This Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish is a colorful and tasty addition to your holiday table! With sweet peas, butter, and crunchy onions, it’s simple yet full of flavor.
I love making this dish because it takes just a few minutes, and it always gets smiles! Plus, who can resist the sweet pops of peas? Perfect with turkey or ham! 🦃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Green Peas: These are the star of the dish! Sweet and tender, they cook quickly and add vibrant color. If you want to use fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce for a lighter option.
French Fried Onions: These provide the crunch on top. You can swap them with crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs for a different texture. If you prefer a homemade version, try frying some sliced onions in a bit of oil!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: I love adding this for a cheesy twist. If you’re dairy-free, just skip it, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Dish is Creamy and Not Dry?
To keep your Thanksgiving Peas creamy, it’s all about balancing the liquid ingredients. Make sure to mix the cream of mushroom soup with enough milk so it’s not too thick. Here are some steps to follow:
- Combine your soup with milk until smooth; adjust to your desired creaminess.
- Don’t skip the butter on the onions! It helps make the topping crisp while adding richness.
- If your dish seems dry before putting it in the oven, add a little more milk or soup.
This will ensure you’re left with a creamy, comforting side dish that’s full of flavor! Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!
Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups frozen green peas
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup French fried onions (store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 to 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to have this delightful dish ready for the table—perfect for your holiday gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that it’s hot and ready when you’re done preparing the dish.
2. Mix the Creamy Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until you have a nice and smooth mixture. This is going to form the creamy base for your peas!
3. Add the Peas:
Now, it’s time to bring in the peas! Stir in the frozen green peas until they are all coated in that creamy goodness. No need to thaw the peas; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven!
4. Get the Baking Dish Ready:
Grab a greased baking dish—approximately 9×13 inches works great. Pour your pea and cream mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Prepare the Crunchy Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the French fried onions with the melted butter. If you’re using, add in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley. This mix is going to create a delicious crunchy topping!
6. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crispy onion mixture evenly over the top of the peas in the baking dish. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and heated-through peas.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then it’s ready to serve! This creamy, crunchy, and flavorful side dish is bound to be a hit on your Thanksgiving table.
Enjoy this classic Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish that brings a comforting creamy texture with the crunch of fried onions on top!
Can I Use Fresh Peas Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before mixing them into the creamy base. This will help maintain their color and tenderness during baking.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pea mixture and layer it in the baking dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake directly from the fridge—but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Use a Different Soup for the Base?
Yes! If you aren’t a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce. Just make sure it has a similar creamy consistency for the best results.