Au Gratin Creamed Peas are a tasty side dish made with sweet peas, creamy sauce, and a golden topping. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with many meals!
This dish is a fun way to enjoy veggies—who knew peas could be so fancy? I love serving it with grilled chicken and hearing everyone say, “More, please!” 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Peas: Fresh peas bring a sweet, vibrant taste, but frozen peas are a great time-saver. They’re flavorful, just make sure to thaw them properly before use. If you’re not a pea fan, you can also try this with green beans or broccoli.
Milk: Whole milk gives the richest flavor. If you want something lighter, you could substitute with 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just remember that this might slightly change the taste and texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you want a milder cheese, use mild cheddar or even mozzarella. For a twist, try adding a bit of blue cheese or gouda for depth.
Breadcrumbs: They add a nice crunch. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even panko can work well. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or just skip them altogether.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Smooth Roux?
The roux is crucial for a creamy sauce, so ask yourself, how do I avoid lumps? Here’s a simple way to get it right:
- Melt the butter over medium heat, then sprinkle the flour in while whisking continuously.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s thick and slightly bubbly. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
- When adding the milk, go slow! Pour it gradually while whisking. This helps to keep the mixture smooth.
- Stir until the sauce thickens—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon without being too thick.
How to Make Au Gratin Creamed Peas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delightful side dish!
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 your dish is ready to bake!
2. Prepare the Peas:
If you’re using fresh peas, blanch them by placing them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. After that, drain them and set aside. If you’re using frozen peas, just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water.
3. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes while whisking continuously. This will help form a smooth roux, which is the base of your creamy sauce.
4. Create the Sauce:
Now, gradually add the milk while you keep whisking. Continue cooking the mixture until it thickens and starts to bubble—this should take around 5-7 minutes. Be sure to whisk well to avoid any lumps!
5. Season the Sauce:
Once your sauce is thick, season it with salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Stir well to combine all those delicious flavors.
6. Add the Cheese:
It’s time to add half of the cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Stir until everything is melted and smooth, creating a creamy cheese sauce!
7. Combine with Peas:
Gently add the prepared peas to the cheese sauce, stirring carefully to ensure they are evenly coated in the creamy goodness.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Next, pour the creamy pea mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will be the base of your baked creation!
9. Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top. If you’d like, add breadcrumbs for that extra crunch we all love!
10. Bake:
Place the dish in the 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:
If you want a deeper golden color, you can broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to serve without making a mess!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Au Gratin Creamed Peas as a delightful side dish that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While peas are the star in this dish, you can substitute or add other vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or even corn for a tasty variation. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times for harder vegetables.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy mixture and assemble the dish in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature. You can add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the creaminess if needed.
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk instead of whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less creamy, but it will still taste delicious! Just whisk well to prevent separation.
