Creamed peas hold a special place in many hearts and kitchens. This delightful dish combines the freshness of peas with creamy, cheesy goodness, creating a comforting side that pairs beautifully with any meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, these creamed peas are often the star of the show. When you take a bite, you’ll experience the lush textures and vibrant flavors melded together, making it hard to resist going back for seconds.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a lazy Sunday afternoon, digging through my grandmother’s recipe box. The simplicity and charm of creamed peas immediately captured my attention, and I had to give it a try. Within moments of tasting, I knew I had discovered a family favorite that would become a staple for years to come. Trust me, once you whip up a batch of these creamed peas, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, these creamed peas come together effortlessly.
- Irresistible Flavor: Imagine rich cream cheese blended with savory garlic and fresh peas— comfort food at its finest!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green of the peas, combined with the creamy texture, makes for a lovely, inviting dish.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday feasts; they fit seamlessly into any spread.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily switch to light cream cheese and low-fat cheddar without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound frozen peas: Opt for frozen peas for convenience; they are typically sweeter than canned. Fresh peas work well, too—just be mindful of cooking times.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and helps sauté those lovely peas and garlic. You can substitute with butter for a creamier flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic powder): Fresh garlic brings a robust, aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing the overall flavors of your creamed peas.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed (use light): Cream cheese gives this dish its luxurious, creamy texture. Light cream cheese will still provide that rich flavor!
- 1/3 cup milk (2% or whole): Milk helps to create a smooth, pourable consistency. Dairy alternatives like almond milk can work too.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (low fat or fat free): Adds cheesy depth and a delectable finish. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties!
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley: Not just for garnish! Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, this is a fantastic option to spice things up.
How to Make Creamed Peas
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the 2 tablespoons of olive oil until fragrant.
- Cook the frozen peas: Add in the 1 pound of frozen peas and stir them frequently until they are thawed and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté the garlic: Stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves along with Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Incorporate the cream cheese: Add in 8 ounces of cubed cream cheese and 1/3 cup of milk. Stir continuously until the mixture is creamy and combined, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Melt in the cheddar: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and continue cooking over medium heat until it melts and the mixture thickens slightly, taking an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from the heat and transfer the creamed peas to a serving dish. Garnish with 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired. Enjoy!
Storing & Reheating
To store your delicious creamed peas, let them cool down and transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, these peas can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently. Just a splash of milk can help refresh the texture and flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the skillet; this helps create a smoother consistency.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking; ensure peas have enough space to evenly heat and sauté without steaming.
- You can make this dish ahead of time—assemble it and then reheat before serving for an easy warm-up side.
- Looking to cut calories? Substitute with low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese without losing much flavor.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your preferences; sometimes a little more salt or a pinch of sugar helps round out the flavors.
Creamed peas are a delightful way to bring a taste of nostalgia to your table. The balance of flavors together in this dish is truly something special. They offer comfort, ease of preparation, and versatility, making them an ideal choice for busy weekdays or as a comforting side during special occasions. Feel free to play around with the ingredients, enhance the flavors, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used, but they will require slightly longer cooking times. Just keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook and turn mushy.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make creamed peas dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and choose a plant-based milk. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What can I serve with creamed peas?
Creamed peas pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian dish. They also elevate any standard meat and potatoes meal with their rich, creamy texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can make the dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if necessary to retain its creamy consistency.
Print
Creamed Peas
This creamed peas dish offers an irresistible flavor with its creamy texture and the perfect blend of peas, garlic, and cheese. It’s a quick and tasty addition to any meal that brings comfort to your table.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced, or 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed, use light
- 1/3 cup milk, 2% or whole
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, low fat or fat free
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes, or to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add frozen peas and stir until they are thawed.
- Mix in minced garlic along with Kosher salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate cream cheese and milk, mixing until fully combined for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and cook until melted and the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Serve garnished with chopped parsley and chili flakes if desired.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
You can use garlic powder as a substitute for fresh garlic if you prefer a quicker option.
For a lighter version, choose low-fat cream cheese and adjust the amount of cheese used.
Feel free to add more chili flakes for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
