If you’re searching for that perfect side dish that’s creamy, comforting, and fuss-free, let me introduce you to the Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe. It’s a dreamy combination of tender peas enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce made from cream cheese, butter, and a splash of heavy cream. What I love most is how effortlessly this recipe comes together in the slow cooker, letting those simple ingredients meld into something incredibly special while you go about your day. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday feast or craving a cozy weeknight vegetable upgrade, this Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe is just the ticket to soothe and satisfy everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is built on straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering luscious texture, rich flavor, and vibrant color. The creamy dairy elements combine to create a silky sauce that hugs every pea, while a touch of sugar and seasonings balance it all beautifully.
- Frozen peas (22 oz): Using frozen peas keeps the dish bright green and makes prep so simple—no need to fuss with fresh!
- Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed): This gives the sauce its decadent creaminess and slight tang for depth.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, sliced into pats): Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel while enhancing the flavor without overpowering.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Blends everything into a silky, dreamy sauce that clings perfectly to the peas.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough to highlight the sweetness of the peas and round out the flavors.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients together.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and balances the creaminess with gentle spice.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe
Step 1: Layer Frozen Peas
Start by placing your frozen peas at the bottom of a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker. This base cooks evenly while keeping the peas vibrant and fresh-tasting.
Step 2: Add Creamy Ingredients on Top
Now, add the cubed cream cheese, pats of unsalted butter, heavy cream, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper right on top of the peas. No stirring needed yet—letting these ingredients melt down naturally creates the perfect creamy base.
Step 3: Set and Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it to high for 1-2 hours or low for 3-4 hours. Make sure to stir a couple of times during cooking so the cream cheese and butter melt evenly and coat every pea in rich goodness. Once the peas are tender and the sauce is silky smooth, adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve this dreamy creamed peas dish immediately to enjoy that fresh-from-the-slow-cooker warmth, or keep it on the warm setting until you’re ready to sit down. It’s just as delicious either way!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous brightness that complements the richness of the creamed peas wonderfully. For a bit of crunch, toasted breadcrumbs make a fantastic topping as well.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, glazed ham, or your favorite holiday turkey. It’s a perfect foil for simply seasoned meats and adds a comforting touch that everyone will appreciate around the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unexpected twist, try serving these creamed peas atop baked potatoes or dolloped on buttered toast for a comforting snack. You can also fold them into a warm pasta salad or mix them into a casserole to elevate your family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamed peas in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, retaining their creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover creamed peas if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Just know that the texture may be slightly different upon thawing.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Adding a splash of cream or milk during reheating can help restore the silky texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will work wonderfully, but adjust cooking times since fresh peas tend to cook faster. Using frozen peas makes it particularly convenient and keeps the dish bright and sweet.
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key for the signature creaminess of this recipe, but you could substitute with mascarpone or a mild ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just keep in mind the sauce might be less thick.
Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Small diced carrots or pearl onions can be added for extra sweetness and texture. Add these alongside the peas in Step 1 for best results.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese and butter for vegan alternatives and use coconut cream or a nondairy heavy cream substitute. The flavors will be different but still delicious!
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If you find the sauce thinner than you’d like, stirring in a small slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking while on high heat will help thicken it up nicely.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try out this Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but so simple to pull off, thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Creamy, sweet, and utterly comforting, it’s an easy way to elevate your vegetable game and bring a little extra joy to any meal. Give it a whirl, and soon it’ll be your go-to side dish too!
Print
Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamed Peas recipe offers a creamy, comforting side dish made effortlessly with frozen peas, cream cheese, butter, and seasonings. Perfect for holiday dinners or everyday meals, it delivers rich flavors and tender peas with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 22 oz bag frozen peas
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add Peas: Add the frozen peas to the bottom of a 5 quart or larger slow cooker, creating an even base layer.
- Layer Ingredients: Add the cubed cream cheese, pats of butter, heavy cream, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper on top of the peas, spreading them evenly.
- Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to high for 1-2 hours or low for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally throughout cooking until the peas are tender and the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste after cooking.
- Serve: Serve the creamed peas immediately as a warm side dish or keep them on the warm setting in the slow cooker until ready to eat.
Notes
- Use a slow cooker of at least 5 quarts to ensure even cooking and adequate space for stirring.
- Stirring a couple of times during cooking prevents the mixture from sticking and helps blend flavors.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or as part of a holiday feast.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the richness may be reduced slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
