If you’re craving a comforting, velvety side dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate, this Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine lush, tender peas slowly mingling with rich cream cheese, butter, and a hint of sweetness, all coming together in a creamy sauce that’s perfectly seasoned and effortlessly simple. This dish is such a joy to make and serve, bringing a nostalgic yet fresh twist to a classic favorite. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a holiday feast, these creamed peas steal the spotlight every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe is how straightforward and essential the ingredients are, each playing a crucial role in delivering rich flavor, smooth texture, and that beautiful pop of green you expect. Simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special.
- 22 oz bag frozen peas: Frozen peas keep their bright color and sweetness, making them perfect for slow cooking without losing texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese (cubed): Adds that irresistibly creamy, tangy base that melts beautifully into the peas.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced into pats): Infuses richness and helps create a silky sauce that coats every pea.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings luxurious smoothness and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the peas’ natural flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and heightens every flavor in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery warmth for a little bite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe
Step 1: Add the Peas
Start by pouring the frozen peas right into the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates the foundation for the dish and ensures they cook evenly without sticking to the sides.
Step 2: Combine the Flavorful Ingredients
Place the cubed cream cheese, pats of butter, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and black pepper directly on top of the peas. No need to stir just yet; these ingredients will slowly melt and combine as they cook.
Step 3: Cook Until Creamy and Tender
Cover your slow cooker and set it to high for 1 to 2 hours, or low for 3 to 4 hours. During cooking, it’s helpful to stir the peas a couple of times so that everything melts and blends smoothly. You’re aiming for cooked-through peas embraced in a rich, creamy sauce. Don’t forget to taste and tweak the salt and pepper if needed as you go.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the peas are tender and the mixture is luxuriously creamy, serve the dish immediately for the best texture. You can also keep it warm in the slow cooker if the timing isn’t quite right for eating yet—they’ll stay beautifully luscious until you’re ready.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe
Garnishes
For a delightful fresh pop, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. A little cracked black pepper on top adds a subtle kick and enhances the visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This creamed peas recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like a juicy roast chicken or pork tenderloin, offering a creamy counterpoint to the savory main course. It also complements hearty mashed potatoes or warm crusty bread for soaking up every drop of that velvety sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the creamed peas in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a charming presentation at festive gatherings. You can even fold it gently into cooked rice or pasta to create a creamy, pea-infused side that dazzles on the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamed peas keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you reheat, stir gently to reincorporate the sauce, as it may thicken while chilled.
Freezing
You can freeze the Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe for longer storage. Place cooled peas in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve texture.
Reheating
The best way to reheat creamed peas is over low heat on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess and avoid scorching. If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used but you might want to blanch them briefly before adding to the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream, and use plant-based butter and cream to make it vegan-friendly, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling the recipe works well as long as your slow cooker has enough space. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly and stir more frequently to help everything meld evenly.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make a stovetop version by gently simmering all ingredients over low heat, stirring often until the peas are tender and the sauce is creamy, but a slow cooker truly brings out the best texture and flavor with minimal effort.
How creamy should the finished dish be?
The Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe should yield a thick, luscious sauce that clings to each pea without being too runny or overly stiff—think rich, silky, and comforting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about diving into a bowl of these Slow Cooker Creamed Peas Recipe. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is easy to make, bringing richness and warmth to your table with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it elevates your meal moments with just a few simple ingredients and a trusty slow cooker!
