These Creamed Peas are not the peas you refused to eat as a kid. No, these yummy creamed peas are sweet and delicious! Even picky eaters will love them.
Mindy’s Recipe Snapshot
Method: This is an easy stove-top recipe.
Key Ingredients: Canned peas (you can use fresh or frozen), butter, milk and sugar.
Ease: This is easy peasy! See what I did there ? 😉
Top Tip: Make extra because your whole family will probably want more than one serving!
Getting my kids to eat their peas was very easy once I started making them this way. Gone were the days of them whining and saying, “I don’t like peas”. These peas quickly became their favorite side dish. They even ask me to make them!
This is my favorite way to eat peas. And, it’s not just me, other people like them too. I’ve had several people that normally don’t like peas gobble them up.
This post was originally published in August 2016. I updated it in January 2025 to add a measurable amount of salt and pepper (instead of just a dash). The photos were also updated at this time.
Featured Comment
From Jeanne: “My mother always served creamed peas with salmon cakes, but I never made them until today. Your recipe, so good and easy.”
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I got this recipe about 20 years ago in the mail. It was from one of those recipe clubs that sends a sample of free recipe cards, hoping you will subscribe. They send you a few recipes a month and then at some point you get either the book, or box, to put them in.
The original recipe was for Creamed Peas and Potatoes. It called for peas, red potatoes, and dill. That sounds pretty good to me now, but at the time I didn’t think my 3-year-old would be up for that.
Also, our family was on a very tight budget and I could not buy fresh dill to use in one recipe. I also couldn’t risk making something that no one would eat. I am so glad times have changed and I get to experiment in the kitchen more.
When I make these peas I almost always make pork chops, and either fried potatoes or my Herb Roasted Red Potatoes. They go really well together and are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
This recipe uses simple ingredients you most likely have on-hand.
- Peas: I use canned petite peas or young peas. Both of these varieties are harvested while they are small. You can make this recipe with any sweet peas. Fresh or frozen peas will also work.
- Milk: We typically use whole milk but I’ve made them with 2% and they come out great.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter. If using salted butter you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt you add.
- Flour: All purpose flour is great!
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper and sugar give our peas great flavor.
How to Make the Best Creamed Peas
- In a medium saucepan warm the peas in juice until hot. See the FAQs section below if you are using fresh or frozen peas.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour, salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, making sure to get all of the lumps out. Cook until bubbly and thick, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes total. Remove from heat.
- Drain the peas and return them to the pan, pour in the cream mixture and stir in the sugar.
- Serve immediately (see tips below for how to keep them warm if they get done before the rest of the meal).
Tips
- This is such a delicious side dish that you’re going to want to make plenty. I make this recipe using about 3 cups of peas for 2-4 people and we never have leftovers.
- Stir the sauce constantly while it cooks.
- The sauce should come to a boil in a couple of minutes. Then cook it a couple of minutes. The total process should take about 5 minutes.
- If your peas are ready before the rest of the meal you can keep them warm over low heat for a few minutes. You’ll want to stir them often. If they get too stiff add a splash of milk to thin them down a bit.
Storage and Reheating
These are better fresh but can be stored and reheated if you have leftovers. Store leftover creamed peas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top. Stir in a bit more milk if the sauce is too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely! We like them pretty sweet. You can cut the sugar in half (or more) if you want.
Yes! If using frozen or fresh peas you will need around 3 cups. They will need to be cooked or heated before adding the creamy white sauce to them. Eating Well has a great article explaining how to buy, prep, freeze, and cook fresh peas.
Try These Easy Side Dish Recipes Next!
Healthy Pan-Fried Fresh Green Beans
This dish only requires a few ingredients, is inexpensive, healthy, and quick and easy.
Did you love this recipe?
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Easy Creamed Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans sweet peas about 3 cups
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
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Instructions
- In a medium saucepan warm peas in juice until hot.2 cans sweet peas
- Melt butter over medium-heat in a small saucepan. Whisk in flour, salt and pepper, cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk, making sure to get all of the lumps out, and cook until bubbly and thick, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1 cup milk
- Drain peas and return them to the pan, pour in milk mixture and stir in sugar.2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
Notes
Bookmark this page to find it quickly when you are ready to make this recipe!
Nutrition Facts
My mother always served creamed peas with salmon cakes, but I never made them until today. Your recipe, so good and easy
Old steak house classics! Nothing wrong with creamed veg.
Right?! Thanks
Yum! Creamed peas are as tasty as creamed spinach! What a great way to make canned peas palatable. Thanks!
Thank you!
I will definitely try this recipe soon! Thank you!
That is wonderful, my kids love them, and I do too!
This really looks tasty ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
This recipe is a family favorite, thanks!
Healthy snack.. should definitely try it..
That would be great, thanks!
Love the simplicity of this pea recipe…and since I am a fan of peas, this is definitely a must try for me. Thanks Mindy, for sharing!
They are very easy. Thanks for stopping by!
I love peas! Always loved them even as a child. Never tried them this way, but I like your recipe 🙂 . Liked your page, too! So glad to connect with people!
I love connecting too, glad you stopped by!