Peas and cheese is the ooey, gooey and cheesy vegetable dish you absolutely need.
Peas in Cheese Sauce
You won’t need to chop any vegetables for this cheesy peas recipe, and it takes only 20 minutes to make.
All of the ingredients for this dish are either easy to find—such as a frozen bag of peas and store-bought cheese—or you likely already have it on hand in the pantry or fridge.
Peas are an excellent source of potassium and they are also high in fiber, which aids in digestion. Adding a cheese sauce to the peas might entice the little ones to give these a try.
Ingredients for Cheesy Peas
- Butter: Choose unsalted butter, as you’ll be adding salt anyway.
- Flour: For this recipe, you need all-purpose flour, which is the most common flour used in baking and cooking.
- White pepper: This is different than black pepper in that it tastes more subtle, but is used in similar proportions as you might black pepper when cooking.
- Milk: The choice to use 2% milk in this recipe means it’s reduced in fat and healthier for you than whole milk.
- Cheese: This recipe calls for a specific type of cheese product, which is Velveeta processed cheese. The reason you need this is because it melts very easily and quickly.
- Peas: Using frozen peas means you aren’t locked into a season as you would be with fresh peas. You can make this year-round!
Directions
Step 1: Create the sauce.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the milk. Bring to a boil, then cook and stir for two minutes or until thickened.
Step 2: Cut and add the cheese.
Cut a block of the Velveeta into cubes and add it to the sauce. Stir the sauce until it’s melted.
Step 3: Add the peas.
Stir in the peas to the sauce you’ve already created. Cook for one to two minutes longer or until it’s heated through.
Editor’s Tip: We’re suggesting frozen peas because you can find these year-round, but if you’d prefer fresh peas, look for English peas.
Cheesy Peas Variations
- Make it vegan. Remove the 2% milk and replace it with nondairy milk such as unsweetened soy milk or almond milk, and look for a cashew- or plant-based cheese alternative.
- Switch from Velveeta to Parmesan: If you’re looking for an Italian side dish to go with dinner, use Parmesan instead of Velveeta.
How to Store Cheesy Peas
Once this is made, or if you have leftovers, it’s very easy to store the dish for later. The key is to make sure it’s in an airtight container.
Can you freeze cheesy peas?
This peas and cheese recipe can absolutely go in the freezer should you want to enjoy it another time. Either drop the peas into a resealable freezer bag or in an airtight container before freezing. It should keep for up to three months.
How long do cheesy peas last?
If kept in a covered container in the fridge, these will last up to three days.
Can you make cheesy peas ahead of time?
Absolutely! Getting the side dish cooked early means you can focus on the other dishes you’ll be serving. Simply wait for the peas and cheese to cool before storing in the fridge or freezer.
How do you reheat cheesy peas?
Heat these in a saucepan on the stovetop using medium-high heat until they’re warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds on a high setting.
Cheesy Peas Tips
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
If you’re making this for a group of people that includes someone on a gluten-free diet, simply use gluten-free flour in place of the all-purpose flour we call for.
What are some main dishes to serve with this?
Since peas and cheese is so, well, cheesy, you might want to select an accompanying recipe that does not include cheese. Lean into heaty meat entrees such as one of these 49 quick and easy beef recipes for dinner.
How do I make this cheesier?
You have two choices: Create a blend of two different cheeses or increase the amount of the cheese you’re using. To avoid making it too cheesy, add no more than ½ cup more of cheese.
Peas in Cheese Sauce
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Yield
8 servings
Ingredients
- 4-1/2 teaspoons butter
- 4-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
- 3/4 cup cubed Velveeta
- 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen peas, thawed
Directions
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the cheese; stir until melted. Stir in peas; cook 1-2 minutes longer or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 114 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Mom dresses up convenient frozen peas with a quick-to-fix cheese sauce that our family loves.
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