Cashew Casserole
Creamy and savory cashew casserole combines mushrooms, noodles, and seasoned vegetables, making it a hearty, vegetarian-friendly dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté the seasoned salt, chopped onions, chopped celery, and canola oil without browning.
- Mix approximately three-quarters of the Chinese noodles and the cashews with the sautéed vegetables.
- Place the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Pour the diluted mushroom soup over the mixture and stir just enough to blend.
- Sprinkle the remaining noodles over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the sauté. If you're looking for a vegan option, substitute the fat-reduced mushroom soup with a homemade cashew cream or a vegan mushroom soup. You can also use sunflower oil instead of canola oil for a different taste. Adjust the seasoned salt based on your preference for saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
This Cashew Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, such as an Amazing Apricot Salad, for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, serve with crusty bread or a side of steamed vegetables. It also works well as a side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Casserole contains roughly 741 calories, with 19g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1996mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for cashews?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They will provide a similar crunch and texture, but the flavor will be slightly different. You could also use cooked quinoa for a grain-based alternative.
Is this casserole suitable for vegan diets?
To make this casserole vegan, simply replace the fat-reduced mushroom soup with a vegan alternative or a homemade version made from blended cashews and mushrooms. Ensure that the broth seasoning is also vegan-friendly. The dish will still be creamy and delicious without any animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).