This seasoned peas and onions recipe turns frozen peas and pearl onions into a buttery, savory side that pairs with everything from roast chicken to steak. With just 4 ingredients and 15 minutes, it’s a reliable weeknight staple and a nostalgic holiday classic.
Recipe Essentials
You only need a total of four simple ingredients to make these seasoned peas and onions. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Frozen green peas
- Frozen pearl onions
- Butter
- Seasoned salt
PRO TIP: Frozen vegetables hold their nutrition better than canned and if cooked correctly, taste just as good as fresh too!
How to Make Seasoned Peas and Onions (Step-by-Step)
When it comes to easy side dishes, this one is at the top of the list for simplicity.
- Add ingredients to pan. Place frozen green peas, pearl onions, butter and seasoned salt into a heavy bottom saucepan.
- Cook over low heat. Bring to a low heat and cover, stirring until vegetables are thawed, approximately 15 minutes.
Variations & Add-Ins
Feel free to make these seasoned peas and onions your own! There are so many options.
- Creamed Peas: Stir in 2–3 Tbsp cream at the end; simmer 1 minute to thicken
- Herby: Finish with chopped parsley, chives, or dill.
- Flavored Butter: You could add a little garlic butter, truffle butter or cognac butter to amp up the flavor a bit.
- Bacon or Pancetta: Crisp 2–3 Tbsp; toss in before serving.
- Lemon-Parmesan: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan.
Perfect Pairings
These peas and onions can be paired with just about anything you can think of. Roast chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, salmon– you name it.
Our other favorite vegetables side dishes include Baked Kale Gratin, Garlic Parmesan Asparagus, Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables, Roasted Greek Vegetables, Easy Mixed Vegetables and Creamed Onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure you can! Just add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream (or Greek yogurt if you’re being health conscious) at the very end.
You can certainly use fresh vegetables, but it will take a little longer to cook. Keep on low until all ingredients are soft, approximately 20-25 minutes.
Sure! You can substitute in any other frozen vegetables you’d like. I also like green beans, carrots, corn, brussels sprouts or even butternut squash.
More Favorite Sides
Once you have a showstopping main dish, you need the perfect side dish to complement it. Here are some of our favorites.
Seasoned Peas and Onions Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen green peas
- 1 cup frozen pearl onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon homemade seasoned salt
Instructions
- Place frozen green peas, pearl onions, butter and seasoned salt into a heavy bottom saucepan.
- Bring to a low heat and cover, stirring until vegetables are thawed, approximately 15 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!
Notes
Nutrition
I have made these for the last couple of Thanksgivings. We have a big crowd, so I have gone with 32 oz of peas and increased the other ingredients accordingly. The directions say to “Bring to a low heat and cover, stirring until vegetables are thawed.” I have been covering and uncovering to stir every 3 minutes or so and it has been taking me closer to 25 minutes for the dish to be hot and ready to serve. Is that what I am supposed to be doing– covering and uncovering every few minutes to stir? Thanks for your help!
Probably just because you have so much more volume. It is a considerable amount more- you are doing nothing wrong 🙂
My husband loves this recipe! I’ll definitely do it again! Has a great flavor
One of my husband’s favorite vegetables is peas. This was great. Didn’t have pearl onions so used dried onions, a little red pepper, salt, a little milk. Wow! Thank you!
NO water in the pan??? Is that correct?
Nope- they are frozen, the will release water themselves.
Definitely not needed! These are the best hands down!
Can this be prepared ahead of time? I see you’ve noted to served immediately. I would like to bring it along for Thanksgiving Dinner.
You sure can!
They would make a great side at a family brunch table!
Those pearl onions looks so good. I love how simple and delicious this recipe is.
Like you, I often put my efforts into the main dish, so having another easy side dish to add to the rotation is really helpful. I like your note about the olive oil too. Coincidentally, I was on vacation last week in San Diego and ran across an amazing domestic olive oil company based in Temecula. (No relationship, it was just really good.) Their oils were so tasty. I brought some home, and can’t wait to add some to a simple side dish like this one.
What a quick, easy and delicious side dish idea! Can’t wait to try 🙂
hmmm, I hate peas… but I have to tell you that this recipe has given me some hope! This sounds SO GOOD! I’ll have to try it!