Au Gratin Creamed Peas is a warm, cheesy side dish that will make your taste buds happy! Soft, sweet peas are mixed with a rich cream sauce and topped with bubbly cheese.
This dish is perfect for family dinners. I love it because it feels a bit fancy, but it’s so easy to make! A sprinkle of cheese and a dash of love make it irresistible! 🧀❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh or Frozen Peas: Either option works well, but fresh peas give a sweeter flavor. If you can’t find fresh, frozen peas are convenient and just as tasty. You can also use other vegetables like green beans or broccoli if you prefer.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over seasoning. You can use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. I’ve found that olive oil adds a nice flavor.
Milk and Heavy Cream: Whole milk makes the sauce creamy, while heavy cream adds richness. If you want to lighten it up, swap with low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just remember, non-dairy options may alter the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan lends a salty, nutty flavor. For a substitute, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Grated store-bought cheese melts well, but fresh cheese has an amazing flavor!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful taste; though you can use mild cheddar or even a blend like Mexican cheese or Gruyère if you want a different flavor profile. I often mix in a little pepper jack for a kick!
How Do I Make the Perfect Roux?
The roux is a key step for a smooth sauce. This simple mix of flour and butter thickens your sauce. To make it perfectly, remember a few steps:
- Keep the heat at medium. High heat can brown the roux too quickly, which will change the sauce’s color and flavor.
- Cook the roux for just 1-2 minutes. You want it smooth, not brown. This ensures a silky texture later.
- When adding milk and cream, whisk gradually. This helps prevent lumps, making the final sauce creamy and amazing.
Remember, stirring constantly while it thickens is vital—this keeps your sauce from scorching on the bottom!
How to Make Au Gratin Creamed Peas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Creamed Peas:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes to prepare the dish and 15-20 minutes for baking. So, the total time for this delicious Au Gratin Creamed Peas is around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty side dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the dish.
2. Prepare the Peas:
Next, steam or blanch the peas in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. Once done, drain them and set aside. This step keeps the peas vibrant and tasty!
3. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Then, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until you get a smooth paste, called a roux. Make sure it doesn’t brown – we want it smooth and light!
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to eliminate any lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
5. Flavor the Sauce:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and any optional seasonings you want to use: garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Season it with salt and black pepper to taste. This is where the flavor really comes together!
6. Combine with Peas:
Add the cooked peas to the sauce and stir gently to combine. You want every pea to be well-coated in that creamy goodness!
7. Transfer and Top:
Now, transfer the creamed peas mixture into a buttered baking dish. Don’t skimp! Make sure to spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for that lovely, cheesy crust.
8. Bake and Serve:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. And there you have it—your scrumptious Au Gratin Creamed Peas are ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Peas Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are convenient and work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the sauce for even cooking.
Is it Possible to Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamed pea mixture ahead of time! Just refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then top with cheese and bake as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick.
Can I Substitute Cheddar Cheese with Another Type?
Definitely! You can use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a Mexican blend for a bit of spice. Just make sure it melts well for that perfect creamy topping!
