Revive a classic with our creamed peas recipe on toast, bringing back a budget-friendly favorite that never goes out of style.

Old-fashioned creamed peas on toast is a recipe that goes back decades in Mrs. CBB’s family.

Her mother made this in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s; it was considered luxury food.

During the ’50s and ’60s, Mrs. CBB’s grandmother taught her mother how to make creamy peas on toast.

Back then, it was a budget-friendly recipe that fit her coupon-clipping lifestyle.

Can you believe we have her handwritten recipes, some coupons, and many cookbooks?

Times have changed, but what hasn’t is the price of groceries, which has increasingly become expensive for Canadians.

Today, I wanted to bring back the simplicity of what grandma considered a nutritious meal for her family on a dime.

History and Health – Green Peas In Canada

Photo by Jean-Michel GARCIA 

Canada is the world’s producer and exporter of over 3 tonnes of green peas yearly.

Frozen peas have been one of the most popular and wide spread frozen vegetable since Clarence Birdseye discovered in the 1920’s that blanching peas before freezing results in bright green peas. By the Middle Ages, field peas where a staple in diets, used to keep famine away. 

They contain especially high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They are also one of the best sources of plant-based protein and high in fiber which can be helpful in regulating blood sugar.

Green peas contain: potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients help keep blood pressure regulated which in turn helps ensure good heart health.

Green peas contain antioxidants flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C which protects cells from damage, reducing the risk of stroke, heart disease, and cancer.

Ontario Processing Green Peas

Frozen Peas vs. Fresh Peas

Considering the produce cost, heading to the freezer is cheaper than purchasing frozen peas.

I plant vegetables we can eat yearly, such as beets, during the growing season.

Once harvested, I pickle and preserve beets in jars and store them in our cold room for 12 months.

Although I’ve never grown peas in Canada, we recently talked about it, bringing up Granny’s creamed peas on toast.

I used a bag of frozen green peas, which Mrs. CBB’s mother would use.

Using canned peas isn’t the best option as they are too mushy, and you want to preserve some texture.

Ideally, fresh green peas would be excellent, but for now, we will stick with tradition and use frozen green peas.

Variations Of Creamed Peas

Creamed peas is a side-dish recipe to which you can add ingredients, making it fun to switch up when meal planning.

For example, take this basic creamy green peas recipe and turn it into the following;

• Cheesy Creamed Peas – Add two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions – chop onions and saute until golden
• Minced Beef and Creamed Green Peas – cook the beef, drain it, and add it to the peas
• Creamed Green Peas and Corn – include your favourite corn
• Shrimp and Creamed Peas – add cleaned, shelled, and deveined shrimp

Besides the addition of ingredients, you can include your favourite spices.

These are just a few ideas to consider, but let your imagination flow in the kitchen.

Creamed Peas Served On Toast Or Fresh Bread

I prefer serving the creamy peas on toast, and Mrs. CBB enjoys it on fresh keto bread.

Try both variations or use no bread at all because either way, it’s delicious.

How To Make Creamy Green Peas On Toast

Old-Fashioned Creamed Peas Recipe

Printable Recipe Below

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups 2% or whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (optional)
• 6 cups frozen green peas
• 1/4 cup dehydrated onions (optional)
• 8 slices of freshly sliced bread

Instructions

1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium- to large-sized pot.
2. Add the flour and dehydrated onion to the melted butter and stir or whisk until smooth and combined.
3. Pour the milk into the pot, stirring until the mixture has thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the whipping cream, combined with the salt and pepper.
5. Gently add the frozen peas to the pot and stir to coat the peas.
6. Let the creamed peas cook and heat through for 5 minutes on low-medium heat on the stove, stirring every minute.
7. Using two slices of your favorite bread, toast them and pour the creamy peas over the top.
8. Garnish with chopped spring onion. Add extra seasoning if needed.

Storage Instructions For Creamed Peas

If you have leftovers, store the creamed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the peas slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. You can also reheat them in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.

Avoid overheating, as the sauce may thicken too much or separate.

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Can You Freeze Creamed Peas?

Yes, you can freeze creamed peas, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after thawing. To freeze, allow the peas to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

When ready to use, thaw the peas overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of milk while reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

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Tips For The Best Old-Fashioned Creamed Peas

Making creamed peas on toast is simple, but a few helpful tips can make the recipe even better:

• Use frozen peas instead of canned peas for the best texture
• Stir the flour and butter mixture well to avoid lumps
• Add milk slowly while whisking to create a smooth, creamy sauce
• Season gradually and taste before serving
• Toast the bread just before serving to keep it crisp

These small steps can make a big difference in achieving that classic, comforting flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Creamed peas are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways beyond toast. Consider pairing this dish with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted chicken
• Baked ham
• Grilled sausages
• Fresh biscuits or dinner rolls
• Rice or egg noodles

This makes the recipe perfect for both quick weeknight meals and comforting family dinners.

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Equipment Needed

You do not need fancy kitchen tools to make this recipe. Most home kitchens already have everything required.

• Medium or large saucepan
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toaster or oven
• Serving spoon

Keeping the equipment simple is part of what makes this recipe budget-friendly and practical.

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Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: 220–260 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Creamed Peas On Toast

Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, you can use canned peas if needed, but frozen peas are recommended because they hold their shape and texture better in the creamy sauce.

Can I make creamed peas without heavy cream?

Absolutely. The heavy cream is optional and can be omitted without affecting the recipe significantly. You can also substitute with additional milk.

How long do creamed peas last in the refrigerator?

Creamed peas will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based butter and milk alternatives such as oat milk or almond milk to make a dairy-free version.

Why are my creamed peas too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a small amount of milk while reheating and stir until the desired consistency is reached.