Frozen Peas Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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 Frozen Peas

Our Favorite Frozen Peas Recipe

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

If you’re thinking that frozen peas don’t require a recipe, think again. We’re not simply talking about a fast veggie side dish. This recipe takes a convenience food and turns it into a savory, delicious dish! Adding bacon, shallots, garlic, plus a touch of salt and pepper contribute an immense amount of flavor to plain old frozen peas. It’s almost hard to believe how such a simple ingredient list can yield so much flavor!

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

More on the ingredients below for this Frozen Pea 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 drippings, which delivers an incredible flavor and depth to the peas.
  • Frozen peas. A standard-sized package 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 and 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 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 Frozen Peas in a bowl ready to be served

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

How To Cook Frozen Peas On the Stove

  1. Sauté bacon and shallots. Dice the bacon then sauté it in olive oil with thinly sliced shallots. The bacon will brown nicely 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 Peas 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.

You can also steam or boil frozen peas for a quick side dish.

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

FOLLOW ALONG! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates, recipes and content.

Frozen Peas Recipe

5 from 1 vote
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!
Print Recipe

Frozen Peas Recipe

5 from 1 vote
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!
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Healthy
Keyword Frozen Peas Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 as a side
Chelsea Lords
Calories 170kcal
Cost $5.12

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 oz. (3 slices) good bacon, diced
  • 1 large shallot, halved and sliced (~1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 bag (10-12 oz.) frozen peas
  • Fine sea salt & pepper (Note 1)
  • Optional: 1-1/2 tsp. finely diced fresh mint leaves or flat-leaf parsley, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  • PREP: Dice the bacon and thinly slice the shallot before starting.
  • BACON: Add olive oil to a large (10-12-inch) pan and 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, about 3-5 minutes. Taste for seasonings, adding more if needed. Remove from heat and if desired, add in fresh herbs and lemon. Enjoy warm!

Video

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.
This recipe is adapted from Ina Garten's peas and pancetta recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 230mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 8085IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

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.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I love hearing from you when you've made one of my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @ChelseasMessyApron or leave me a comment below.

More Recipes You'll Love

Baked Gnocchi and Vegetables

35 mins

Baked Gnocchi and Vegetables

Click the Bookmark Icon to Add to Your Favories

Air Fryer Chickpeas

22 mins

Air Fryer Chickpeas

Click the Bookmark Icon to Add to Your Favories

Asian Cucumber Salad

20 mins

Asian Cucumber Salad

Click the Bookmark Icon to Add to Your Favories

Harvest Vegetables and Sausage

45 mins

Harvest Vegetables and Sausage

Click the Bookmark Icon to Add to Your Favories

FREE BONUS

FREE BONUS

EASY MEAL SECRETS:
How to Make Mealtime Hassle Free!

5 secrets to easy, fast and delicious dinners.

[gravityform id="2" title="false" description="false"]

Leave a Comment:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




2 Comments

  1. This is great information! Going back to one of your previous recipes, what is the ingredient that is colored red in your frog eye salad recipe?

Never Miss a Recipe

[gravityform id="3" title="false" description="false"]