Pioneer Woman’s Creamed Peas and Potatoes is a comforting and creamy side dish that pairs tender potatoes with sweet peas, all enveloped in a rich, buttery cream sauce. This traditional recipe is perfect for holiday dinners or as a simple side to accompany a hearty meal. With its smooth, velvety texture and combination of fresh flavors, it’s a dish that’s bound to bring warmth and satisfaction to the table.

What is Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes?

Pioneer Woman’s Creamed Peas and Potatoes is a classic side dish made with boiled baby potatoes and sweet peas, all mixed into a rich cream sauce flavored with butter, flour, and milk. The result is a smooth and creamy dish that highlights the natural sweetness of the peas and the tender texture of the potatoes. This dish is a Southern favorite, often served with roast meats or as part of a holiday spread.

Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas And Potatoes Recipe

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Creamy and Comforting: The rich cream sauce makes this dish an ultimate comfort food.
Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry ingredients like butter, flour, milk, potatoes, and peas.
Perfect Side Dish: Ideal for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or any time you want a flavorful and satisfying side.

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and ready in no time.
Family-Friendly: The mild flavors make this dish a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious side dish:

1 pound baby red or Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or quartered
2 cups frozen or fresh peas
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes and peas.
Saucepan: For making the cream sauce.
Whisk: For stirring the cream sauce.

Colander: For draining the cooked potatoes and peas.
Spatula or Spoon: For stirring everything together.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes

Boil the Potatoes: Place the halved or quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

Cook the Peas: While the potatoes are cooking, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 2-3 minutes if using fresh peas, or just until heated through if using frozen peas. Drain and set the peas aside.
Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s lightly golden.
Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to stir out any lumps. Continue cooking the sauce over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).

Combine the Potatoes, Peas, and Cream Sauce: Once the sauce is thickened, add the cooked potatoes and peas to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the cream sauce.
Serve: Transfer the creamed peas and potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes

This creamy side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses:

Roast Chicken: The creamy texture complements the crispy skin and juicy meat of a roasted chicken.
Grilled Steak: Serve alongside a juicy steak for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ham: This dish is a classic pairing with glazed ham, especially during holiday meals.

Meatloaf: Creamed peas and potatoes make a great side for traditional meatloaf.
Fish: A mild white fish like cod or haddock pairs nicely with creamy vegetables.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes

Follow these tips to ensure your creamed peas and potatoes turn out perfectly:

Cook the Potatoes Until Just Tender: Make sure not to overcook the potatoes so they retain their shape and don’t become too soft in the cream sauce.
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to thicken it. You can also add a little more flour to the roux for a thicker consistency.
Use Half-and-Half for Extra Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, substitute half-and-half for the whole milk.

Season Well: Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh parsley or even a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds a burst of freshness to the creamy dish.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by trying different variations:

Bacon Creamed Peas and Potatoes: Add crispy crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
Cheesy Creamed Peas and Potatoes: Stir in grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
Herbed Creamed Peas and Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or chives to the cream sauce for added depth of flavor.

Garlic Creamed Peas and Potatoes: Add roasted garlic to the sauce for a rich, garlicky flavor.
Vegan Creamed Peas and Potatoes: Use almond milk or a non-dairy milk substitute, and replace the butter with a plant-based option to make a vegan version of this dish.

Storing Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes: Best Practices

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate Properly: Store the creamed peas and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat Before Serving: To reheat, place the leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes: Best Practices

To enjoy your leftovers, reheat them carefully:

Stovetop Method: Reheat the creamed peas and potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Microwave Method: Microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use canned peas instead of fresh or frozen peas?

Yes, you can use canned peas for this recipe, but make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the cream sauce. Canned peas are already cooked, so you won’t need to boil them like you would with fresh or frozen peas. Simply stir them in at the end to heat them through.

How do I keep the cream sauce from becoming too thick?

To prevent the cream sauce from becoming too thick, add the milk gradually while whisking constantly. If the sauce thickens too much as it cooks, you can stir in an additional splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Can I make creamed peas and potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make creamed peas and potatoes ahead of time. Prepare the dish as directed, then store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a bit more milk to thin the sauce if needed.

What kind of potatoes work best for creamed peas and potatoes?

Baby red or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this dish because they hold their shape after boiling and have a creamy texture that pairs well with the sauce. If using larger potatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Creamed Peas and Potatoes is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its creamy sauce and tender vegetables, this dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a delicious side. Whether you serve it with roasted meats, steak, or fish, this creamed peas and potatoes recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this comforting dish!

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