This old fashioned Creamed Peas Recipe is the ideal side dish for most any entrée. It's a deliciously simple way to elevate a plain batch of petite peas turning them into a creamy and decadent accompaniment.
Easy Creamed Peas Recipe
This recipe for cream peas is one that cook's of yesteryear perfected. I can still remember my Mom and Grandma's making them as a regular featured side dish in their summer kitchens, using fresh from the garden shelled peas. These days, frozen peas are picked at their peak season and flash frozen. They're the ideal opportunity to make them with a little less fuss. That's a win in my kitchen.
How to Make the Best Creamed Peas Recipe
- Ingredients you'll need to make homemade Creamed Peas: One pound frozen petite peas, butter, all purpose flour, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, half and half and nutmeg.
- Kitchen gadgets you'll need: A medium size saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, sharp knife and cutting board or onion chopper, whisk and large spoon for mixing everything together.
- It's not necessary to thaw the peas prior to adding them to the cream sauce.
- If the cream sauce seems thick when first adding the peas, don't be tempted to add more liquid. It will thin a bit as they thaw and release liquid into the sauce.
- I prefer half and half for creamed peas but you could adapt using whole milk if that's what you've got on hand. To make your own half and half, use equal parts milk and heavy cream and you'll be good to go.
- Nutmeg is typically added to a homemade bechamel sauce and I love including a pinch or two in this recipe. It's optional, and you could choose to omit but it adds a depth of flavor to the sauce that complements the peas.
- You could add one cup of frozen pearl onions to the mix, in place of diced onion. Add them to the saucepan with the peas, cooking until thawed and heated through.
- Store leftover creamed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in single servings in the microwave.
More Southern Style Side Dishes to Make
Some days, it's all about the side dishes for me. More side dish inspiration and recipes you may also like to make:
- Fried Green Tomatoes can be served on sandwiches, as an appetizer or side dish.
- Another simple side dish to make is this recipe for Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad.
- Sweet and tangy Green Bean Salad.
- Easy Cornbread Casserole only requires 6 ingredients to make.
- Cajun Collard Greens with Bacon is packed with flavor.
- Use leftover brown beans to make these yummy Pinto Bean Cakes.
- Stewed Okra with Tomatoes features a rich and delicious tomato sauce that goes beautifully with cornbread.
- Turnip Greens from Southern Living.
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Creamed Peas Recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 197kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb package frozen petite peas
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup finely diced sweet onion or shallots
- 2 cups half and half or light cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- In a medium size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions cooking until translucent, about 2 minutes, Add flour, stirring until absorbed.
- Gradually whisk in half and half. Bring to a gentle boil then add salt, black pepper, garlic, onion powder and nutmeg. Add peas, mix until coated with sauce.
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or just until peas are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 433mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 834IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Janet
My mom never used onions or garlic in hers, she did not like peas. But the family did. She used basics like butter, flour, milk, and peas. She used can more often than frozen. They were always a hit! I make them 2-3 times a month for my boyfriend, but next time I will add alittle onion and garlic to mine.
April
I made this recently and we loved it! Had it with canned deer (basically like stew beef) and we ended up mixing them together. I think I'll add potatoes next time because that sounds really good too!
Melissa
That sounds tasty, thanks!
Virginia Manbeck
I have made creamed peas many times. (not recently tho) I also add chipped beef and serve over toast.
Melissa
Good eats!
Sue
Can you use canned peas?
Melissa
Frozen peas work best, but you could use canned peas that have been well drained. They also wouldn't need to simmer as long.
john scardina
My mom made this back in the 60's right when frozen Birdseye peas. . She did use 1/2 heavy cream and milk. Worked out fine. I since then have made it several times, using frozen pearl Onions. Amazingly Delicious. Since then I had to stop eating it, I am on blood thinners and any green veggie is a no no.
Virginia Manbeck
Check with your doctor, because you should be able to eat green vegetables in moderation. The key is to not eat large quantities at a time. If on coumadin just make sure you are checking you PT labs regularly. (I am a nurse).
Billie
I was just thinking about creamed peas the other day, wishing I had watched my grandma and my mom make them. My grandmother added pealed and quartered new potatoes. We always had that with our Easter ham. Thank you for the recpe.
Melissa
It's my pleasure, I love them, too!
Geri Jensen
I make mine with frozen pearl onions and new potatoes
TYK
My mom always made this and we spoiled put it over mashed potatoes. It's the only way I would ever eat peas!
TYK
Sorry! Would put it over mashed potatoes, lol.
Diana Brickner
My husband's grandmother gave me her recipe for creamed peas and new potatoes before she passed away!
They are delicious 😋
Amy
THANK'S FOR YOUR RECIPE 💕
Melissa
Thanks for visiting!
Linda
My mother-in-law taught me to add kohlrabi to creamed peas. It is very good
Melissa
Sounds great!