Cheesy Green Pea Fritters Recipe

These easy green pea fritters are bright, crisp and full of fresh flavour. Made with frozen petit pois or garden peas, cheddar cheese, spring onions, eggs, flour and a little mint or parsley, they come together quickly and make a simple meal, snack or side dish.

Serve these cheesy pea fritters with creamy mashed potatoes, chips or flavoured rice for an easy family dinner. They also work well in lunch boxes and are a practical make-ahead option for busy days. If you are cooking for children or babies, parsley can be a gentler alternative to mint, unless they already enjoy the flavour.

These fritters are also delicious alongside crispy fish goujons. For more quick dinner inspiration, try this lemon chicken orzo pasta or these chicken rissoles.

What are pea fritters?

Pea fritters are small savoury cakes or patties made with peas, simple seasonings and a few ingredients that help bind everything together.

In this recipe, lightly cooked peas are blended with eggs and spring onions, then mixed with flour, grated cheddar and fresh herbs to form a thick green batter. The mixture is spooned into a shallow frying pan and shaped into small, round cakes.

As they cook, the fritters become lightly crisp on the outside while staying soft, cheesy and tender in the middle. They are quick, budget-friendly and a great way to turn everyday peas into something more exciting.

What’s to love about these pea fritters

• They are quick to make and can be ready in around 15 minutes.
• Frozen peas make this recipe convenient all year round.
• The thick batter holds its shape well in the pan, creating chunky fritters rather than thin pancakes.
• They make a tasty snack to keep in the fridge for easy lunches.
• These fritters are suitable for lunch boxes and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
• You can adjust the salt and herbs to suit younger palates.
• They are a useful way to use fresh garden peas when you have a good harvest.
• To make the recipe vegetarian, use a vegetarian-friendly cheddar or alternative cheese.

Key ingredients and substitutions

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

Peas

Frozen petit pois or regular garden peas are ideal for this recipe because they are easy to find, affordable and quick to cook. Fresh peas can also be used if you have them available.

Petit pois are especially good because they are small, tender and naturally sweet, giving the fritters a vibrant colour and fresh flavour.

Spring onions

Spring onions add freshness and gentle onion flavour without overpowering the peas. Around three medium spring onions work well, but you can use a little less if yours are very large.

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar gives these pea fritters a savoury, cheesy richness. A mature cheddar adds the most flavour, but any cheddar you enjoy will work. For an extra cheesy finish, you can add a small amount of grated parmesan alongside the cheddar.

Self-raising flour

Self-raising flour helps bind the batter and gives the fritters a light texture. If you do not have self-raising flour, use the same amount of all-purpose flour and add ½ teaspoon of baking powder.

Mint or parsley

Mint and peas are a classic pairing, but parsley is a great alternative if you prefer a milder herb. Both options keep the fritters fresh and bright.

Oil

You only need a small amount of oil for frying, especially if you are using a non-stick pan. Vegetable oil, olive oil or another mild cooking oil will all work well.

Yoghurt for serving

Thick Greek yoghurt is a simple and cooling topping for these fritters. You can stir in a little garlic or extra chopped mint to turn it into a quick yoghurt sauce.

How to make pea fritters: Step-by-step

1. Fill a small to medium saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a rapid boil. Add the frozen peas and bring the water back to a boil. Cook for 3 minutes from the moment the water starts boiling again.

2. Drain the peas in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop them cooking further.

3. Add the two large eggs, chopped spring onions and half of the cooked peas to a food processor.

4. Blend until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined.

5. Transfer the blended mixture to a large bowl. Add the remaining peas, grated cheddar, self-raising flour, chopped mint or parsley and salt.

6. Fold everything together until you have a thick, well-mixed batter.

7. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or non-stick skillet, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Spoon heaped tablespoons of the pea mixture into the pan. Use a spatula or two spoons to shape each portion into a rough circle and flatten it slightly.

8. Cover the pan with a lid if you like, as this helps the fritters cook evenly. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side over low-medium heat.

9. Cook until both sides are golden brown and lightly crisp. Repeat with any remaining batter.

10. Serve hot with Greek yoghurt and your choice of sides.

Top tips

• Use an ice cream scoop if you want evenly sized fritters.
• Shape the batter with two spoons or a spatula for neat, round patties.
• Keep the heat at medium-low so the fritters cook through without burning on the outside.
• Covering the pan with a lid helps trap heat and cook the centres more evenly.
• Place cooked fritters on kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil before serving.

Variations

• Add a little lemon zest for a fresh citrus note.
• Mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder for extra savoury flavour.
• Try other fresh herbs such as thyme, chives or dill.

Serving suggestions

• Finish with fresh lemon juice and black pepper for brightness.
• Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish or steak.
• Use them as a vegetarian burger or sandwich filling.
• Top with sour cream or Greek yoghurt and extra fresh herbs.
• Add a fried or poached egg for a simple breakfast or brunch.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a light meal.
• Serve as an appetiser with tzatziki, aioli, romesco sauce or sweet chilli sauce.
• Wrap them in a tortilla with crunchy vegetables and your favourite sauce.
• Tuck them into pita bread or flatbread with lettuce, feta and sliced tomatoes.
• Serve with red chimichurri for a spicy kick.
• Enjoy with soup, roasted vegetables, steamed greens, roasted broccoli or Parmentier potatoes.
• Serve with Taboule, quinoa, couscous or a healthy brown rice salad.
• Build a fritter bowl with coconut rice, grains, roasted vegetables and a drizzle of sauce.
• Add them to a mezze-style platter with dips and spreads and small bites.

Storage

Store cooked pea fritters in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool first, then place them in a sealed, airtight container.

To freeze them, allow the fritters to reach room temperature, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

For a quick option, reheat the fritters on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes or until hot throughout. You can also warm them in the oven or in a frying pan on the stovetop for a few minutes.