If you are looking for a cozy, comforting side dish that brings a wonderful balance of creamy texture and fresh flavors, this Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It combines tender potatoes and vibrant peas in a rich, velvety sauce that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, this dish stands out with its simplicity and heartwarming taste that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe, you’ll only need a small list of simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from adding creaminess to giving that lovely pop of color and fresh flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: The foundation of this dish, providing a soft, comforting texture that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup frozen peas: For a burst of vibrant green color and a naturally sweet flavor that complements the richness of the cream sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture that makes every bite indulgent and smooth.
- 1/4 cup milk: Balances the heavy cream to keep the sauce light enough while maintaining a rich mouthfeel.
- 2 tbsp butter: Essential for a flavorful roux, adding depth and a lovely buttery richness to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp flour: Helps thicken the sauce, turning it into that perfect creamy coating for the potatoes and peas.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlic aroma, enhancing the savory layers without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic with a subtle sweetness and mild savoriness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together in harmony.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, herbal pop of color and brightness that finishes off the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your diced potatoes and cook them until they become tender, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. The key here is to avoid overcooking to maintain just the right texture that will hold up in the creamy sauce. Once tender, drain and set them aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Peas
Using the same pot is a smart way to save time and dishes. Add the frozen peas directly to the hot water, letting them cook for just 2 to 3 minutes—enough to warm them through without losing their bright color and fresh snap. Drain the peas and join them with the potatoes for the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring constantly to form a roux. This step is what turns the sauce from thin to velvety smooth. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking nonstop. Keep going until the sauce thickens, usually about 5 minutes—patience here pays off with the perfect creamy texture.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add your tender potatoes and bright peas to the cream sauce. Gently stir so every piece is coated in the luscious sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper until it sings to your palate. This layering of flavor makes the dish truly comforting and satisfying.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy or just love a fresh herbal note, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve this warm and watch as it becomes the star side dish that everyone asks for again and again.
How to Serve Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a bright pop of color and a light herbal freshness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. For a little extra zing, you can try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika to add complexity and flair.
Side Dishes
This Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats like chicken or pork, and it’s a comforting complement to grilled fish. It can also be enjoyed alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance richness with crispness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the creamed potatoes and peas in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of parsley. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of wilted spinach for a layered, colorful plate that feels homemade yet elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your delicious Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making a perfect ready-to-go side for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This dish freezes fairly well, especially if you want to keep a batch for later. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the cream sauce may change slightly in texture upon thawing, but reheating can bring it back to life.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly warm the creamed sauce and revive its luscious creaminess. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help loosen any thickening and keep it smooth and dreamy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas work wonderfully in this recipe and add an even sweeter, more vibrant flavor. Just boil them for a few minutes until tender before combining with the potatoes and cream sauce.
Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or meat products. Just ensure your butter and cream are vegetarian, which they typically are.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
You can try using half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of cream cheese for a lighter version, but keep in mind the dish might lose some of its rich, silky texture.
What’s the best potato variety for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal because they become tender and creamy when cooked, absorbing the sauce beautifully without falling apart too much.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Diced carrots or corn add great color and sweetness, while sautéed mushrooms can add earthiness. Just cook these additional veggies until tender before mixing them into the cream sauce alongside the potatoes and peas.
Final Thoughts
This Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe is one of those delightful dishes you’ll return to time and again for its simplicity, creamy comfort, and bright, fresh flavors. It’s a perfect mix of easy cooking and delicious results that will warm both your kitchen and your heart. Give it a go and watch it earn a permanent spot on your dinner table.
Print
Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamed Potatoes and Peas is a comforting and creamy side dish featuring tender diced potatoes and sweet peas enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for pairing with any main meal, this recipe offers a smooth texture balanced by the slight bite of fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Dairy & Butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasonings & Thickener
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat Peas: Using the same pot, add the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until just heated through. Drain and combine with the cooked potatoes.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked potatoes and peas into the thickened cream sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the creamed potatoes and peas hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best creamy texture.
- For a richer sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for the milk.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with a vegan alternative and use coconut or almond milk, though flavor and texture will vary.
- Make sure to whisk the cream sauce constantly to prevent lumps and to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Optional garnishes like chopped chives or grated Parmesan cheese also complement this dish well.
