What's a classic holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner without a side of a vegetable? This Creamed Peas Side Dish is the perfect, no-fuss answer. It takes a humble ingredient—the pea—and transforms it into a rich, creamy, and comforting side that is ready in minutes.1 It's a dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia and is so easy to make, you'll want to add it to your regular rotation.

The secret to this recipe is its simplicity. A quick, two-ingredient sauce is all it takes to turn frozen peas into a velvety-smooth and savory side. The peas stay tender and sweet, while the creamy sauce provides a rich and satisfying counterpoint. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a simple way to add a delicious vegetable to any meal.

Creamed Peas Side Dish

Classic Comfort Food in Minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) bag of frozen peas2

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter3

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour4

  • 1 ½ cups milk

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to enhance sweetness)

Instructions

1. Cook the Peas

  1. Boil Water: In a medium saucepan, bring a few cups of water to a boil.

  2. Cook Peas: Add the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they are bright green and tender. Drain them well and set them aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. Melt Butter: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. Create Roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.5 This cooks out the raw flour taste.

  3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

  4. Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.

3. Combine and Serve

  1. Add Peas: Return the cooked and drained peas to the saucepan with the sauce.

  2. Season: Stir in the salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).

  3. Toss to Coat: Stir gently until the peas are heated through and evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

  4. Serve immediately while warm.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Side

  • Don't Overcook the Peas: For the best color and texture, cook the peas for just a few minutes. They will finish cooking as they are incorporated into the hot sauce.

  • Whisk to Prevent Lumps: Whisking is the key to a smooth, lump-free sauce. If you prefer, you can use a fine-mesh sieve to strain out any lumps before adding the peas.

  • The Sweet Secret: A little bit of sugar helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the peas and balance the savory flavors.

  • Customize It! For an extra layer of flavor, you can stir in some finely chopped fresh mint or a few pieces of crumbled cooked bacon at the end.

  • Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh, as the sauce can thicken too much as it sits. If you need to reheat it, add a splash of milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency.