Delicious Parmesan Peas Side Dish for Thanksgiving Dinner

Name: Delicious Parmesan Peas Side Dish for Thanksgiving Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 shallot (peeled and diced); 3 cloves garlic (pressed or minced); 2 cups sweet peas (raw or frozen); ¼ cup aged parmesan (freshly grated, more to taste); sea salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste)

Published: October 17, 2025

by Grace Bennett

Why You'll Love This Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish

This incredible Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish:

1 tablespoon olive oil – Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

1 shallot – Fresh shallots add a delicate sweetness. You can substitute with onion if needed.

3 cloves garlic – Freshly pressed or minced garlic infuses the dish with robust flavor.

2 cups sweet peas – Use fresh peas when in season, or frozen peas for convenience without losing flavor.

¼ cup aged parmesan – Freshly grated for optimal taste. Choose a good quality aged Parmesan for deeper flavor.

Sea salt – Adjust to your taste, but remember, Parmesan is salty too.

Black pepper – Freshly cracked peppercorns will elevate the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish:

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. This step is crucial as it helps release the flavors from the shallots and garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic
Once the oil is hot, add the diced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes until they become tender and slightly golden. The aroma will be intoxicating, trust me.

Step 3: Add the Peas
Stir in the sweet peas – no need to thaw if they’re frozen. Cook them with the shallots and garlic for another 5-7 minutes until they’re bright green and tender.

Step 4: Incorporate the Parmesan
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated aged Parmesan. It will melt beautifully into the peas, creating a creamy texture that coats every bite.

Step 5: Season to Perfection
Add sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Give it a gentle toss to combine everything thoroughly.

Step 6: Serve Warm
Transfer this vibrant dish to a serving bowl, and get ready for compliments. It’s best served warm, so it retains the luscious texture of the melted cheese.

With this simple yet exquisite Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish, you will leave your guests raving about your culinary prowess. Pair it with your Thanksgiving turkey, and it will surely become a staple at your family gatherings! Enjoy!

This showstopping Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by sautéing the shallots and garlic first before adding the peas. Once tender, introduce the peas for a perfectly cooked, flavorful side dish that everyone will love.

Add Your Touch to Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish

Feel free to customize this dish by swapping aged parmesan with a different cheese like feta or adding crushed red pepper for a kick. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also enhance the flavor beautifully.

Storing & Reheating Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish

To store, keep your Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish

This professional-quality Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

There was that one Thanksgiving when my sister-in-law tasted these peas and exclaimed they were better than the turkey! That moment was a cooking triumph for me—who knew peas could steal the show?

FAQs About Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish

What is Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish?

Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish is a delightful and vibrant recipe that adds a splash of green to your holiday table. Made with fresh or frozen sweet peas, sautéed shallots, and garlic, this dish is topped with aged parmesan to create a rich, flavorful combination. It’s quick to make, taking only about 15 minutes from prep to plate, making it a perfect accompaniment for your turkey or ham. The balance of textures and flavors makes it a favorite among guests, ensuring they won’t forget this unique side.

How do I make Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish creamy?

If you prefer a creamy Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese while cooking. Stir it in after the peas have been added and cooked through. This will impart a luscious texture, taking your dish to the next level of indulgence. You can also mix in some grated cheese for extra creaminess and flavor depth—just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well!

Can I customize my Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish?

Absolutely! Customizing your Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish is welcomed and encouraged. Try swapping out the aged parmesan for feta for a tangy twist or adding crushed red pepper flakes for a delightful kick. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or even thyme can enhance the flavor profile beautifully, offering a unique touch every time you prepare this dish. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make it truly yours.

Can I prepare Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish in advance?

You can certainly prepare parts of your Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish in advance! Chop the shallots and garlic ahead of time, storing them in the fridge. Cooking the peas is so quick that it’s best done right before serving to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave!

Conclusion for Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish

In conclusion, the Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish is a charming addition to your holiday spread that is both quick and delicious. It’s packed with flavor from the sautéed shallots, garlic, and a generous sprinkle of aged parmesan. This dish not only adds color to your table but also wins hearts with its delightful taste. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any time of year, this easy recipe is sure to earn its place in your cooking repertoire and keep your guests coming back for more.