This Frozen Peas recipe is a total show-stopper! With crisp bacon, caramelized shallots, and a touch of garlicโ€“youโ€™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 โ€œsecretโ€!).

Overhead image of Frozen Peas

Favorite Frozen Peas Recipe

If youโ€™re wondering how to make frozen peas taste better, youโ€™ve come to the right place! This recipe has my entire family begging for moreโ€”itโ€™s the best pea recipe ever!

And while you might expect a long list of ingredients or a complicated method, thatโ€™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 theyโ€™ll be on mine!)

Process shots-- images of the shallots, bacon, and garlic being cooked in one pot

Ingredients

IngredientSwap or Tip
Frozen PeasA 10-12 oz. bag works great. I like Birdseye. No need to thaw before cooking.
BaconFor crispy bacon, pick thin slices; for a chewier texture, choose thick cuts.
ShallotSubstitute 1/4 cup finely diced onion.
GarlicIf you donโ€™t have fresh garlic, use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
Olive OilButter can also be used.
Fresh HerbsMint or parsley both work well.
Process shots-- images of the frozen peas being added to the pot and it all being cooked together

How To Make Frozen Peas Recipe

  1. Prep: Cut bacon into small pieces and slice the shallot.
  2. Bacon & Shallots: Heat oil in a pan. Add bacon, shallot, and garlic. Cook until the bacon is crispy and shallots are soft.
  3. Peas: Add frozen peas and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and cook.
  4. 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:

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5 from 1 vote

Frozen Peas Recipe

This Frozen Peas recipe is next-levelโ€”tossed with crispy bacon, caramelized shallots, and garlic, theyโ€™re so good youโ€™ll forget they started in the freezer.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 as a side

Video

Equipment

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 chopped fresh mint or flat-leaf parsley, optional
  • 1 lemon optional

Instructionsย 

  • Dice the bacon and thinly slice the shallot before starting.
  • Add olive oil to a large (10โ€“12-inch) pan and set to medium heat. Add in the diced bacon, shallot, and garlic. Cook for 5โ€“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 3โ€“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!
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Donโ€™t forget the power of salt and pepper in such a simple dish; a little goes a long way! The amount youโ€™ll need will vary depending on the saltiness of the bacon. Taste and adjust to personal preference.
This recipe is adapted from Ina Gartenโ€™s peas and pancetta recipe.
Storage: Let the peas cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 230mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 8085IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 1 vote

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3 Comments

  1. Olivia Mendenhall says:

    5 stars
    As Chelseaโ€™s employee I have made this recipe many times and it is always a hit with my family! So easy and delicious!

  2. Susan says:

    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?

    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Maraschino cherries I believe