Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta
Thanksgiving meals are built around comforting classics: mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, turkey, and warm rolls. But every holiday table needs one standout vegetable dish — something bright, flavorful, and unexpected that balances all the richness. Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta delivers exactly that. This simple yet elegant side dish transforms everyday peas into a sweet-savory masterpiece layered with textures and flavors that feel perfectly seasonal.
Imagine tender green peas coated in buttery aromatics, tossed with crispy pancetta, and finished with golden sautéed pears that bring a delicate sweetness. The saltiness of the pancetta and the juicy softness of the pear complement each other perfectly, creating a dish that feels both classic and modern. It’s easy, quick, and guaranteed to surprise guests in the best way.
This recipe works because it layers flavors intentionally:
- Pancetta adds salty richness and crisp texture.
- Pears add soft sweetness and seasonal warmth.
- Peas keep everything bright, fresh, and vibrant.
- Butter + aromatics pull it all together into one cohesive dish.
It’s a gorgeous, colorful addition to any Thanksgiving spread — and unlike some holiday sides, it doesn’t take up oven space. Everything cooks in one skillet in less than 20 minutes, making it a host’s dream. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a full feast, this is the holiday vegetable side you didn’t know you needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick — ready in under 20 minutes
Perfect for holiday chaos when every burner and oven rack matters.
✔ One-pan convenience
All ingredients come together in one skillet with minimal cleanup.
✔ Sweet + salty balance
Crispy pancetta and tender pears make an unforgettable pairing.
✔ Fresh, colorful, and vibrant
Adds brightness to an otherwise rich Thanksgiving plate.
✔ Easily scaled
Serves small gatherings or large crowds with no fuss.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 1 ripe pear, diced (Bosc or Bartlett)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
For Garnish
- Extra diced pear
- Crisp pancetta bits
- Fresh thyme or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pancetta
Heat a skillet over medium. Add pancetta and cook 5–7 minutes until crisp. Transfer pancetta to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan. - Sauté aromatics
Add butter to the pan. Stir in onion (or shallot) and cook 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds. - Add the pears
Stir diced pear into the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly golden. - Add peas and seasonings
Add peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook 5–7 minutes until peas are warmed through and tender. - Return pancetta
Add crispy pancetta back in and mix. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired. - Finish and serve
Garnish with fresh herbs, extra pancetta bits, or diced pear. Serve warm.
Thanksgiving Peas with Pear & Pancetta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crisp; remove and set aside.
- Add butter to pancetta drippings and sauté onion or shallot for 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in diced pear and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add peas, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook 5–7 minutes until heated through.
- Return pancetta to the skillet and stir; add lemon juice if desired.
- Serve warm with extra pancetta, diced pear, and fresh herbs.
Notes
Flavor Profile Breakdown
Pancetta
Salty, savory, and crisp — elevates the peas beyond ordinary.
Pear
Sweet, soft, and delicate — balances the rich elements.
Peas
Bright and vibrant with natural sweetness.
Butter + aromatics
Form the flavorful base that ties everything together.
Why Pear Works So Well in This Dish
Using fruit in savory dishes isn’t new, especially around the holidays. Pear brings:
- Mild sweetness
- Soft texture that complements peas
- A seasonal flavor that fits Thanksgiving perfectly
- A fresh balance against salty pancetta
It’s subtle, not overpowering — just enough to make people go, “Wait… what is that? It’s delicious!”
Optional Add-Ins
• Caramelized shallots
Add deeper sweetness.
• Toasted walnuts or pecans
For a nutty crunch.
• Parmesan cheese
A sprinkle on top adds richness.
• Red pepper flakes
For a tiny kick.
• Fresh herbs
Thyme, parsley, or sage complement the dish perfectly.
Variations
Bacon Version
Swap pancetta for bacon and cook the same way.
Prosciutto Version
Crisp prosciutto over the top instead of mixing it in.
Vegetarian Version
Use butter + olive oil and skip pancetta.
Maple-Pear Version
Add 1 tsp maple syrup while cooking pears for more sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with:
- Thanksgiving turkey
- Glazed ham
- Pork tenderloin
- Chicken
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Roasted vegetables
It fits seamlessly into both classic and modern Thanksgiving menus.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook pancetta ahead — store in fridge up to 3 days.
- Prep pears right before cooking (they brown quickly).
- Make the whole dish 1–2 hours ahead and warm on low heat.
Storage
- Fridge: 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended (peas and pears may get mushy)
- Reheat: Skillet on low or microwave gently
Fun Thanksgiving Facts
- Peas were a common vegetable at early American feasts.
- Pears are harvested in fall, making them a perfect seasonal addition.
- Pancetta has been used for centuries in Italian kitchens because it offers deep flavor without long cooking.
