If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely have to try this Creamed Peas with Bacon and Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s everything you love about sweet peas, smoky bacon, and rich cream cheese all melded together in a smooth, velvety sauce. This dish brings such a luscious texture and a wonderful flavor balance that it truly elevates any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast. Trust me, once you make it, these creamed peas will become your go-to favorite every time you want something both simple and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe is how straightforward and pantry-friendly the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the savory bacon to the creamy richness of the cream cheese, every element comes together beautifully in this dish.
- Butter: Acts as the flavorful base to sauté the onions and bacon, adding richness to the dish.
- Diced Bacon: Introduces smoky, savory notes that make these peas irresistible.
- Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the smoky bacon perfectly.
- Minced Garlic: Gives a subtle aromatic punch that lifts the whole dish.
- Dried Parsley (or Dill): Brings a gentle herbal freshness to brighten the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Works as the thickening agent to create that creamy, luscious texture.
- Milk: Forms the base of the creamy sauce, keeping things smooth and light.
- Heavy Cream: Enhances the sauce with extra creaminess and a silky mouthfeel.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Frozen Peas: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cream Cheese: Adds tangy richness that melts into the sauce, making it extra luxurious.
How to Make Creamed Peas with Bacon and Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook Aromatics
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced bacon, onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the onions become soft and translucent but not browned, which usually takes about five minutes. This step builds a wonderfully flavorful base with that irresistible blend of smoky bacon and sweet softened onions.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Next, stir in the dried parsley along with the all-purpose flour to the bacon mixture, ensuring it becomes smooth. Cook this mixture gently for 30 to 60 seconds until the flour looks foamy, but be careful not to brown it—this keeps the sauce light in flavor and color. The roux is what will transform the sauce from watery to beautifully creamy, so this step is key.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps forming. After the milk is fully incorporated, add in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. Season it with salt and pepper to suit your taste. This creamy sauce is where all the magic comes together, enveloping the peas in silky richness.
Step 4: Cook the Peas and Final Touches
Finally, add the frozen peas and cream cheese to the pot. Stir well until the cream cheese has completely melted into the sauce, giving it that velvety texture and subtle tang. Let everything simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 8 to 10 minutes until the peas are tender but still vibrant. Serve this comforting dish straight away for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Creamed Peas with Bacon and Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add some extra flair and texture, try sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley on top before serving. A little cracked black pepper or even a dusting of smoked paprika can bring that final pop of color and flavor, making your creamed peas look just as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Creamed Peas with Bacon and Cream Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or a simple steak. The creamy, savory peas offer a lovely counterbalance to grilled or roasted meats, making your meal feel indulgent without fussiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the bowl? Spoon the creamed peas over toasted slices of crusty bread or serve them alongside fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. You can also use this dish as a cozy filling for crepes or as a topping for baked potatoes to impress guests with a fresh take on classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamed peas will stay fresh for up to three days. Before sealing, allow the dish to cool to room temperature to prevent condensation that could affect the texture.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but because of the cream cheese and heavy cream, the texture might change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze, transfer the creamed peas to a freezer-safe container and use within one month for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your creamed peas gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy texture. Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is fine too—just warm in short intervals and stir to prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will give you a lovely, vibrant flavor and texture. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they become tender, and you’ll have a beautiful, garden-fresh twist on this recipe.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, a dollop of sour cream or mascarpone can be a good alternative to maintain that creamy richness, though the slight tang from cream cheese is unique and adds depth to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
While peas do contain some carbs, they are also packed with fiber and nutrients. This recipe is moderately low in carbs but not keto-friendly due to the peas and flour. You could experiment with a low-carb thickener if needed.
How much bacon is too much?
Feel free to adjust the bacon quantity to your liking! Whether you prefer a subtle smoky hint or a more pronounced bacon presence, the recipe is very forgiving. Just keep in mind that more bacon means a saltier, richer dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth or a pinch of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. The cream cheese and butter will still provide plenty of richness and comfort.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamed Peas with Bacon and Cream Cheese Recipe enough if you’re craving something that feels both nostalgic and special. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet so easy to make that it fits into any busy weeknight or elegant weekend meal. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy peas!
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Creamed Peas with Bacon and Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamed Peas is a comforting and creamy side dish featuring tender peas cooked in a rich roux-based sauce with bacon, onions, garlic, and cream cheese. This classic recipe combines savory and creamy flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup diced bacon (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (or dried dill)
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or more to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Main Ingredient
- 4 cups frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Cook aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced bacon, onion, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring occasionally until the onion softens but does not brown, approximately 5 minutes.
- Make roux: Stir in the dried parsley and all-purpose flour into the cooked bacon and onions until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking for 30 to 60 seconds, just until the flour turns foamy, making sure not to brown the flour by keeping the heat at medium.
- Make sauce: Gradually and slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Cook peas: Add the frozen peas and cream cheese to the thickened sauce. Stir until the cream cheese has fully melted and incorporated. Let the peas simmer on medium-low heat until they are fully cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Serve the creamed peas immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh peas if available; adjust cooking time accordingly as fresh peas may cook faster.
- For extra richness, increase the amount of cream cheese or heavy cream to taste.
- Substitute dried dill instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter instead.
- Ensure not to brown the flour when making the roux to maintain a smooth, light-colored sauce.
