Silky Creamed Peas Recipe

Silky Smooth Creamed Peas Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Silky smooth and bursting with garden-fresh flavor, this classic creamed peas recipe brings nostalgic comfort to your dinner table.

Generations of home cooks have cherished these tender green pearls swimming in a luxurious, velvety sauce.

The simple combination of sweet peas and rich cream creates a side dish that’s both elegant and rustic.

Each spoonful delivers a delightful blend of textures and a hint of buttery warmth.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or special gatherings.

Serve these creamed peas alongside roasted meats or as a delectable standalone dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Instructions for Cooking Creamed Peas Just Right

  • Buttery Base

Grab a saucepan and transform butter into a golden, silky foundation for your creamy pea adventure. The butter will create a luxurious backdrop for the entire dish.

  • Flour Magic

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking until everything blends into a smooth, velvety mixture. This magical transformation sets the stage for a perfectly thickened sauce.

  • Milk Transformation

Pour milk into the pan, stirring gently as the liquid morphs into a luscious, creamy sauce. Watch as the mixture transforms from runny to wonderfully thick.

  • Pea Paradise

Toss in those bright green frozen peas, letting them swim in the creamy goodness. The peas will warm through, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

  • Final Touch

Drizzle in a splash of cream for extra richness, creating a side dish that feels like a warm hug. Sprinkle with fresh herbs to add a pop of color and freshness.

Tips to Make Creamed Peas More Flavorful

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Pea Precision: Select fresh or frozen peas for the best texture. Frozen peas work wonderfully and cook quickly, making this dish super convenient for busy kitchens.
  • Dairy Dance: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Greek yogurt can add tangy richness while keeping the sauce creamy and smooth.
  • Herb Heaven: Experiment with fresh herbs like tarragon, parsley, or mint to elevate the flavor profile. Chopped green onions or chives bring a delightful freshness and mild onion kick.
  • Protein Punch: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or sautéed chicken. Crumbled feta or goat cheese can introduce an unexpected and delicious twist.
  • Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Nutmeg works magic, adding a subtle warmth that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Serving Creamed Peas with Any Meal

  • Flavor-Packed Pairing: Complement the creamy peas with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops for a hearty meal that balances the dish's velvety texture.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside poached eggs and crispy bacon for a delightful weekend breakfast that adds a touch of elegance to your morning spread.
  • Thanksgiving Twist: Make this dish a unique addition to your holiday table, offering a creamy vegetable option that stands out from traditional green bean casseroles.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform cold creamed peas into a quick pasta sauce by mixing with cooked pasta, adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor and excitement.

Store Creamed Peas for Future Dinners

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover creamed peas into airtight glass containers with tight-fitting lids, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing flavor absorption from other refrigerated items.
  • Quick Cooling Technique: Allow the creamed peas to reach room temperature within 2 hours after cooking, then refrigerate promptly to maintain optimal taste and texture while preventing bacterial growth.
  • Refrigeration Lifespan: Store the creamy side dish in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum. Check for any unusual odors or color changes before reheating, which indicates potential spoilage.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm the creamed peas in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce appears too thick, restoring the original creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the smooth sauce's integrity and prevent separation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamed Peas Ingredients for a Classic Side Dish

For Base and Thickening:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich foundation and helps create smooth, velvety sauce texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Crucial for thickening the cream sauce and creating silky consistency.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
For Liquid and Creaminess:
  • Whole Milk: Creates smooth, luxurious base with perfect creamy consistency.
  • Half and Half: Offers richer alternative with deeper, more indulgent flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Elevates sauce with extra richness and luxurious mouthfeel.
For Seasoning and Flavor:
  • Salt: Balances and highlights natural sweetness of peas and creaminess of sauce.
  • White Pepper: Adds gentle, sophisticated heat without dark specks in white sauce.
  • Black Pepper: Provides robust, classic pepper warmth if white pepper unavailable.
For Main Ingredient:
  • Frozen Peas: Sweet, tender vegetable that cooks quickly and provides vibrant green color and fresh taste.

Tools for Preparing Smooth Creamed Peas

  • Saucepan: Medium-sized pan perfect for creating creamy sauces and cooking peas.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending butter, flour, and milk smoothly without lumps.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk, flour, and other ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and preventing sauce from sticking to pan.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for chopping fresh herbs like chives or dill for garnish.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for precise herb chopping and final preparation.
Print
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Silky Creamed Peas Recipe

Silky Creamed Peas Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade creamed peas offer a classic side dish with nostalgic farmhouse charm. Luscious green peas bathed in rich cream sauce deliver comfort and simplicity for family meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) frozen peas
  • 2 cups (470 ml) whole milk or half and half
  • 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsps (45 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp white pepper or black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, creating a golden liquid base for the upcoming creamy texture.
  2. Roux Development: Whisk flour and garlic powder into the melted butter, creating a smooth mixture without any lumps, establishing a perfect thickening foundation.
  3. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour milk into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Allow the sauce to thicken and develop a silky consistency while seasoning with salt and pepper for depth of flavor.
  4. Vegetable Infusion: Introduce frozen peas into the sauce, ensuring complete coating and gentle warming. Incorporate heavy cream, stirring gently to create a luxurious, cohesive mixture that preserves the peas’ vibrant color and tender bite.
  5. Final Presentation: Transfer the creamed peas to a serving dish, garnishing with freshly cracked pepper, a delicate butter accent, and a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or dill. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting, showcasing the dish’s rich, creamy elegance.

Notes

  • Prevent Lumpy Roux: Whisk flour and garlic powder constantly and vigorously into melted butter to create a smooth, lump-free base for your sauce.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium heat throughout cooking to prevent milk from scorching and ensure a velvety sauce texture without burning.
  • Optimize Vegetable Texture: Add frozen peas at the end of cooking to preserve their bright green color and prevent overcooking, keeping them tender and vibrant.
  • Garnish for Maximum Impact: Finish the dish with fresh herbs and a touch of butter just before serving to elevate flavor and create a restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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