Easy St. Patrick's Day Creamed Peas (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? This bright green side dish is the perfect addition to your holiday table.

Spring is finally here and it is time for fresh, light flavors. These creamed peas are silky, warm, and comforting. Your family will love how the sweet peas pop in every bite. It is a classic recipe that feels special but stays totally doable for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a total winner because it uses simple pantry staples. You likely have the butter, flour, and milk in your kitchen right now. It is incredibly budget-friendly and feeds a crowd easily. Perfect for busy holiday entertaining when you have a lot on your plate.

The texture is what makes this truly special. The Béchamel sauce is smooth, rich, and clings perfectly to the peas. It is a kid-approved way to get everyone to eat their greens. Plus, it only takes fifteen minutes from start to finish!

Simple Cooking Steps

Making a homemade cream sauce might sound fancy, but I promise it is simple. You will start by making a quick roux with butter and flour. This acts as the thickener for your silky sauce. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this technique today.

Once the sauce is thick, you just fold in your peas. Using frozen peas is a great time-saving shortcut. They stay bright green and have a lovely snap. You will be amazed at how fast it comes together for dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on mostly pantry staples and frozen favorites for easy prep.

• 2 cups frozen sweet peas, thawed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux, ensuring it does not brown.
3. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
4. Simmer the sauce for 3 minutes or until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Stir in salt, pepper, and onion powder.
6. Fold in the peas and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve these peas warm in a beautiful ceramic bowl. They look stunning next to a traditional corned beef or roasted chicken. The creamy sauce is wonderful when it mixes with mashed potatoes. For a festive touch, add an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

This is a great dish for a potluck gathering. It travels well and stays creamy for quite a while. Set the table with a green cloth and enjoy this comforting Spring treat with your favorite people.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir gently until the peas are warmed through completely. I do not recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce may separate.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip the two-minute flour cook time to avoid a raw taste.
• Whisk the milk in slowly to keep your sauce perfectly smooth.
• Use whole milk for the richest and most luxurious texture.
• Avoid browning the butter so the sauce stays a beautiful white color.
• For St. Patrick’s Day, serve this alongside soda bread for a full meal.
• Add the salt at the end to control the flavor perfectly.
• Use a silicone whisk to protect your saucepan while mixing.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Add crispy bacon bits on top for a salty crunch.
• Stir in pearl onions for a more traditional holiday vibe.
• Swap the parsley for fresh dill for a bright, citrusy note.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk for an extra indulgent side.

Common Questions

Can I use canned peas?

I recommend frozen peas for the best color and texture. Canned peas are often too soft and might turn mushy in the sauce. Frozen peas keep that fresh snap we love.

How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

Dip a metal spoon into the sauce. Run your finger through the coating on the back of the spoon. If the line stays clear, your sauce is ready for the peas.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can use a plant-based butter and unsweetened almond or oat milk. The flavor will be slightly different, but the creamy texture will still be there.

I hope this creamy side dish brings a little luck and a lot of flavor to your holiday table. It is so simple to make and truly tastes like home. Happy cooking!

— Lidia