I doubt!), store your delicious creamed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay yummy for about 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash more milk if the sauce has thickened too much upon chilling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?: Absolutely! If you use fresh peas, you might need to cook them a little longer to ensure they are tender. Add them after the sauce has thickened and cook until tender.
Can I make this dairy-free?: You can try using a dairy-free butter alternative and a dairy-free milk (like unsweetened oat or soy milk) and skip the heavy cream. The texture might be a little different, but it should still be delicious!
What can I serve with creamed peas?: Creamed peas are a fantastic side dish for almost anything! Think roasted chicken, baked ham, steak, or even alongside a hearty stew. They’re also lovely served over toast for a simple brunch!

Creamed Peas

A simple and comforting side dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. This creamy and delicious recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Servings 4

Equipment

Saucepan Medium-sized

Ingredients

Main ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder optional
2 cups whole milk or half and half Half and half will give you an even creamier result!
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper White pepper is my go-to here for a cleaner look, but black pepper is perfectly fine too.
4 cups frozen peas No need to thaw them beforehand.
0.25 cup heavy cream optional, for ultimate indulgence

Instructions

Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t brown!
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Whisk in the flour and garlic powder (if using). Stir for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Slowly pour in the milk or half and half, whisking constantly until smooth.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring, until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 2-3 minutes).
Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Add the frozen peas and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and heated through (about 5 minutes).
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and heat through for another minute.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Notes

The skill of making this dish is a gift to yourself and those you cook for. For variations, you can add other vegetables like corn or carrots, bacon bits, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs like dill or chives. You can also use dairy-free milk alternatives, but the creaminess may differ. Avoid a rolling boil and remember to whisk constantly for a smooth sauce. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. The sauce base can be made a day ahead.