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Frozen Peas Recipe – Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Frozen Peas Recipe is a total show-stopper! With crisp bacon, caramelized shallots, and a touch of garlic–you’ll never want frozen peas any other way!

Looking to make veggies more interesting? Try these raved about Roasted Vegetables, the best Green Beans ever, or our fave Baked Sweet Potatoes (with a “secret” to cook them in half the time!)

Overhead image of the frozen peas recipe

Our Favorite Frozen Peas Recipe

If you’re wondering how to make frozen peas taste better, you’ve come to the right spot. Because this recipe literally has my entire family begging for more peas–it’s the best peas recipe ever!

And while you may think you’re in for a long list of ingredients or a complicated method to have the best peas around, that is not the case with this recipe. These frozen green peas are so quick and easy to make. And this side dish is certainly good enough to secure a spot on your holiday dinner table! (I know they’ll be on mine!)

Process shots-- images of the shallots, bacon, and garlic being cooked in one pot

What To Add To Peas For Flavor

Adding bacon, shallots, garlic, plus a touch of salt and pepper add an immense amount of flavor to this frozen peas recipe. It’s almost hard to believe how such a simple ingredient list can yield so much flavor!

Process shots-- images of the frozen peas bean added to the pot and it all being cooked together

More on the ingredients below for this Frozen Pea Recipe side dish!

Frozen Peas Recipe Ingredients

  • Bacon. Any bacon will work here, so if you have a favorite type of bacon use that! If you like crispy bacon opt for thinner slices and if you want some chew go for the thicker cuts.
  • Shallots. These deliver a delicate, sweet flavor with a hint of sharpness. We slightly caramelize them in oil and the bacon grease which delivers an incredible flavor and depth to the peas.
  • Frozen Peas. A standard size of frozen peas (10-12 oz.) works great here. We’re partial to Birdseye frozen peas (not sponsored), but any will work!
  • Garlic. If you don’t have access to fresh garlic, add in 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder instead!
  • Salt & Pepper. No fancy spices needed, but you’ll be amazed how much these two unassuming ingredients bring everything to life!

QUICK TIP

If you’re looking to add even more flavor to this frozen peas recipe, try adding some bursts of freshness like a squeeze of lemon or some fresh herbs. We like fresh flat-leaf parsley or mint best with these frozen peas.

Overhead image of the side dish in a bowl ready to be served

Here’s a quick overview on how to prepare our frozen peas recipe–yes, it’s easy!

How To Cook Frozen Peas On Stove

  1. Sauté bacon and shallots. Dice up the bacon then sauté it in olive oil with thinly sliced shallots. The bacon will nicely brown while the shallots caramelize.
  2. Add in frozen peas and season. Add frozen peas (straight from the freezer) and season to taste. Sauté until peas are warmed through.
  3. Garnish and enjoy! If desired add in some finishing touches and serve while the peas are hot–delish!

Frozen Peas Recipe FAQs

1What can I do with a bag of frozen peas?

After you make this easy frozen pea recipe, try some of our other favorite recipes with frozen peas:

2What is the best way to cook frozen peas?

There are so many ways to cook frozen peas, but our favorite way is to sauté them (straight from the freezer) in a large pan until nicely warmed through.

3Do you thaw frozen peas before cooking?

No! No need to thaw before adding–they’ll warm through in minutes.

4What meat pairs well with peas?

We like bacon best with these frozen peas–the flavor is delivers is unparalleled!

If you’re looking for a meaty main to serve alongside this side, try one of the following:

5Can you put frozen peas straight into a stir fry?

Yes! Just throw them in straight from freezer to pan–these tiny frozen peas cook so quickly that they’ll heat through fast!

6What seasoning do you put on peas?

Salt and pepper is all you need for this recipe–these two seasonings bring everything to life!

7How to make a frozen peas recipe Indian?

We use frozen peas in our Indian dishes frequently. Here are a few favorites:

More Vegetable Side Dishes

Frozen Peas Recipe

This Frozen Peas Recipe is a total show-stopper! With crisp bacon, caramelized shallots, and a touch of garlic–you’ll never want frozen peas any other way!

Frozen Peas Recipe

This Frozen Peas Recipe is a total show-stopper! With crisp bacon, caramelized shallots, and a touch of garlic–you’ll never want frozen peas any other way!

Instructions

  • PREP: Dice the bacon and thinly slice shallot before starting.

  • BACON: Add olive oil to a large (10-12-inch) pan. Set to medium heat. Add in the diced bacon, shallot, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently at the end, until bacon is browned and shallots are tender.

  • PEAS: Add in the frozen peas and season to taste (I add 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp pepper). Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring frequently until peas are heated through, 3-5 minutes. Taste for seasonings adding more if needed. Remove from heat and if desired, add in fresh herbs and lemon. Enjoy warm!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Seasoning: Don’t forget the power of salt and pepper in such a simple dish; a little goes a long way! The amount you’ll need will vary depending on the saltiness of the bacon used. Taste and adjust to personal preference.
Recipe adapted from Ina Garten’s peas and pancetta recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.4g | Protein: 6.4g | Fat: 12.1g | Cholesterol: 13.9mg | Sodium: 215.8mg | Fiber: 3.3g | Sugar: 3.9g

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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