Au Gratin Creamed Peas is a tasty dish that combines sweet peas with a creamy sauce, all topped with a crisp, golden cheese layer. It’s comfort food at its finest!
You won’t believe how easy this is to make! Just mix, cover with cheese, and bake until bubbly. I love serving it when I’m in the mood for something warm and cozy. Perfect for any family gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Peas: Fresh peas are vibrant and sweet, but frozen peas are super convenient and work just as well. If you’re short on peas, you can also use other vegetables like green beans or corn.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the salt level in your dish. You can swap it for olive oil or another cooking oil if you prefer a lighter option.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use 2% or even almond milk if you’re looking for lower-fat alternatives. The heavy cream gives a luxurious texture, but it can be omitted or replaced with more milk.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its bold flavor. Mixing it with Gruyère gives a nice depth. If you’re dairy-free, you can try vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty crunch on top. If you don’t have it, pecorino or nutritional yeast can be great substitutes for a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Make a Smooth Roux for This Dish?
The roux is essential for a creamy texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a medium-sized saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour once the butter is bubbling. Whisk well to combine.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning, which helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the warm milk slowly while whisking continuously to avoid lumps, and keep whisking until thickened.
This method is simple but crucial for that smooth, creamy sauce you want in your creamed peas!
How to Make Delicious Au Gratin Creamed Peas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Creamed Peas:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Gruyere)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 40-45 minutes. The dish is quick to whip up before popping it into the oven so that it can cook to cheesy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it will be hot and ready for your creamed peas when they’re finished assembling!
2. Prepare the Peas:
If you’re using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Once done, drain them and set them aside. If you have frozen peas, simply thaw and drain them well—no boiling needed!
3. Make the Roux:
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. When it’s melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes until the roux reaches a light golden color. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Gradually whisk the warm milk and optional cream into your roux. Continue whisking for approximately 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Season the Sauce:
Add in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) and stir well to combine all the flavors!
6. Add Cheese:
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Get ready for some cheesy goodness!
7. Fold in the Peas:
Gently fold the prepared peas into the creamy cheese sauce until they are nicely coated. This is where all the flavors come together!
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now, pour the creamed peas mixture into a buttered gratin or baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
9. Top with Cheeses:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan evenly over the top of your pea mixture. This will create that delicious, cheesy crust we love.
10. Bake:
Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you like an extra crunchy top, you can finish it off under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm as a comforting side dish. Enjoy your delicious Au Gratin Creamed Peas!
Can I Use Frozen Peas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are a great time-saver and work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamed peas mixture a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. If you do this, you might want to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can simply use more milk in place of the heavy cream. For non-dairy alternatives, try coconut cream or a rich almond milk for a similar texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture.
