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!).
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!)
Frozen Peas FAQs
What To Add To Peas For Flavor
You can make frozen peas taste great by adding bacon, shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper. These simple additions make the peas much more flavorful.
What 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:
- Meatballs and Orzo (made in ONE pot!)
- Instant Pot Risotto (the easiest risotto recipe ever!)
- Pesto Rice (made in ONE dish!)
Do you thaw frozen peas before cooking?
No! No need to thaw before adding–they’ll warm through in minutes.
More on the ingredients below for this Frozen Pea side dish!
Peas Recipe Frozen 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
How to improve 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.
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
- 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.
- Add in frozen peas and season. Add frozen peas (straight from the freezer) and season to taste. Sauté until peas are warmed through.
- Garnish and enjoy! If desired add in some finishing touches and serve while the peas are hot–delish!
More Vegetable Side Dishes
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes sweet or savory versions!
- Roasted Corn Salad with sweet bell peppers
- Au Gratin Potatoes our favorite potato side dish!
- Roasted Carrots made two different ways
- Avocado Salsa with tomatoes
Frozen Peas Recipe
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!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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?
Maraschino cherries I believe