If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both soul-soothing and delightfully easy, Creamed Peas are about to steal your heart (and your dinner table)! This comforting classic brings together sweet, tender peas wrapped in a buttery, silky cream sauce — the kind of dish that’s right at home on a holiday spread or as a last-minute weeknight hero. With just a short list of pantry staples and a speedy cooking time, Creamed Peas truly deserve a spot in every home cook’s rotation. Whether you’re making them for the nostalgia, the color pop, or simply because you’re craving something warm and luscious, you’ll find reasons to revisit this magical dish again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamed Peas lies in their simplicity: every ingredient brings something vital to the finished dish. There’s no need to fuss — just a handful of pantry and freezer basics that work together to deliver rich flavor, creamy texture, and eye-catching color.

Unsalted Butter: The foundation for the creamy sauce; it lends a gentle richness without overpowering the fresh peas.
All Purpose Flour: Whisked into the butter, this helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Garlic Powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory depth — totally optional but highly recommended for a little extra warmth.
Whole Milk or Half and Half: Brings in that luscious creaminess; using half and half will give you an even more decadent texture.
Salt: Crucial for balancing the sweetness of the peas and bringing all the flavors together.
White or Black Pepper: White pepper gives a delicate heat without specks, while black pepper pops with a bit more bite.
Frozen Peas: The star of the show; frozen peas are quick, sweet, and stay beautifully bright green.
Heavy Cream (optional): When you want to go full indulgence mode, a splash of heavy cream at the end makes the sauce extra velvet-like.

How to Make Creamed Peas

Step 1: Make the Roux

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells gloriously buttery and any foam just starts to subside. Whisk in the flour (and garlic powder, if using) until it forms a smooth, paste-like mixture. This little step sets up your cream sauce for that signature silkiness.

Step 2: Whisk in the Milk

Pour the milk or half and half in slowly, whisking as you go. This helps fend off any lumps and ensures a beautifully smooth sauce. Keep the heat at medium-high and continue to whisk frequently for about 6 minutes, or until you notice the mixture thickening up to a dreamy, coat-the-back-of-a-spoon texture. Now’s the time to sprinkle in salt and pepper — taste as you go!

Step 3: Add the Peas

Gently stir in the frozen peas. They’ll cook quickly in the hot sauce, just about 4 minutes is plenty to keep them tender yet still vibrant in color. Stir often so everything heats through evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Adjust Seasoning

For the grand finale, add your splash of heavy cream if using. This makes Creamed Peas outrageously velvety and luxurious. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed — maybe a touch more salt or pepper, if your taste buds say so.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, take a moment to finish your Creamed Peas with a little flourish! A pat of butter, a shower of fresh chopped chives or dill, and some extra cracked pepper take this side from everyday to truly special.

How to Serve Creamed Peas

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of black or white pepper is classic, but don’t hesitate to dress things up a bit! Try a handful of freshly chopped chives, dill, or parsley for color and a fresh bite. Even a little extra pad of butter melting over the top never goes amiss.

Side Dishes

Creamed Peas are wonderfully versatile. They play beautifully next to roasted turkey, ham, or chicken, but can also be a bright and creamy contrast to hearty dishes like meatloaf or mashed potatoes. If you’re feeling light, serve them alongside grilled fish or atop a baked potato for a pop of green.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling festive, spoon Creamed Peas into small ramekins as individual sides, or serve over thick-cut toast for a vintage-inspired twist. They’re also beautiful spooned over fluffy rice, tucked inside a puff pastry shell, or folded into pasta for a creamy, spring-forward meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamed Peas can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so a splash of milk stirred in during reheating brings it right back to silky perfection.

Freezing

To freeze, cool your Creamed Peas completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember—they may lose a touch of texture, but will still be delicious when reheated gently.

Reheating

Reheating is simple: For small amounts, use the microwave at 50 percent power and stir every 30 seconds. For larger batches, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding extra milk or cream as needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make Creamed Peas with canned peas?

Absolutely! If using canned peas, just be sure to drain and rinse them well, and stir them in at the very end—only heat them for a couple minutes so they stay firm and don’t turn mushy.

How can I make Creamed Peas gluten-free?

Easily swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold milk. The sauce will still thicken up nicely!

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Diced carrots, pearl onions, or even chopped asparagus tips can be sautéed separately, then stirred into the sauce along with the peas for a colorful and flavorful variation.

Are Creamed Peas vegetarian?

Yes, so long as you stick to plant-based dairy options (like oat milk and vegan butter), this recipe works beautifully as a vegetarian side that everyone can enjoy.

What’s the best way to keep Creamed Peas from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens up a bit too much while sitting, just whisk in a splash more milk or cream over low heat. It will loosen up and return to its original creamy, pourable glory.

Final Thoughts

Creamed Peas are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With their cheerful color and velvety texture, they brighten any table in no time at all. If you haven’t made this classic side yet, trust me—give them a try and watch them become a favorite in your home, too!

Creamed Peas Recipe

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5.1 from 19 reviews

Creamed Peas are a simple, comforting side dish that can be prepared in just minutes! This classic creamed peas recipe is made with just four basic ingredients and makes for a delicious addition to holiday meals yet is easy enough for weeknight dinners! Easy peasy!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Creamed Peas:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
2 cups whole milk or half and half
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
4 cups frozen peas
¼ cup heavy cream (optional)

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Instructions

Melt butter over medium-high heat in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the unsalted butter to the saucepan and melt over medium-high heat.
Whisk the flour and garlic powder (if using) into the butter until incorporated and smooth. Add the all-purpose flour and garlic powder to the melted butter, whisking until smooth.
Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, over medium-high heat until the mixture has thickened, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually pour in the whole milk or half and half, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the peas and cook, stirring frequently, until the peas are heated through, about 4 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas and cook until heated through.
Stir in heavy cream and check for seasonings. Add the heavy cream and adjust seasonings as needed.
Garnish with additional pepper, butter, fresh chopped chives, or dill. Serve and enjoy! Add garnishes of choice before serving.

Notes

To Store: Leftover creamed peas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave and heat at 50% power in 30-second increments or warm slowly over low heat on the stove.
To Freeze: Transfer cooled creamed peas to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Canned peas can be used in this recipe, but they should be added at the very end and cooked for only a couple of minutes; otherwise, they will turn mushy.