Old Fashioned Creamed Peas Recipe From Fresh or Frozen Peas
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Make easy old fashioned creamed peas from fresh or frozen peas with this creamy, comforting side dish recipe perfect for family dinners and holidays.
Some recipes just taste like home, and old fashioned creamed peas are definitely one of those comfort foods. Simple, creamy, buttery peas have been showing up on family dinner tables for generations because they’re affordable, easy to make, and somehow go with almost everything.
As a longtime cook and gardener, I’ve always loved recipes that turn fresh ingredients into something special. Creamed peas are one of those old-fashioned dishes that remind me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to bring people together around the table.
How to Make Old Fashioned Creamed Peas Recipe
Old Fashioned Creamed Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook peas until tender and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
- Add salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Stir peas into the sauce until coated and heated through.
Nutrition
What Are Creamed Peas?
Creamed peas are peas served in a simple homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk or cream.
Creamed peas are also a wonderful way to use garden peas during harvest season.
The sauce is smooth, rich, and lightly seasoned, allowing the sweetness of the peas to really shine. This classic side dish has been popular for generations.
Fresh Peas vs Frozen Peas
Both fresh and frozen peas work beautifully in this recipe.
Fresh Garden Peas
Fresh peas have wonderful sweetness and texture during garden season.
Frozen Peas
Frozen peas are convenient, affordable, and available year-round.
Honestly, frozen peas are picked and frozen quickly, so they still taste very fresh in recipes like this.
Tips for the Best Creamed Peas
Don’t Overcook the Peas
Peas taste best when tender but still bright green.
Overcooked peas can become mushy.
Whisk the Sauce Constantly
This helps prevent lumps in the cream sauce.
Use Whole Milk for Creamier Results
Whole milk creates richer flavor and texture.
A splash of cream makes them even more comforting.
Add Bacon for Extra Flavor
A little crumbled bacon takes creamed peas to another level.
Variations for Creamed Peas
Creamed Peas and Potatoes
Add diced cooked potatoes for a heartier side dish.
Creamed Peas With Pearl Onions
This classic combination is especially popular during holidays.
Cheesy Creamed Peas
Add shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Creamed Peas With Ham
Stir in diced leftover ham for an easy one-pan meal.
What to Serve With Creamed Peas
Creamed peas pair beautifully with:
- Meatloaf
- Fried chicken
- Pork chops
- Roast beef
- Ham
- Turkey
- Mashed potatoes
- Biscuits
They fit just as easily on a holiday table as they do during an ordinary weeknight dinner.
Can You Make Creamed Peas Ahead of Time?
Yes.
Creamed peas reheat well for short periods.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can You Freeze Creamed Peas?
You can freeze them, though cream sauces sometimes change texture slightly after thawing.
For best results:
- Cool completely
- Store in airtight containers
- Reheat gently while stirring
Simple Comfort Food Never Goes Out of Style
Old fashioned creamed peas are proof that the simplest recipes are often the most comforting.
With just a few pantry ingredients, you can turn ordinary peas into a creamy side dish that feels warm, nostalgic, and homemade.
And honestly, those simple old-fashioned recipes are often the ones families remember and request again and again.
For more old fashioned recipes that remind you of grandma, check these out:
