Creamed Potatoes and Peas

If you’re in the mood for a side dish that’s both comforting and delicious, look no further than Creamed Potatoes and Peas! This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl, with tender potatoes and sweet peas enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this classic comfort food will never disappoint. Trust me, you’re going to love the smooth, velvety texture and the simple but satisfying flavor. It’s the kind of dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything—grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a slice of crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.

The best part? This dish is easy to make and requires ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s the ultimate way to turn humble potatoes and peas into something truly special, and you won’t believe how quickly it comes together!

Why You’ll Love Creamed Potatoes and Peas

Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something about creamy potatoes that makes every bite feel like a little bit of indulgence. Add in sweet peas, and you’ve got a side dish that’s both hearty and wholesome. It’s the perfect sidekick for any meal!

Quick and Simple

This recipe is a breeze to make. In under 30 minutes, you can have a creamy, comforting side dish on the table—no complicated steps, just good, honest cooking.

Kid-Friendly

Not only do kids love it, but it’s also a great way to sneak some extra veggies (like peas) into their meal without any complaints. The creamy sauce makes everything go down easy.

Versatile

Creamed Potatoes and Peas pair wonderfully with pretty much anything! Serve it with roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, or even a veggie main dish. It’s a side that complements a variety of meals.

Make-Ahead Option

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it and enjoy!

Ingredients

• Potatoes: The heart of this dish. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best, as they’re starchy and cook to a fluffy, creamy texture.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet and pop with flavor, frozen peas are the easiest and most convenient option.
• Butter: For that rich, comforting flavor that brings the sauce together.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy. You can substitute with half-and-half or milk if you prefer a lighter version.
• Milk: Helps thin out the cream for a silky sauce.
• Flour: Used to make a simple roux that thickens the sauce and gives it a velvety texture.
• Garlic: A small amount of garlic adds a subtle depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season everything to perfection.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 1 serving):

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Potassium: 450mg
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Add the Peas

Once the sauce has thickened, add the frozen peas. Stir them into the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through.

Step 4: Combine with Potatoes

Drain the cooked potatoes and add them to the saucepan with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat the potatoes and peas with the creamy goodness. Let everything cook together for an extra 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the creamed potatoes and peas warm as a comforting side dish. It’s the perfect complement to any main course, and it’s guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile.

How to Serve Creamed Potatoes and Peas

As a Side Dish

These creamy potatoes and peas are an ideal side to go with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef. They’re also perfect with hearty vegetarian mains like a veggie casserole or roasted portobello mushrooms.

With a Salad

Pair this creamy side with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A tangy vinaigrette will cut through the creamy sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.

With Bread

Serve these potatoes alongside a slice of warm, crusty bread. Perfect for sopping up all that creamy sauce—who can resist?

For the Holidays

This dish makes a fantastic addition to holiday feasts! Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, these creamy potatoes and peas will be a hit with your guests.

Additional Tips

Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat option.

Add Cheese

For extra richness, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese. It’ll melt right into the sauce, making it even creamier and more indulgent.

Add Herbs

Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a lovely flavor boost. Sprinkle some on top just before serving for a touch of color and freshness.

Make Ahead

You can make this dish ahead of time! Simply cook the potatoes, make the sauce, and combine the two. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.

Freeze for Later

This dish can also be frozen! If you have leftovers or want to make a big batch in advance, just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
A1: Absolutely! Fresh peas will work just as well. You’ll want to blanch them for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce.

Q2: Can I add bacon to this dish?
A1: Yes, bacon would be a fantastic addition! Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Q3: Can I use red potatoes instead of russet?
A3: Yes, you can use red potatoes. They’re waxier than russet potatoes, so the texture will be a bit different, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Q4: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger saucepan and baking dish if you’re making a big batch, and adjust the cooking times as needed.

Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?
A6: Yes! Make the potatoes and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
A7: Of course! Try adding carrots, corn, or green beans to the dish for extra color and flavor.

Q8: Can I use mashed potatoes instead of diced potatoes?
A8: Yes, you can! If you have leftover mashed potatoes, just stir them into the sauce and heat them through.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a bit of cayenne pepper, or even some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick!

Conclusion

Creamed Potatoes and Peas are the ultimate comfort food—simple, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or planning a holiday meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So go ahead, get cozy, and enjoy this deliciously creamy side dish. You deserve it!

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