Introduction
Green bean casseroles usually get the spotlight at Thanksgiving—but this year, it’s time peas had their moment. Thanksgiving peas with pear and pancetta are sweet, savory, and surprisingly elegant. The saltiness of pancetta plays perfectly against the delicate sweetness of pear and the brightness of lemon, transforming humble peas into a dish worthy of center stage. Whether you’re looking to refresh your holiday menu or add a new side that guests won’t stop talking about, this recipe hits the mark. It’s quick to make, easy to scale, and fits beautifully into any festive spread.
The Flavor Story Behind Thanksgiving Peas
A Holiday Twist on a Classic Vegetable
Peas might be the last vegetable you’d expect to impress at Thanksgiving—but not when they’re paired with crisp pancetta and juicy diced pear. This isn’t your standard steam-and-serve side. It’s a dish that surprises, with layers of flavor that play off each other like a well-rehearsed trio.
It all starts with pancetta. As it crisps in the pan, it releases rich, salty fat that becomes the base of the dish. Shallots bring a mellow onion note, softened just enough to melt into the peas. Dijon mustard adds brightness and bite, while the diced pear contributes just the right touch of sweetness. Everything is finished with a hit of lemon juice and zest, which lifts the whole dish and keeps it from feeling heavy—an important balance on a day of indulgence.
Why It Deserves a Spot on the Thanksgiving Table
This recipe hits all the right notes for a holiday side: easy to prep ahead, forgiving to reheat, and unexpected in the best way. The frozen peas mean no shelling required. The pancetta adds richness without overwhelming the plate. And the pear? It adds that surprise element—the one that makes people stop and say, “Wait… what’s in this?”
It also brings a welcome contrast to traditional dishes. While mashed potatoes and stuffing lean soft and savory, these peas are bright, slightly sweet, and punctuated with crispy bites of pancetta. It’s the side dish that complements without competing, filling that flavorful gap you didn’t even know existed.
Thanksgiving Peas (with Pear and Pancetta)
Equipment
- All-Clad Saute Pan I love how this saute pan has a higher edge for easy tossing. Plus, this is the brand I’ve had for years and is such good quality!
Ingredients
- ½ pound pancetta cut into small dice
- 3 medium shallots halved and thinly sliced about 1 cup thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 16 ounces frozen peas
- 1 pear
- 1 lemon zested and juiced about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest
- ½ cup roughly chopped parsley
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the pear. Peel, slice, and small dice the pear. Place it in a small bowl and stir with the lemon juice. Set aside.
- Cook the pancetta. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain off some of the rendered fat, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add the shallots. Add the sliced shallots and cook for about a minute, until softened, then stir in the mustard.
- Add the peas and pears. Add the peas and pears to the pan. Stir for about 5 minutes, until the peas are warmed through.
- Stir in pancetta and parsley. Turn off the heat, then stir in half the pancetta, the parsley, and black pepper.
- Serve. Transfer the peas to a large serving bowl, top with the remaining pancetta, and garnish with lemon zest.
Notes
This recipe serves about 6 people, but you can easily double the recipe in a larger pan during the holidays, to serve up what I’m sure will be the most popular Thanksgiving side dish!
Store leftovers: This will stay good in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
For reheating: You can warm it back up in the pan with a drizzle of olive oil or in the microwave.
Enjoy leftovers as a side dish for lunch and dinner. But my favorite is enjoying this for breakfast with a fried egg or poached egg on top, or mixed into scrambled eggs! Nutrition
Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 268mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1026IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta
Prep First for Smooth Cooking
Before turning on the stove, take a few minutes to get everything ready. Dice the pear into small, even cubes—this helps it soften quickly and meld with the peas without turning mushy. Toss it in lemon juice right away to keep it bright and flavorful. Peel and slice the shallots thinly, and measure out your frozen peas. Having everything prepped means you can build the dish in layers without missing a beat.
Choose a sauté pan with higher sides—it helps when tossing ingredients and keeps things neat. This recipe works best when made fresh, but you can absolutely prep the components ahead to make Thanksgiving Day easier.
Build Flavor in the Pan
Start by rendering the pancetta over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it get golden and crisp—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate, but keep about 3 tablespoons of the fat in the pan. That’s liquid gold.
Add the shallots to the warm pan and cook for about a minute. Stir in the Dijon mustard and let it coat the shallots for an extra layer of flavor. Now, add the peas and the lemon-dressed pear. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and heated through.
Turn off the heat, then fold in chopped parsley and half the reserved pancetta. Taste and add black pepper if needed. Transfer everything to a serving dish, then top with the remaining pancetta and a generous sprinkle of lemon zest.
It’s warm, fragrant, and ready to impress—no oven required. Serve immediately or reheat gently when your guests arrive.
Serving Tips, Storage & Leftovers
Best Ways to Serve This Sweet-Savory Side
Thanksgiving peas with pear and pancetta are best served warm, just after the pancetta has been folded in and the lemon zest finishes the dish with a fresh pop. The texture is at its peak—peas tender but not soft, pancetta still crisp, and the pear offering just a bit of delicate sweetness in every bite.
To make this dish holiday-table ready, transfer it to a warm serving bowl or shallow platter. The contrast of green peas, golden pancetta, and pear is visually stunning and brings a bright splash of color to the table. This side pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, herb stuffing, glazed carrots, and buttery mashed potatoes. It’s also a great option for those guests who want something flavorful but lighter than casseroles or gravy-heavy sides.
Want a little flair? Add microgreens or a few thin lemon slices around the bowl for a restaurant-style touch without any extra work.
Store, Reheat, and Repurpose Like a Pro
Leftovers store beautifully. Place any remaining peas in an airtight container and refrigerate for 4 to 5 days. The lemon helps keep the flavor bright, and the pancetta holds up surprisingly well.
To reheat, warm gently in a pan over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil or water. This keeps the peas moist and prevents the pancetta from getting chewy. If using a microwave, cover loosely and stir halfway through to warm evenly.
Don’t overlook the leftovers for breakfast. These peas are outstanding with scrambled eggs, tossed into a frittata, or served under a runny fried egg. They also work as a base for a grain bowl or as a flavorful side at lunch. You’ll be surprised how versatile this dish becomes once the feast is over.
Why This Dish Steals the Show at Thanksgiving
A Standout That Doesn’t Compete—It Complements
There’s a quiet charm to Thanksgiving peas with pear and pancetta—a balance of sweet, salty, and savory that feels both familiar and unexpected. While everyone reaches for stuffing and mashed potatoes by default, this dish surprises people. It catches their attention. It makes them stop and say, “Wait, what is that?”
What makes it shine is how well it plays with everything else on the plate. Rich roasted turkey? It cuts through with brightness. Creamy casseroles? The lemon and pear refresh the palate. Salty ham? The pancetta echoes it, but with a bit more elegance.
This dish doesn’t need to be loud to be memorable. It just needs to be tasted once—and you’ll find guests coming back for seconds.
Elegant Enough for Guests, Easy Enough for You
Pancetta and shallots give it that gourmet feel, while the frozen peas keep it stress-free. Dicing a pear takes just minutes but elevates the dish far beyond expectations. It’s a side you can throw together quickly, scale up for a crowd, or prep ahead for a smoother day.
Best of all, it doesn’t compete for oven time. That alone makes it a hero during Thanksgiving madness. Just one pan, a little time on the stove, and it’s ready to serve.
Whether you’re cooking your first Thanksgiving meal or hosting a table full of seasoned food lovers, this dish delivers. It’s light, it’s layered, and it’s exactly what your holiday table needs—something fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy.
FAQs: Thanksgiving Peas with Pear and Pancetta
What makes peas a good Thanksgiving side dish?
They’re quick to cook, easy to flavor, and provide a lighter, brighter contrast to rich, heavy dishes.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll want to blanch them first. Frozen peas are faster and retain a tender texture that works perfectly here.
What fruit pairs best with pancetta in savory recipes?
Pears are ideal—sweet, soft, and subtle—but apples or dried figs can also work depending on the dish.
How do you reheat Thanksgiving peas without losing flavor?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or broth. Avoid high heat to keep the pancetta crispy and peas tender.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving peas with pear and pancetta might not be the first side dish that comes to mind—but once you try them, they’ll become a new favorite. The sweetness of pear, the crispness of pancetta, and the brightness of lemon turn a humble bag of peas into something unforgettable. It’s a dish that feels special without being fussy, elegant without being complicated. Whether you’re looking to shake up tradition or just add one more memorable flavor to the table, this side delivers. Simple, bold, and full of holiday charm—it’s the one your guests will be talking about long after the last bite.
