Cheesy Peas with Ham: A Simple Peas and Ham Side Dish

Cheesy peas with ham is a simple, warm side dish made with green peas, melted cheese, and bite-sized pieces of ham. It comes together quickly and is a great way to use leftover ham while turning a few basic ingredients into something filling and comforting. The result is a creamy, hearty dish that is similar to macaroni and cheese, but with the added fiber and nutrients of peas.

Estimated Nutritional Information

The provided nutritional information has been compiled from various online sources and should be regarded as an estimate. Actual nutritional values may vary based on factors such as specific ingredients used, variations in portion sizes, and individual preparation methods. It is advisable to consider these numbers as general guidelines rather than precise measurements. For accurate nutritional information, it is recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or utilize specialized nutritional analysis tools based on the exact ingredients and quantities used in your preparation.

Note: this recipe is made with ingredients that happen to be naturally gluten free. Check your individual ingredients to verify that it isn't used in the cheese slices, or seasonings.

• Serving Size: 1/2 lb deli container

• Calories: 553

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 38 g

• Net Carbohydrates: 45 g

  
  

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 8 ounces ham, chopped

• 5 slices American cheese

• 10-12 ounces of peas (1 bag, frozen)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt 

• Pepper

Instructions- Cheesy Peas with Ham: A Simple Peas and Ham Side Dish

Cheesy peas with ham require very little preparation. Slice one onion, mince a few cloves of garlic, and cut the ham into bite-sized pieces.

To begin cooking, place a pan on the stove and preheat it over medium heat. While the pan heats, prepare the onion. Cut it in half, remove the outer layer of dried skin, and place the flat side down on the cutting board for stability. Slice the onion into thin strips, about a few millimeters wide.

Once the onion is sliced and the pan has finished preheating, add 1–2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Add the onions and toss them to coat evenly in the oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and begin cooking.

Cook the onions over medium heat until they soften and begin to turn translucent, with just a little browning on the edges. This should take a few minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking or burning.

While the onions are cooking, it is a good time to prepare the garlic. Take several cloves and, one at a time, place them on your cutting board. Use the flat side of your knife to gently press down and crush each clove. This will split the garlic and make it easier to peel.

Once peeled, finely mince the garlic and set it aside.

Jarred or frozen garlic can also be used here. In this recipe, we used prepackaged frozen minced garlic, which works just as well and helps speed up preparation.

After the garlic is minced, roughly chop the ham into small, bite-sized pieces. This is a great recipe for using leftover ham, especially from holiday meals. If you have spiral-cut ham, it naturally breaks down into evenly sized pieces, but any ham will work.

Once the onions are soft and lightly browned, add the chopped ham to the pan. Since the ham is already cooked, the goal here is simply to warm it through and allow it to develop a bit of color on the edges. This should only take a few minutes.

If you are using frozen peas, this is a good time to prepare them according to the package instructions while the ham is warming in the pan. If using canned peas, simply open and drain them.

Once the ham is warmed and starting to brown on the edges, add the minced garlic to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just long enough to take the raw edge off the garlic. You will know it is ready when it becomes fragrant.

If using canned peas, add them to the pan at this point and stir everything together so they begin to warm through.

American cheese melts very easily, and you may not need anything more than the residual heat from the ham and peas to melt it.

To assemble, place a few tablespoons of butter in a serving dish and add about half of the hot ham and pea mixture on top. Layer in a few slices of American cheese, then add the remaining ham and peas. Finish with a few more slices of cheese on top. This layering helps the heat from the mixture melt the cheese evenly.

Let the dish sit for a minute or two until the cheese softens and begins to lose its shape. Once melted, use a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly until it becomes creamy and evenly coated, similar to macaroni and cheese.

If there are still small clumps of cheese, a quick 20–30 seconds in the microwave will help everything fully melt together.

Finish with a light sprinkle of salt and plenty of black pepper, if desired.

Serve while still hot so the cheese stays soft and gooey.

Cheesy peas with ham works well as a side dish for things like chicken fingers, or as a light meal on its own. It can be made using American cheese slices, canned or frozen peas, and leftover ham, making it an affordable option that helps stretch grocery budgets. For other recipes that can utilize leftover ham see our Ham Salad recipe.

These are also ingredients that are commonly available at food shelves, and the recipe can be adapted to be made almost entirely in a microwave if needed. If you prefer to skip the onions, the dish can be prepared completely in the microwave with minimal adjustment.