Creamed Peas Recipe

These Creamed Peas are sweet, tender, and coated in a smooth, buttery cream sauce. This classic side dish uses five simple ingredients and is ready in just 13 minutes, making it perfect for holidays, Sunday dinner, or busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need five basic ingredients to make this easy creamed peas recipe:

• Butter – Adds richness and flavor. Use unsalted if you want more control over the seasoning.
• All-purpose flour – Flour combines with the butter to make a roux, which thickens the sauce.
• Milk or cream – Whole milk makes a creamy sauce without being too heavy. Half-and-half or cream can be used for a richer result. The richer the dairy, the creamier your sauce!
• Frozen peas – Frozen peas are convenient, hold their shape well, and can go directly into the sauce without thawing.
• Salt and black pepper – Add these to taste once the peas are hot and the sauce has thickened.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Creamed peas are delicious as written, but it is easy to change the recipe based on what you have or what you are serving.

• Fresh peas – Blanch shelled fresh peas in boiling water for about 90 seconds before adding them to the sauce.
• Canned peas – Drain them well and fold them in near the end. Stir gently because canned peas are softer than frozen peas.
• Half-and-half or heavy cream – Either can replace the milk. The sauce will be richer and may need an extra splash of milk if it becomes too thick.
• Pearl onions – Cook frozen pearl onions according to the package instructions, then add them with the peas.
• Chopped onion or garlic – Sauté finely chopped onion or minced garlic in the butter before adding the flour.
• Mushrooms – Sauté sliced mushrooms in the butter until tender before making the roux. One of our readers loves this addition!
• Potatoes – Add boiled red or Yukon Gold potatoes to turn this into creamed peas and potatoes.
• Ham or bacon – Stir in diced cooked ham or sprinkle crispy bacon over the top for a heartier side dish.
• Parmesan cheese – Add freshly grated Parmesan after the sauce thickens for a slightly cheesy flavor.
• Fresh herbs – Parsley, dill, or thyme adds a fresh finish without overpowering the peas.
• Gluten-free option – Instead of making a flour roux, heat the butter and most of the milk together. Whisk cornstarch with a little cold milk to make a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the warm milk until the sauce thickens.

How to Make Creamed Peas

1. Make the roux. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for about 30 seconds. The mixture should look smooth and slightly foamy, without taking on much color.

2. Whisk in the milk or cream. Add the milk (or cream) a little at a time, whisking constantly after each addition. Cook gently until the sauce is smooth and about the consistency of thin gravy. Do not let it come to a hard boil.

3. Add the peas. Stir the frozen peas directly into the sauce. There is no need to thaw them first. Continue gently stirring until the peas are heated through, about 7-8 minutes.

4. Season and serve. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, stir in another splash of milk. Serve immediately while the peas and sauce are warm.

Recipe Tips

• Add the milk gradually. Pouring in all the milk at once makes it harder to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Keep whisking. Whisk continuously while adding the milk and frequently as the sauce thickens.
• Use gentle heat. High heat can scorch the milk or cause the sauce to separate. Keep it around medium to medium-low.
• Do not boil the sauce. A gentle simmer is all you need to thicken it.
• Skip thawing the peas. Frozen peas can be added straight from the freezer and will heat through in the sauce.
• Stir the peas carefully. Gentle stirring helps them keep their shape, especially if you are using canned peas.
• Check the consistency before serving. The sauce continues to thicken as it sits. Add milk a tablespoon at a time if you need to loosen it.
• Season at the end. The saltiness can vary depending on the butter and dairy you use, so taste the finished sauce before adding more salt.

Substitutions

Looking for a lighter version? Try these easy swaps:

• Use Low-Fat Dairy – Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk, skim milk, or unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Reduce Butter – Use less butter or replace with a healthier alternative like olive oil or coconut oil.
• Add More Veggies – Toss in diced carrots, spinach, or cauliflower for extra nutrients.
• Minimize Salt – Instead of relying on excessive salt for seasoning, enhance the flavors with herbs or spices. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill can add a burst of freshness without relying heavily on salt.
• Use Cornstarch for a Gluten-Free Option – Swap out the flour for cornstarch to keep it gluten-free without compromising texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Make Ahead and Storage

Creamed peas taste best immediately after cooking, but they can be prepared a few hours ahead and reheated gently before serving. Make the sauce slightly thinner than usual because it will thicken as it cools.

Store leftover creamed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of milk as needed. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

I do not recommend freezing creamed peas. Dairy-based sauces can separate or become grainy after freezing and thawing, and the peas may lose some of their texture.

What to Serve with Creamed Peas

Creamed peas go with almost any simple meat-and-potatoes dinner. I especially like serving them with baked garlic chicken, herb-crusted salmon, roast beef, or grilled pork chops.

They are also delicious spooned over homemade mashed potatoes or served with orzo rice. For Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner, pair them with our Crockpot spiral ham.

More Recipes Like This

If you are looking for more easy vegetable side dishes, try these family favorites:

Side Dishes

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Gluten Free

Candied Carrots

Side Dishes

Perfect Corn on the Cob

Side Dishes

Sweet Sautéed Asparagus

• Creamed Peas and Potatoes
• How to Cook Frozen Peas
• Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon
• Crockpot Split Pea Soup
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Parmesan Squash Casserole
• Cheesy Cauliflower

You can also browse our collection of BBQ side dish ideas for more easy sides.