If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe is going to become your new favorite side. It combines tender baby potatoes and sweet peas, all wrapped up in a luscious, velvety sauce that’s surprisingly simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you are pairing it with a classic Sunday roast or serving it as a lovely vegetarian option, this dish brings a burst of creamy goodness and fresh green color that brightens any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role — from the earthy, bite-sized potatoes to the sweet burst from peas, and the creamy base that ties everything together beautifully.
- Baby potatoes or red potatoes (1 ½ pounds): Choose tender, bite-sized pieces for the perfect balance of creaminess and texture.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): These sweet, green nuggets add a pop of color and freshness, plus a gentle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for creating a smooth, rich roux that thickens the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps to thicken the sauce for that classic creamy texture.
- Whole milk (1 ½ cups, warm): Provides the base of the sauce, lending indulgence and softness.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle depth of savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances sweetness from the peas.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a tiny bit of gentle heat and complexity.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A fresh garnish to lift the dish visually and taste-wise.
How to Make Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe
Step 1: Boil Potatoes and Peas
Begin by placing your bite-sized potatoes in a large saucepan and covering them with cold water. Bringing them to a boil over medium-high heat ensures even cooking. After the water boils, reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Toss in the peas during the final 2 minutes so they heat through without becoming mushy. Then, drain everything and set it aside for the next step. This simple step softens your veggies perfectly, giving the creamed sauce a delicious base to cling to.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Using the same pot keeps the process efficient and full of flavor. Melt your butter over medium heat, and as soon as it foams, whisk in the flour. Stir constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a silky roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully. This little mixture is the secret to the fantastic velvety texture of your final dish.
Step 3: Add Warm Milk and Seasonings
Pour in the warm whole milk slowly while whisking continuously, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth sauce that thickens after a few minutes. Then, incorporate the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for balanced seasoning that highlights the mild flavors of potatoes and peas. This step is where the creamy magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a luscious coating.
Step 4: Combine and Heat Through
Return the cooked potatoes and peas to your pot, stirring gently to smother them in that creamy sauce. Heating everything together for 2 to 3 minutes melds the flavors and makes sure the dish is served warm and inviting. This final step ties the whole Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe together for maximum comforting delight.
How to Serve Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness and bright green color, making the dish look just as delightful as it tastes. For a bit of extra flair, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper on top provide a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, creating a hearty, balanced meal. It can also be a standout alongside grilled vegetables or a crisp salad if you want to keep things light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or sprinkle a little grated sharp cheddar cheese on top and broil it briefly to add a golden crust. You could even fold in some crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions for an added layer of flavor and texture twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamed potatoes and peas keep very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before storing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of potatoes may change slightly once thawed. If you want to freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the sauce appears too thick or if the potatoes have absorbed too much liquid. This helps restore that creamy consistency and keeps the dish luscious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby or red potatoes work best for texture and bite, Yukon Gold or even Russets can be used, though they may become creamier or a bit softer after cooking.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe is completely vegetarian when made with butter and milk, making it a perfect side for many dietary preferences.
Can I substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, you can use plant-based milks like almond or oat milk, but the sauce may be less rich. For best results, choose an unsweetened variety and consider adding a bit of vegan butter for creaminess.
How can I make the dish richer and more indulgent?
Adding a splash of heavy cream in place of some milk or stirring in grated cheese toward the end of cooking can take this recipe to the next level of indulgence.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a gathering?
Definitely! You can cook it fully, then reheat gently before serving. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead side that tastes fresh and comforting even after sitting for a while.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe feels like passing along a little kitchen treasure. It’s so easy to make, packed with lovely flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any meal. Don’t hesitate to try it soon—you might find yourself going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Happy cooking and savor every creamy, comforting bite!
Print
Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamed Potatoes and Peas is a comforting, creamy side dish that combines tender baby potatoes and sweet peas in a smooth, buttery sauce seasoned with garlic and black pepper. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian accompaniment to roasted meats or as a standalone vegetarian delight.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes or red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes and Peas: Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 10–12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Add the frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain the vegetables and set them aside.
- Make the Roux and Sauce: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Slowly pour in the warm whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for about 3–4 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the thickened sauce. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked potatoes and peas to the pot. Gently stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the creamy sauce. Heat the mixture for 2–3 minutes to warm through completely.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamed potatoes and peas to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For added richness, replace part of the milk with heavy cream.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork.
- Can be served as a hearty vegetarian side dish.
- Use fresh peas in season for a sweeter flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
