My kids love peas, but in many recipes they end up mushy and flavorless. I have tried frozen and fresh peas countless times, but the secret is in the butter and careful cooking. Butter Glazed Peas are tender, flavorful, and slightly sweet. My kids actually finish their plates without fuss, and the glossy, buttery coating makes them feel like a special treat instead of just another vegetable.

Butter Glazed Peas are one of those simple, comforting dishes that can brighten any meal. Their vibrant green color and glossy coating make them look as delicious as they taste. Sweet, tender peas cooked just right and coated in a buttery glaze are a crowd-pleaser, whether served alongside a weekday dinner or at a festive table.

I use fresh butter for the richest flavor and always cook the peas just until tender. Overcooking makes them soft and dull in color, which I avoid at all costs. I also like sprinkling a little sugar in the butter sometimes, which enhances the natural sweetness and makes my kids smile. Always taste the peas before serving so the salt and pepper balance is perfect.

You can serve them as a side dish with roasted chicken, some buttery mashed potatoes, also with baked salmon or grilled steak. They complement nearly any main course and add a bright pop of color to the plate. Even a simple pasta dinner feels elevated when Butter Glazed Peas are on the side.

Its Perfect For

• Quick weeknight dinners when you need something fast
• Holiday meals as a vibrant side dish
• Kid-friendly lunches that sneak in vegetables
• Elegant dinner parties as a colorful addition
• Comfort food nights with mashed potatoes and gravy

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweeter glaze)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium skillet for cooking peas evenly
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Measuring spoons for precise butter and seasonings
• Serving dish for a nice presentation
• Small bowl for optional sugar or seasoning mix

How to Make Butter Glazed Peas

Step 1

Prepare the peas: If using fresh peas, shell them and rinse under cold water. For frozen peas, no thawing is necessary—they can go straight into the pan. This keeps their vibrant green color and natural sweetness intact.

Step 2

Melt the butter: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam and smell nutty. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as you want a smooth, creamy glaze. If using sugar, sprinkle it over the butter and stir for 30 seconds to combine.

Step 3

Cook the peas: Add the peas to the skillet and toss them gently in the melted butter. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender but still slightly firm. Avoid overcooking—they should have a bright green color and a slight snap when bitten.

Step 4

Season and glaze: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir continuously for another minute so that each pea is coated in the buttery, slightly sweet glaze. The butter should cling to the peas, giving them a glossy, appetizing finish.

Step 5

Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips For Butter Glazed Peas

• Always use fresh butter for a glossy, rich coating. Frozen butter will give a dull finish and less flavor.
• Cook peas just until tender. Overcooked peas become mushy and lose their bright green color.
• Add a pinch of sugar for a natural sweetness that enhances the butter glaze.
• Stir gently and continuously while glazing to coat evenly without breaking the peas.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end; seasoning is key to flavorful peas.
• Fresh parsley adds freshness and color, but add it last to avoid wilting.
• Serve immediately for best texture and color; leftover peas can lose their vibrant shine.

Optional Ingredients

• Lemon zest for a citrusy brightness
• Garlic powder for a subtle savory depth
• Toasted almonds for crunch
• Chopped mint leaves for freshness
• Red pepper flakes for a gentle heat
• Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy twist

How to Serve Butter Glazed Peas?

I usually serve Butter Glazed Peas straight from the skillet while they are warm and shiny. They look beautiful next to roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or beef, and the buttery coating makes them feel special even on a regular weeknight.

I also love adding them to holiday platters with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and cranberry sauce. The sweet, tender peas balance out heavier, savory dishes perfectly. I often watch my kids reach for them first, which makes me happy knowing they’re eating vegetables.

Sometimes, I like garnishing the peas with fresh herbs, like parsley or mint, or adding a few toasted nuts on top. This adds texture and makes the dish feel elevated. For extra fun, I sometimes serve them with a light drizzle of lemon juice to brighten the flavors even more.

Is Butter Glazed Peas Healthy?

Butter Glazed Peas are healthy in moderation. Peas are packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

The butter adds richness and flavor, which should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Using a moderate amount keeps them both tasty and wholesome.

Variations and Substitutions

• Garlic Butter Peas: Add 2 cloves minced garlic to the butter while melting. Stir well for a fragrant, savory twist.
• Lemon Butter Peas: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the peas just before serving. It brightens the flavor and adds a gentle tang.
• Parmesan Peas: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the glazed peas. Toss gently to coat and serve warm.
• Honey Butter Peas: Add a teaspoon of honey to the melted butter for a sweet, kid-friendly version.
• Minted Butter Peas: Mix in fresh chopped mint leaves for a refreshing, herbaceous flavor.
• Spicy Butter Peas: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter. Stir to combine and give a subtle heat.
• Almond Butter Peas: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top for crunch and nutty flavor.
• Creamy Butter Peas: Add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the butter glaze for a richer, velvety texture.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover Butter Glazed Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing the container to preserve their color and flavor.

To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter. Stir gently until warm and shiny, then serve immediately. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the peas mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Glazed Peas

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work wonderfully. There’s no need to thaw them first—they cook quickly in the butter and retain their sweetness. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so they stay tender and vibrant.

How long do Butter Glazed Peas take to cook?
It takes only 5–7 minutes over medium heat for the peas to become tender and lightly coated in butter. Overcooking can make them soft and dull in color, so watch closely for that perfect tender-crisp texture.

Can I mix other vegetables with the peas?
Yes! Carrots, corn, or green beans can be cooked together with the peas. Just add them a little earlier if they need longer cooking time, and toss gently to keep everything coated evenly in the buttery glaze.

How can I keep the peas bright green and appealing?
Cook the peas just until tender and avoid leaving them in hot butter for too long. Serving immediately preserves the vibrant green color and glossy finish. If reheating leftovers, warm gently on low heat.

Butter Glazed Peas Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Butter Glazed Peas are simple, versatile, and kid-friendly. They’re a small dish that makes a big impact, adding color, flavor, and nutrition to your plate. Whether for weekday dinners, holiday meals, or special occasions, these peas are always a hit.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweeter glaze)

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the peas: If using fresh peas, shell them and rinse under cold water. For frozen peas, no thawing is necessary—they can go straight into the pan. This keeps their vibrant green color and natural sweetness intact.
• Melt the butter: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam and smell nutty. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as you want a smooth, creamy glaze. If using sugar, sprinkle it over the butter and stir for 30 seconds to combine.
• Cook the peas: Add the peas to the skillet and toss them gently in the melted butter. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender but still slightly firm. Avoid overcooking—they should have a bright green color and a slight snap when bitten.
• Season and glaze: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir continuously for another minute so that each pea is coated in the buttery, slightly sweet glaze. The butter should cling to the peas, giving them a glossy, appetizing finish.
• Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.