If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate simple frozen peas into a dish that’s nothing short of comfort food magic, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Slow Cooker Peas Recipe. Imagine sweet, tender peas bathed in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that’s practically effortless thanks to the slow cooker. It’s a perfect side dish that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights or special family dinners. Once you try this recipe, those frozen peas in your freezer will never be the same again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Slow Cooker Peas Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create a rich, velvety texture and a perfectly balanced flavor. Each ingredient plays its part in adding sweetness, creaminess, or a touch of seasoning.
- Frozen peas (22 oz bag): The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and vibrant green color.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed): Gives a creamy richness and slight tang that melts beautifully into the peas.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, sliced): Adds smoothness and helps develop a silky mouthfeel without overpowering the peas.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Elevates the creaminess and makes the sauce luxuriously thick.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): A small touch of sweetness to perfectly complement the peas’ natural flavor.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors without being too salty.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Peas Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Peas
Start by adding your frozen peas into the base of a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker. This creates a foundation for all the creamy goodness to meld with the peas as they cook slowly.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Ingredients
Place the cubed cream cheese, pats of unsalted butter, heavy cream, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper evenly over the frozen peas. This even layering ensures each pea gets coated with that irresistible creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook Slowly to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours. Give the mixture a gentle stir a couple of times during cooking to help the cream cheese melt uniformly and the peas cook through perfectly tender. After cooking, taste and adjust with a pinch more salt or pepper if you like.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the peas are tender and enveloped in that dreamy cream sauce, serve them immediately. You can also keep them warm in the slow cooker until ready to enjoy. This step makes it incredibly convenient if you’re preparing a meal for a crowd or want to serve later.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Peas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives adds a fresh contrast to the creamy peas and a lovely burst of color that makes the dish look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken, baked ham, or a simple steak. Its gentle sweetness and creamy texture complement hearty main courses and add a comforting vibe to any dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy peas over toasted garlic bread or spoon them atop a baked potato as a flavorful topping. You could even mix them into a warm grain bowl for a delicious, veggie-packed meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover creamy peas to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually have time to meld more, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Creamy Slow Cooker Peas Recipe can be frozen, though the texture might soften a bit upon thawing. Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and be sure to defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the peas gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the cream sauce smooth and prevent scorching. You may want to add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas work wonderfully in this recipe but may require a slightly shorter cooking time since they’re not frozen. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
You can swap cream cheese and heavy cream for dairy-free versions like cashew cream and vegan cream cheese. The result will be creamy but with a different flavor profile.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Sure! Diced carrots or pearl onions would complement the peas well and add some texture and color. Just add them in with the peas at the beginning.
How do I make this recipe less rich?
Reduce the butter or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind this will slightly change the texture but still yield a deliciously creamy side.
Is it okay to leave the slow cooker on warm for a long time?
Yes, once the peas are cooked through, setting the slow cooker to warm helps keep the dish ready to serve without drying it out or overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about turning basic frozen peas into a comforting, creamy delight that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Creamy Slow Cooker Peas Recipe is easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of homemade comfort to their meals. Give it a try—I promise these creamy peas will become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Creamy Slow Cooker Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamed Peas recipe offers a luscious, creamy side dish perfect for any meal. Using frozen peas, cream cheese, butter, and a touch of seasoning, it delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort, thanks to slow cooking that melds the ingredients beautifully.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 22 oz bag frozen peas
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add Peas: Place the frozen peas at the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker to create an even base for the dish.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Layer the cubed cream cheese, sliced butter, heavy cream, sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper right on top of the peas.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 1-2 hours or low for 3-4 hours. Stir a couple of times during cooking to ensure the cream cheese melts evenly and the peas cook through. Adjust seasoning to taste once done.
- Serve: Serve the creamed peas immediately for the best texture and flavor, or keep them warm on the slow cooker’s warm setting until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even melting of the cream cheese.
- For a thinner consistency, add a splash more heavy cream before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a holiday meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
