Peas with Bacon is a quick side dish and a great way to turn frozen peas into a family favorite!
Green peas have a sweet flavor and pair well with crisp smoky bacon in this recipe.
Peas, Please!
- Peas are a budget-friendly veggie that keeps well in the freezer!
- This super easy recipe is a one-pot wonder!
- No need to thaw the peas, either, this recipe cooks quickly.
- Add a splash of cream and let it simmer to make a creamy favorite.
Ingredients
PEAS: Choose frozen peas, they are inexpensive and available year-round. Canned peas can be used as well but will need less cook time. Fresh peas will need extra cook time or should be boiled first.
BACON: Any kind of bacon will taste great! Try maple-flavored or peppered bacon for a new flavor. No Bacon?! No problem! Use real bacon bits or even finely diced ham.
Variations
There are so many different ways to prepare green peas with bacon.
VEGETABLES: Make this recipe with green beans. Add chopped red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or small cubes of leftover squash for a pop of color.
BACON: Bacon adds a salty smoky flavor. If you don’t have bacon, use real bacon bits (I like to crisp them in the microwave first) or even chunks of leftover ham.
SAUCE: This dish has a simple buttery sauce but make a creamy version by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of heavy whipping cream.
How to Make Green Peas with Bacon
- Sauté bacon (per the recipe below) & remove from pan.
- Cook onions in the bacon fat.
- Add frozen peas & a splash of water. Cook until water is evaporated.
- Season & garnish with bacon.
Tips for Perfect Peas
- Using frozen peas keeps the peas crisp while they cook and saves time from having to thaw them!
- If using canned peas, be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the sauté pan. Skip the water if using canned peas.
- Save time by using store-bought bacon bits and sautéing the onion in olive oil or butter.
Best Side Dishes With Bacon!
- Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts – crispy & flavorful
- Garlic Bacon Kale Recipe – best way to enjoy kale
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates – filled with cheese
- Green Beans with Bacon – a family favorite
- Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts – one-pot dish
Did you make these Green Peas with Bacon? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
Green Peas with Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 slices raw bacon chopped
- ¼ cup onion finely diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 cups frozen green peas
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add raw bacon to a skillet and cook until browned and crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan, reserving the fat.
- Add the onion to the bacon fat and cook 3-4 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add frozen peas and 2 tablespoons water. Cover and cook over medium heat until peas are tender, about 4-5 minutes. Remove lid and cook until liquid evaporates.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and garnish with crispy bacon.
Notes
- Using frozen peas keeps the peas crisp while they cook and saves time from having to thaw them!
- If using canned peas, be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the sauté pan. Skip the water if using canned peas.
- Save time by using store-bought bacon bits and sautéing the onion in olive oil or butter.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
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Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This can be made up to a few days ahead.
Can I serve this in a crock pot???
This could be served in a slow cooker kept on the warm setting.
Oh. My. Goodness. The Green Peas with Bacon is absolutely delicious! I made this side dish with some Fried Chicken Wings and 4 Cheese Flavored Rice-a-Roni. This will now be my new go to side dish, and I need to make sure that I always have bacon on hand the next time I make it. Thank you so much for sharing, Miss Holly!
So glad you loved these as much as we do! Sounds like a delicious meal Shawnae!