This Frozen Peas recipe is a total show-stopper! With crisp bacon, caramelized shallots, and a touch of garlic–you’ll never want frozen peas any other way!
Looking to make veggies more exciting? Try Roasted Vegetables, Green Beans, or these fave Baked Sweet Potatoes (with a quick-cook “secret”!).
Favorite Frozen Peas Recipe
If you’re wondering how to make frozen peas taste better, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe has my entire family begging for more—it’s the best pea recipe ever!
And while you might expect a long list of ingredients or a complicated method, that’s not the case here. These frozen green peas are quick and easy to make, and this side dish is definitely worthy of a spot on your holiday table! (I know they’ll be on mine!)
Ingredients
- Bacon: Use your favorite type! For crispy bacon, pick thin slices; for a chewier texture, choose thick cuts.
- Shallots: I cook them a bit in oil and bacon drippings for extra richness.
- Frozen Peas: A 10-12 oz. bag works great. I like Birdseye® (not sponsored).
- Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential—these two make the flavors pop!
Quick Tip
Do I need to thaw frozen peas before cooking? No! No need to thaw before adding–they’ll warm through in minutes.
How To Make Frozen Peas Recipe
- Prep: Cut bacon into small pieces and slice the shallot.
- Bacon & Shallots: Heat oil in a pan. Add bacon, shallot, and garlic. Cook until the bacon is crispy and shallots are soft.
- Peas: Add frozen peas and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and cook, stirring, until the peas are warmed through.
- Finish: Remove from heat. Add herbs and lemon juice, if you like. Serve warm!
Quick Tip
How to improve frozen peas? Add a burst of freshness with a squeeze of lemon or some fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
Storage
Leftovers?
Let the peas cool, then store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
More Vegetable Side Dishes
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes sweet or savory versions!
- Roasted Corn Salad with sweet bell peppers
- Au Gratin Potatoes our favorite potato side dish!
- Roasted Carrots made two different ways
- Avocado Salsa with tomatoes
Frozen Peas Recipe
Equipment
- Large pan 10–12 inches
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 ounces (3 slices) bacon diced
- 1 large shallot halved and sliced, 1/2 cup
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic or 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 (10 to 12-ounce) bag frozen peas
- Salt and pepper see note 1
- 1-1/2 teaspoons finely diced fresh mint leaves or flat-leaf parsley, optional
- 1 lemon optional
Instructions
- Dice the bacon and thinly slice the shallot before starting.
- Add olive oil to a large (10–12-inch) pan and set to medium heat. Add in the diced bacon, shallot, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently at the end, until bacon is browned and shallots are tender.
- Add in the frozen peas and season to taste (I add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper). Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring frequently, until peas are heated through, about 3–5 minutes. Taste for seasonings, adding more if needed. Remove from heat, and if desired, add fresh herbs and 1 tsp lemon juice. Enjoy warm!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
As Chelsea’s employee I have made this recipe many times and it is always a hit with my family! So easy and delicious!
This is great information! Going back to one of your previous recipes, what is the ingredient that is colored red in your frog eye salad recipe?
Maraschino cherries I believe