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Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta (A Festive 30-Minute Side Dish)
Thanksgiving tables are full of classics — mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green beans — but sometimes a fresh, modern vegetable dish is exactly what a holiday spread needs. That’s where Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta enters the picture: a bright, sweet-savory, perfectly balanced side dish that’s surprisingly simple yet elegant enough for any holiday menu. In just 30 minutes, you can transform humble frozen peas into a gourmet-worthy star that brings color, texture, and flavor contrast to your Thanksgiving feast.
This dish is the perfect blend of crisp pancetta, buttery sweet pears, and vibrant green peas tossed in a light, savory glaze. The flavors feel festive and refined, but the recipe is incredibly easy — making it ideal for home cooks who want impressive results without holiday stress.
If your Thanksgiving menu needs freshness, brightness, and a touch of sweetness to balance heavier dishes, look no further. Let’s dive into the full experience of creating this memorable side.
Why This Dish Works So Well for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving meals are famously rich. Between creamy casseroles and savory meats, a well-balanced menu benefits from a dish that offers freshness and a pop of color. Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta hits every mark:
1. Sweet and Savory Harmony
Pears bring natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with salty, crispy pancetta. This combination awakens the palate between heavier bites of turkey and stuffing.
2. Quick and Easy
Holiday dishes can be time-consuming, but this side is ready in 30 minutes, with minimal chopping and even less cleanup.
3. Fresh but Familiar
Peas are a classic ingredient at holiday dinners, but adding pears and pancetta elevates them without making the dish feel unfamiliar or polarizing.
4. Works with Any Thanksgiving Menu
This side pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or vegetarian mains like butternut squash risotto or wild mushroom tart.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need simple ingredients that bring big flavor:
- 4 cups frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 1 large pear, diced (Bosc or Bartlett)
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
1. Crisp the Pancetta
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until golden, crisp, and rendered — about 6–8 minutes. Transfer pancetta to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
2. Sauté the Shallots
Add olive oil and butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the minced shallot. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly softened.
3. Add the Pear
Stir in the diced pear and cook for 3–4 minutes. The pears should soften slightly but still retain some structure. Too much softness will dull the texture contrast.
4. Add the Peas and Seasoning
Pour in the frozen peas along with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are warmed through and bright green.
5. Add Optional Enhancers
If using lemon juice or honey/maple syrup, add them now and toss gently.
6. Finish with Pancetta
Return the crispy pancetta to the pan. Stir everything together and taste for seasoning.
7. Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh thyme, additional pear cubes, or a small sprinkle of pancetta for presentation.
What Makes This Recipe Unique
While peas are common on holiday tables, they often appear as an afterthought — steamed, buttered, or simply stirred into a casserole. This recipe reimagines peas as a luxurious, centerpiece-worthy dish.
The Pear Element
Pears are an underrated ingredient in savory cooking. When gently sautéed with butter, they develop warmth and aromatic sweetness that blend seamlessly with holiday spices and savory flavors.
Crispy Pancetta
Think of pancetta as the Italian cousin of bacon — milder, richer, and perfect for creating a foundation of flavor. The salty crunch plays beautifully with the soft pears and tender peas.
Thyme’s Herbal Finish
Fresh thyme is the aromatic backbone of this recipe. Its earthy, woodsy notes cut through sweetness and tie the dish into the broader Thanksgiving palette.
Tips for Perfect Results
Use Frozen Peas — They’re Better than Fresh for This Dish
Frozen peas lock in sweetness and texture, while fresh peas can become starchy out of season.
Don’t Overcook
Your peas should remain vibrant green and lightly firm. Overcooking dulls both color and flavor.
Balance Sweetness and Savory Notes
Taste as you go. If your pears are extra sweet, reduce or skip the honey/maple syrup.
Crisp the Pancetta Well
Crispy pancetta gives contrast. If it’s soft, the dish loses its dimension.
Add Lemon for Freshness
Just a touch brightens the entire dish, especially if the rest of your Thanksgiving menu is rich.
Delicious Variations
1. Vegetarian Version
Skip the pancetta and sauté the shallots in butter or olive oil. Add:
- ¼ cup toasted chopped walnuts
or - ¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds
2. Add Herbs
Swap or add:
- Sage (classic Thanksgiving profile)
- Rosemary (strong, woodsy flavor — use sparingly)
3. Make It Creamy
Stir in 2 tbsp mascarpone or a splash of heavy cream for a luxurious finish.
4. Spice It Up
Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
5. Use Bacon Instead of Pancetta
If pancetta isn’t available, thick-cut bacon works perfectly.
How to Serve This Side Dish
This versatile dish pairs exceptionally well with:
- Roasted turkey or Cornish hens
- Glazed ham
- Pork tenderloin
- Mushroom-based vegetarian mains
- Sweet potato casseroles
- Thanksgiving stuffing or dressing
It also holds well on the stovetop or can be prepped ahead and reheated gently.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can prep several components in advance:
- Dice pears up to 4 hours ahead — toss with lemon to prevent browning.
- Mince shallots 1–2 days before.
- Cook pancetta a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheat peas gently and add pancetta at the end.
Why You’ll Make This Every Thanksgiving
This dish isn’t just delicious — it’s a conversation starter. Guests love discovering the unexpected pairing of fruit, savory elements, and classic vegetables. It looks beautiful, tastes refined, and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy holiday cooks who still want something special on the table.
Once you try Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta, it may just become your new holiday tradition.
Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta
A festive 30-minute Thanksgiving side dish combining sweet pears, crispy pancetta, and tender peas for a sweet-savory holiday favorite.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
- Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
- Sandwich cookies with filling, serve immediately or store in airtight container.
Notes
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