Au Gratin Creamed Peas are a fun and creamy side dish that takes green peas to a whole new level! Baked with a cheesy topping, they’re the perfect mix of comfort and yum.
I can’t resist the cheesy crust that gets all golden and bubbly. Honestly, it’s so good, I might just eat it for dinner. Who’s judging? 🙈
This dish is super easy to whip up. Just mix peas with a creamy sauce, sprinkle some cheese on top, and let the oven do the magic. It’s a hit on our dinner table every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Peas: Fresh peas are great for this dish because they’re sweet and tender. However, frozen peas work just as well and save you prep time. If you can’t find peas, edamame or green beans could be interesting alternatives too!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for that bold flavor. You can mix it with Gruyère for extra creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you might try a lower-fat cheese or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness to the sauce. If you want to cut back on calories, half-and-half works well. Or, if you’re dairy-free, use coconut milk for a different flavor twist!
Nutmeg: This ingredient adds warmth and depth. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute with a pinch of garlic powder for a different layer of flavor.
How Do You Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
The creamy cheese sauce is the heart of this dish, so it’s crucial to avoid lumps. Start by making a roux with butter and flour, which acts as a thickener. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for just 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
- Gradually add the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Pour slowly to help it blend without lumps.
- Keep stirring as it cooks so it thickens evenly. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash more milk to loosen it up.
By taking your time and stirring continuously, you’ll get a smooth and creamy sauce every time!
How to Make Au Gratin Creamed Peas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peas:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green peas
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for subtle warmth)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Gruyère)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Au Gratin Creamed Peas recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking, totaling around 40 minutes. You’ll be enjoying a comforting and cheesy side dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly once it’s in the oven.
2. Prepare the Peas:
If you’re using fresh peas, blanch them by cooking in boiling salted water for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Drain the peas and set them aside. If using frozen peas, simply thaw them and drain any excess water.
3. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Be careful not to let it brown; you want it to stay light in color.
4. Create the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and can coat the back of a spoon; this should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine with Peas:
Gently fold the blanched peas into the cheese sauce until they’re well coated. This is where the magic happens—make sure every pea gets a nice cheesy hug!
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the creamy peas mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure a nice bake.
8. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan evenly on top. This will create a deliciously crispy, cheesy crust as it bakes.
9. Bake and Enjoy:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish with finely chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy this rich and creamy side dish that’s perfect alongside any meal!
There you have it! An easy-to-follow recipe for a comforting and cheesy Au Gratin Creamed Peas dish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Peas Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before mixing them into the cheese sauce.
Can I Substitute the Cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a great alternative that adds a unique flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Omit the Nutmeg?
Yes, you can definitely omit the nutmeg if you prefer. It’s optional and primarily adds a subtle warmth, so feel free to leave it out or replace it with a pinch of garlic powder for a different flavor!
