Au Gratin Creamed Peas are a yummy side dish that combines tender peas with a creamy cheese sauce. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s a fun twist on the usual veggies!
This dish is perfect for when you want to make your greens a little more exciting. I love it when the cheesy goodness makes everyone go back for seconds! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Peas: Fresh peas bring a sweet flavor, but frozen peas are just as convenient. If you’re in a pinch, canned peas also work, though they’ll be softer. I usually opt for frozen for their consistent quality.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to give you control over the saltiness of the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try substituting with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
All-Purpose Flour: This is used for the roux, which thickens the sauce. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, or cornstarch mixed with a bit of water as a thickener instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Gouda could work, too. Vegan cheese can be a substitute if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Parmesan Cheese: For a punch of flavor, grated Parmesan is lovely. Pecorino Romano is a good alternative. If you’re skipping cheese entirely, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Creating a smooth cheese sauce can be a bit tricky, so here’s how to nail it:
- Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking it together to form a roux.
- Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, whisking constantly to avoid burning. This step is crucial!
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. This is where patience pays off; go slow!
- Keep stirring as the mixture thickens over 4-5 minutes. If it gets too thick, you can add a bit more milk to loosen it up.
- Add in the cheese slowly, stirring until melted and smooth. If the cheese clumps, lower the heat and keep stirring.
With these steps, you will have a velvety cheese sauce that coats your peas perfectly!
How to Make Au Gratin Creamed Peas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Au Gratin:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the dish and another 20-25 minutes to bake it. So, in total, you should set aside around 35-40 minutes for everything—from prep to serving. It’s a quick and delicious side dish, perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for your creamy goodness!
2. Prepare the Peas:
If you’re using fresh peas, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the peas for 1-2 minutes until they are tender. Then, drain them well. If you have frozen peas, simply thaw them and make sure to 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. This step makes the roux that will thicken your sauce, so keep stirring constantly to avoid burning!
4. Create the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux, making sure no lumps remain. Continue cooking and stirring for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Season the Sauce:
Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using) to the sauce, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; this is your chance to make it just right!
6. Add the Cheese:
Mix in half of the cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. This will give your sauce a rich, cheesy flavor!
7. Combine with Peas:
Now it’s time to add the peas! Stir them into the cheese sauce carefully, making sure they’re evenly coated with that delicious cheesy goodness.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take your greased gratin or baking dish and pour in the creamy peas mixture, spreading it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
9. Add More Cheese:
Top your dish with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkling it evenly over the peas. This will create that irresistible cheesy crust!
10. Bake It Up:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want the top to be golden brown and bubbling—this is when it’s perfect!
11. Broil for Extra Crunch (Optional):
If you like a deeper golden crust, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take your dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you’ve got them handy. Then dig in and enjoy your delicious Au Gratin Creamed Peas!
Can I Use Frozen Peas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cheese sauce to avoid excess moisture.
How Long Does This Dish Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy peas mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just spread the cheese on top and pop it into the oven!
What Cheese Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have cheddar or parmesan, don’t worry! You can use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative can work well too. Just be sure to account for flavor differences when choosing your substitute!
