Creamed Peas with pearl onions is a simple side dish that’s great for serving on holidays, at potlucks, or just as part of your weeknight dinner routine! Heavy cream and parmesan cheese are the stand out ingredients that make this classic side dish so deliciously creamy.

Creamed peas and pearl onions are sprinkled with black pepper.


Creamed Peas

Still looking for that perfect Easter veggie side dish? Or maybe you’re in need of something to bring with you to the upcoming potluck. Or maybe, like me, you’re trying to appease the picky eater at your table with one of the few vegetables they’ll actually eat! No matter what your current predicament may be, this creamed peas recipe is here to save the day.

This creamed peas recipe is… easy peasy. Sorry, I had to! But all jokes aside, this side dish recipe really is a total breeze. You just have to melt some butter, whisk in flour, add the heavy cream and parmesan then stir it all together with the peas and pearl onions. It’ll take you less than thirty minutes and just one pan to make, which are always huge wins in my book.

I’m also a pretty big fan of how budget friendly this recipe is. Frozen peas are all dressed up with just heavy cream, parmesan cheese, butter, flour and pearl onions. Oh, and of course some simple seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper add a little extra flavor. Another great reason to make this creamed peas recipe for a big holiday – it’ll help you pinch a penny!

A large spoon is placed in a skillet of creamed peas.

How to Make Creamed Peas

Creamed peas are to easy to make! Take a quick look at the steps here and scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for even more info.

  1. Combine the flour and butter. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour. Continue cooking until the mixture turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. This should take about 2-3 minutes or so.
  2. Make it creamy. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder and parmesan cheese. Keep whisking until thickened.
  3. Add peas and onions. Stir in the peas and pearl onions. Keep cooking for just another minute or two until everything is warmed all the way through.
Cracked black pepper is sprinkled on a bowl of creamed peas.

Ingredient Notes

Take a look at your shopping list before you head to the store:

  • Butter – Now, if you so happen to have any rendered bacon fat on hand, that also works fabulously and creates a great salty, savory flavor.
  • All Purpose Flour – This is used to thicken the creamy sauce to the very best consistency.
  • Heavy Cream – If you choose to use something lighter like half and half, you will notice that the consistency won’t be quite as thick.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated cheese is preferred. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking powder to prevent the cheese from clumping in the bag. It also impacts the way that the cheese melts with the other ingredients in the cream sauce.
  • Frozen Peas and Frozen Pearl Onions – Both of these ingredients need to be thawed before adding to the pan.

Storing and Reheating

Let the creamed peas fully cool to room temperature prior to storing in an airtight container. Properly stored, creamed peas with onions will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through. Be careful not to overheat it – the peas will turn mushy and you could scald the cream sauce.

I don’t recommend freezing creamed peas.

A yellow bowl is filled with creamed peas.

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A large spoon is placed in a skillet of creamed peas.

Get the Recipe: Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions Recipe

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Tender peas and delicate pearl onions bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce. A comforting and flavorful side dish.
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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter, or bacon fat
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup frozen pearl onions, thawed

Equipment

  • 1 skillet

Instructions 

  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium high heat and whisk in the flour. Cook the butter mixture until it begins to turn golden brown and has a nutty aroma, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  • Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder and cheese. Continue to whisk until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in the peas and onions. Continue to cook until warmed through.
  • Serve hot with more cheese, if desired.
Calories: 185kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 39mg, Sodium: 83mg, Potassium: 182mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 851IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 47mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Side Dish, vegetable
Cuisine: American