Creamed Peas

Creamed Peas with bacon are a delicious thick, creamy, and sweet pea side dish that compliments your plate. Perfect for a large crowd or holiday, you can find old fashioned creamed peas a fantastic option to pair up with a variety of meals and at under 20 minutes to make, won’t stress you out.

Why peas are the perfect side dish.

When it comes to side dishes, I am the go to girl in my family. And while creamed (I particularly love creamed corn and creamed spinach) veggies are a bit of nostalgia for many, they are also a dish must have. The savory salty bacon combined with the the homemade creamy white sauce, is something that cannot be duplicated in frozen or canned food. And because this recipe really only takes about 15-20 minutes total, there really is no reason not to serve it next to one of the many main dishes on a plate.

Ingredients:

• Frozen peas – No need to thaw the peas. They can go right into the cast iron skillet frozen. Talk about a time saver!
• Chicken broth – Canned or boxed broth is fine, but I do keep the chicken broth seasoning in my pantry because it lasts longer.
• Butter – Since we add salt as well as use bacon which has salt, use unsalted butter.
• Cooked bacon – Before you get started, make sure you have cooked bacon on hand. I find the quickest way to do fresh bacon is simply in an air fryer, but if you want to do a lot at once for recipes like this, try oven baking bacon in large quantities and saving.
• Half and half – If you want a richer flavor and taste, use heavy whipping cream instead
• All purpose flour, sugar, and salt

How to Make Creamed Peas

There are only 5 steps to making creamed peas.

1. Cook Bacon
2. Add all ingredients to a boil.
3. Make the white sauce and allow to thicken.
4. Season and serve.

Step 1: If necessary, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and chop.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add butter and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil. Stir the frozen peas into the skillet, and let them heat through for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Whisk together the half and half, flour, and sugar in a bowl. This is the key to getting that white sauce creamy texture. Slowly stir the cream mixture into the peas and bacon, reducing the heat to medium. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Once thickened, season with salt (if you like), and serve immediately alongside your favorite main dish. Creamed peas go really well with chicken dishes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Peas

• Want a deeper flavor? Add some sautéed onions before the peas go in.
• Mix in a bit of grated Parmesan for a cheesy take on creamed peas.

Dish Variations:

• Some people like creamed peas with onions or potatoes. Onions could be added quite easily at the beginning with the broth. Potatoes take longer to cook than peas, so it is important to pre-make your potatoes, cut in 4ths and then add to your peas at the end.
• Substitute turkey bacon if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.

Can I use canned peas? I wouldn’t. They come already super soft and will not really hold up as well in this dish.

More Ways to use Peas

• Pea Salad
• Pea Pasta Salad
• Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup
• Sugar Snap Peas

Do you love this recipe?

If you tried this and loved it, had changes that worked well, or have any feedback, please leave me a comment, a rating, or find me on pinterest to save. Together we can make delicious meals!