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.

Green Peas with Bacon in a pan

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 assembled to make Green Peas with Bacon

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.

process of cooking bacon and aromatics

How to Make Green Peas with Bacon

  1. Sauté bacon (per the recipe below) & remove from pan.
  2. Cook onions in the bacon fat.
  3. Add frozen peas & a splash of water. Cook until water is evaporated.
  4. Season & garnish with bacon.

cooked peas with bacon and butter on top

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.

spoon scooping Green Peas with Bacon

Best Side Dishes With Bacon!

Did you make these Green Peas with Bacon? Leave us a rating and a comment below!

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spoon scooping Green Peas with Bacon
5 from 18 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Green Peas with Bacon

These Green Peas with bacon are an easy & flavorful side dish made with only 4 ingredients!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
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Ingredients  

  • 2 slices bacon chopped
  • ¼ cup finely diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 cups frozen green peas
  • salt and 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.
5 from 18 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 110 | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 559IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
spoon scooping Green Peas with Bacon with text
Green Peas with Bacon with beige spoon with text
spoon scooping Green Peas with Bacon in white pan with text
spoon scooping Green Peas with Bacon and Green Peas with Bacon in a pot with text

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. 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!5 stars