There are some dishes that feel like home the moment you take a bite, and Creamed Potatoes and Peas is one of them. Creamy, buttery potatoes paired with tender sweet peas in a velvety white sauce – this recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty enough to serve as a side dish for family dinners yet elegant enough to appear on your holiday table.
This timeless classic has roots in farm-style cooking, where fresh garden peas and new potatoes were simmered in cream for a wholesome meal. Today, it remains a beloved dish because it blends simplicity, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor all in one bowl. If you’re looking for a recipe that pleases both kids and adults, this is it.
In this blog post, you’ll discover everything you need to make perfect Creamed Potatoes and Peas. From the ingredients explained in detail to step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and serving suggestions, you’ll walk away with a foolproof method to create this delicious dish at home.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic comfort food: Rich, creamy, and satisfying.
Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce.
Versatile: Works for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
Family-friendly: Kids love the creamy potatoes paired with the sweet pop of peas.
Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared ahead and reheated without losing flavor.
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Ingredients for Creamed Potatoes and Peas
Here’s what you’ll need to create the best version of this classic dish. Each ingredient plays an important role:
Potatoes (about 2 pounds, diced into bite-sized pieces)
Potatoes are the star of this dish. Use Yukon Gold for a creamy, buttery texture or red potatoes if you prefer them to hold their shape. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, which can fall apart.
Frozen or fresh peas (2 cups)
Sweet peas add freshness, color, and a slight sweetness that balances the richness of the cream sauce. Frozen peas work perfectly and save prep time.
Butter (4 tablespoons)
Butter is the base of the roux, giving the dish richness and a silky mouthfeel. Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning.
All-purpose flour (4 tablespoons)
Flour thickens the sauce into a smooth, creamy consistency. Without it, the sauce would be too thin.
Milk (3 cups, whole milk preferred)
Whole milk provides the best creamy texture, but you can also use half-and-half for an even richer dish. Avoid skim milk, which makes the sauce watery.
Salt (1 ½ teaspoons, or to taste)
Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Season carefully, as potatoes absorb salt.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon)
Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
Optional, but parsley adds a fresh, bright finish that balances the creaminess.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to make Creamed Potatoes and Peas successfully:
1. Prepare the potatoes
Wash, peel, and dice your potatoes into uniform bite-sized cubes.
Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until tender but not mushy, about 12–15 minutes.
Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the peas
If using frozen peas, simply blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain.
If using fresh peas, cook them slightly longer until tender.
3. Make the creamy sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk, starting with a splash to prevent lumps. Gradually add the rest while whisking continuously.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
4. Combine everything
Gently fold in the cooked potatoes and peas.
Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust to your liking.
If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Creamed Potatoes and Peas
1. Cut potatoes evenly: Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and prevent some from turning mushy while others are undercooked.
2. Don’t overcook the peas: Peas should be tender but still bright green. Overcooking makes them dull and mushy.
3. Warm the milk: Adding cold milk to the roux can cause lumps. For a smoother sauce, warm the milk slightly before adding it in.
4. Adjust the thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.
5. Make it richer: For extra indulgence, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
This recipe stands out because it’s both simple and deeply satisfying. It delivers creamy comfort without being complicated. The mild, buttery potatoes pair perfectly with the sweetness of peas, all tied together with a silky sauce. It’s a dish that generations have enjoyed, and it continues to win hearts because it strikes the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia.
It’s also flexible. You can make it vegetarian, or you can add crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or ham for a heartier version. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a Sunday dinner, or a busy weeknight, this recipe always fits right in.
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Serving Suggestions
Creamed Potatoes and Peas can be served in countless delicious ways:
As a holiday side dish alongside roasted turkey, ham, or beef.
With grilled chicken or pork chops for a balanced weeknight meal.
Paired with a crisp green salad to lighten up the richness.
Served with freshly baked bread or biscuits to soak up the creamy sauce.
Add protein like bacon, sausage, or leftover ham for a one-pan meal.
For a Southern-inspired dinner, serve it with fried chicken and cornbread – pure comfort on a plate.
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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate.
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Final Thoughts
Creamed Potatoes and Peas is more than just a side dish – it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With its velvety sauce, tender potatoes, and sweet peas, it delivers everything you crave in comfort food while remaining easy to prepare.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight famil
y dinner or setting the table for a festive holiday, this dish deserves a spot on your menu. It’s proof that the simplest ingredients can create something truly memorable.
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