Peas and Pearl Onions
Peas and pearl onions is an easy, old-fashioned recipe that is great for holidays yet simple enough for weekdays.
This dish has been around for generations because it works. It uses basic ingredients that many people already keep in their freezers. It also delivers a familiar flavor that feels comforting without being heavy. That makes it a reliable choice when you want something green on the plate that everyone will eat.
If you are looking for an easy side dish, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is made in one pot with only 3 ingredients, in just 10-15 minutes.
Pearl onions were traditionally grown in Europe and are slightly different from yellow or white onions. They only have a single leaf.
Frozen vegetables are always on hand and make a dish come together in a matter of minutes. This recipe is great for the holidays with turkey, pork or beef, but it’s equally good with a simple chicken dinner.
Frozen peas and frozen pearl onions are picked and frozen at their peak. That helps them keep their color and natural sweetness. When cooked gently, they taste fresh and clean rather than dull or overcooked. This is why frozen vegetables work so well for quick side dishes like this one.
You can add other flavors to these peas, if you choose. See our suggestions below.
What You Need
- Frozen Green Peas: You can use fresh peas if you are making them in the Spring.
- Frozen Pearl Onions: You could use chopped yellow or white onions, but they will take longer to cook and are not as sweet. You can also use fresh pearl onions if you can find them. If you use fresh onions, they will need to be parboiled for a couple of minutes.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, since you will add salt to season the dish.
- Kosher or Sea Salt: Season the vegetables to taste. The salt brings out the sweetness in the peas and the onions.
- Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
One of the best things about this recipe is how forgiving it is. There is no exact timing to follow. As long as the peas are heated through and the onions are tender, the dish is ready. This makes it a good option for busy nights or crowded holiday kitchens.
How to Make Them
There is only one step to make these. Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan. Heat the stove on medium-high and sauté the peas and onion until both are tender. About 10 minutes.
Stir the contents of the pan often, so they cook evenly.
Keep an eye on the pan as the butter melts. The vegetables should be coated but not swimming in liquid. If the pan looks dry, a small splash of water or broth to help create a light glaze. The goal is soft vegetables with a light sheen, not a sauce.
You can also cook them in the microwave. Place all of the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 3 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl and stir. Microwave for an additional minute or two until both the peas and onions are tender.
The microwave method works especially well when stove space is limited. It is also helpful for reheating a single portion without dirtying another pan. Stirring halfway through ensures the onions warm evenly and the peas stay plump.
This recipe is easy to scale for a large celebration or for just two.
Variations
- Add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme, chives, parsley, or dill.
- Use a compound butter like roasted garlic butter, garlic scape butter, chive butter, or cranberry butter.
- Add heavy cream at the very end to make creamed peas and pearl onions. You can also make a roux (mixture of flour and butter) and make a cream sauce.
- Use different vegetables like carrots, corn or Brussels sprouts.
- Use olive oil instead of butter.
These peas and pearl onions can be adjusted to match almost any meal. A little cream makes them richer for special occasions. Fresh herbs give them a lighter feel for spring and summer meals. Even a simple swap like olive oil changes the overall character while keeping the dish easy.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Do not refreeze them. Just make enough that you can consume it in four days.
These peas and onions reheat well, so if you are doing them for the holidays, you can make them a day or two ahead. Just pop them in the microwave at about half power and heat for 1.5 to 2 minutes.
What to Serve Them With
- Smoked Turkey
- Wild Turkey
- Roasted Cornish Game Hens
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Balsamic Cherry Roasted Duck
More Easy Vegetable Side Dishes
- Air Fryer Honey-Roasted Carrots
- Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted Vegetable Salad
- Smoked Potatoes
- Smoked Vegetables
This is the kind of side dish that does not compete with the main course. It fills out the plate, adds color, and balances richer meats. Because the flavors are mild and familiar, it works well for both kids and adults.
We hope you like this easy Peas and Pearl Onions recipe. Give it a try and let us know what you think.
Connect with us through our social media pages! Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter.
Please ask any questions or share your comments in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.
I hope you enjoyed the recipe today.
Enjoy. And have fun cooking!
Peas and Pearl Onions
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen green peas
- 1 cup frozen pearl onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher or sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Stovetop Directions
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan.
- Heat your pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the vegetables for 10 minutes or so until they are tender, stirring often.
- Serve immediately.
Microwave Directions
- Add all of the ingredients to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for three minutes.
- Remove the bowl for the microwave carefully. Stir. Test the vegetables, if they are tender, they are done. If not, microwave for another minute or two.
See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!Notes
- Add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme, chives, parsley, or dill.
- Use a compound butter like roasted garlic butter or chive butter.
- Add heavy cream at the very end to make creamed peas and pearl onions. You can also make a roux (mixture of flour and butter) and make a cream sauce.
- Use different vegetables like carrots, corn or Brussels sprouts.
- Use olive oil instead of butter.
Nutrition
Originally published January 13, 2026.
- Recipe Name: Peas and Pearl Onions
- Type: Side Dish
- Main Ingredients: Frozen peas, frozen pearl onions, butter, salt, black pepper
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Special Equipment: Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Great For: Holiday dinners, weeknight meals, turkey, chicken, or pork
