Cheesy Peas

I don’t like peas. There, I said it. 😂 But if I have to eat them, this is the way it will be!

These Cheesy Peas are buttery, creamy, cheesy, and so much better than just heating up a can of plain peas and calling it a day. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy.

You only need a few simple ingredients, one skillet, and about 10 minutes. But there is one little secret that makes all the difference: mash some of the peas with the back of your spoon!

It sounds simple—and it is—but those mashed peas mix with the butter, cheese, and a little of the liquid from the can to make everything extra creamy.

Easy Cheesy Peas

This is the kind of side dish I love sharing because there really isn’t much to it. You don’t need to make a separate cheese sauce or dirty up a bunch of dishes. Everything goes straight into the skillet.

Ingredients

• 2 cans peas
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 5 slices American cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Cheesy Peas

1. Drain the peas.
Completely drain one can of peas. For the second can, only drain about half of the liquid. You want to keep some of that liquid because it helps make the peas creamy.

2. Add everything to the skillet.
Pour both cans of peas into a skillet. Add the butter and lay the slices of American cheese over the top.

3. Cover and cook.
Put a lid on the skillet and cook over low to medium-low heat until the peas are hot and the butter and cheese have melted.

4. Give it a good stir.
Remove the lid and stir everything together until the peas are coated in that buttery, cheesy goodness.

5. Now for the secret!
Use the back of your spoon to mash some of the peas right in the skillet. You don’t want to mash all of them—just enough to help thicken the cheesy sauce.

Stir those mashed peas back into everything, and you’ll see the mixture become creamier.

Season with a little salt and pepper to taste, and they’re ready to serve!

Why Mash the Peas?

This is what takes these from regular cheesy peas to creamy cheesy peas.

When you mash a few of the peas, they help thicken the butter, cheese, and reserved pea liquid naturally. No flour, heavy cream, or separate sauce needed.

And don’t worry—you aren’t making mashed peas! Most of the peas stay whole. You’re just sacrificing a few for the greater good. 😂

What to Serve with Cheesy Peas

These make such an easy side dish for a weeknight dinner, but they’re also simple enough to add to a holiday meal. Try them alongside meatloaf, baked or fried chicken, pork chops, ham, or your favorite comfort-food dinner.

They’re especially handy when you realize at the last minute that dinner needs one more side dish. Grab two cans of peas from the pantry, and you’re pretty much there.

Finding Easy Tip

Don’t completely drain both cans of peas! That little bit of reserved liquid is important. It combines with the butter, melted American cheese, and mashed peas to create that creamy texture.

And take it from someone who doesn’t even like peas: if I have to eat them, this is the way it will be! 🫛🧀