Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta – A Sweet & Savory Holiday Side Dish with Elegant Flavor
Thanksgiving dinner always brings a beautiful combination of rich roasts, hearty casseroles, warm breads, and comforting classics. But every great holiday table needs a bright, fresh, unexpected side dish that adds contrast and elegance. That’s exactly what Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta brings to the feast. This simple but incredibly flavorful vegetable side dish blends sweet pears, salty pancetta, buttery peas, and fragrant thyme into a dish that feels both familiar and delightfully new.
Peas often get overlooked when it comes to Thanksgiving, but when prepared like this — with caramelized pears and crispy, savory pancetta — they become one of the most memorable dishes on the table. The combination is irresistible: sweet fruit meets salty pork, green peas stay vibrant and tender, and a touch of garlic and herbs pulls everything together. It feels gourmet but takes minimal effort, cooking quickly in one pan.
This recipe fits perfectly into the busy flow of a holiday kitchen. It’s fast, flexible, and incredibly forgiving. You can make it while the turkey rests, prep it earlier in the day and warm it up, or even make it ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop. It’s the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show — colorful, flavorful, and unexpected among the usual Thanksgiving lineup.
Whether you’re looking to add balance to richer dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy, or you simply want a vibrant and refreshing vegetable to complete your holiday menu, Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta has you covered. Each bite brings a pop of sweetness, a touch of salt, and a comforting richness that pairs beautifully with turkey and all your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen peas
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 1 ripe pear, diced (Bosc or Bartlett recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest (optional, for finishing)
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add onion. Sauté 3 minutes until softened.
- Add diced pear and cook until lightly caramelized, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add peas and stir until heated through, about 3–4 minutes.
- Return pancetta to the pan and toss everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add optional lemon zest for brightness.
- Serve warm with extra pancetta sprinkled on top.
Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pancetta in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
- Sauté onion in butter, then add diced pear and cook until caramelized.
- Add garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant.
- Add peas and heat through.
- Return pancetta to the pan and season with salt and pepper.
- Finish with optional lemon zest and serve warm.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Use ripe but firm pears — overly soft pears will turn mushy.
- If pancetta isn’t available, bacon works perfectly.
- Keep peas bright by cooking them only until heated through.
- Add a splash of white wine with the pears for depth.
Variations
- Add toasted walnuts or almonds for crunch.
- Substitute pears with apples for a slightly sweeter twist.
- Add 2 tbsp of mascarpone or cream for a luxurious, creamy variation.
- Stir in fresh tarragon or sage for a holiday herb boost.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect alongside roast turkey, ham, pork tenderloin, or chicken.
- Serve with mashed potatoes for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Add to a Thanksgiving vegetable medley with carrots and green beans.
Storage Information
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or butter.
- Not recommended for freezing due to pea texture changes.
FAQ
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely — simmer fresh peas for 2–3 minutes until bright green.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but add the pancetta right before serving to keep it crispy.
What kind of pear works best?
Bosc and Bartlett pears hold their shape and caramelize beautifully.
History / Fun Facts
Peas have long been a staple of holiday meals thanks to their bright flavor, quick cooking time, and ability to pair with richer Thanksgiving dishes. Pears, with their natural sweetness and delicate texture, bring an elegant twist to savory recipes, dating back to European harvest celebrations. Pancetta adds a salty, savory richness that turns this humble vegetable side into a gourmet-worthy dish. This recipe blends tradition with creativity, bringing a fresh, seasonal highlight to the Thanksgiving table.
