Can I make this with bacon instead of pancetta?

Absolutely! Just use about 4 slices of thick-cut bacon and chop it up before cooking.

Can I use canned peas?

I wouldn’t recommend it—canned peas tend to be too soft. Frozen peas are the perfect middle ground for ease and flavor.

How can I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your skillet is large enough so everything cooks evenly.

Thanksgiving Peas Pancetta: 5-Minute Holiday Magic

Name: Thanksgiving Peas Pancetta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups peas (fresh or frozen); 4 oz pancetta, diced (or substitute thick-cut bacon); 2 shallots, thinly sliced; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 pear, peeled, diced small; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 3 tbsp rendered pancetta fat (or olive oil); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Optional: lemon zest for garnish

Description

This Thanksgiving Peas Pancetta recipe turns simple peas into a show-stopping holiday side. Crispy pancetta, tender peas, and sweet pears come together with bright lemon and shallots for a festive, flavorful dish ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy family dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups peas (fresh or frozen)
4 oz pancetta, diced (or substitute thick-cut bacon)
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 pear, peeled, diced small
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp rendered pancetta fat (or olive oil)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: lemon zest for garnish

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Instructions

Prep the pear: Peel, dice, and toss the pear in lemon juice to preserve its color and texture. Set aside.
Crisp the pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook pancetta until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel, leaving about 3 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
Sauté shallots: Add shallots to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes, until softened. Stir in Dijon mustard.
Add peas and pears: Stir in the peas and diced pear, cooking for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in half of the pancetta, parsley, and black pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with remaining pancetta, and garnish with lemon zest. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Substitute pancetta with bacon if needed for a smoky twist.

Frozen peas work perfectly here—no need to thaw before cooking.

For a vegetarian version, skip the pancetta and add a little butter and smoked paprika.

Make ahead: You can prepare the shallots and pears a few hours early; toss pears in lemon juice to prevent browning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: side dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 9 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg