Easy Cheesy Peas
A creamy, cheesy peas dish topped with crackers and paprika, perfect as a comforting side or quick appetizer for family gatherings and casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir the condensed cream of mushroom soup in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth; gradually add milk and 1/2 cup of Velveeta cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture is well combined.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the drained English peas in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Velveeta cheese over the pea mixture.
- Add the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the ingredients.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika over the top.
- Bake in a 450°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mixture is slightly bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half-and-half for the milk. If you prefer a different cheese, try using cheddar or Monterey Jack instead of Velveeta. To enhance the flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions. For a healthier twist, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Cheesy Peas dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Quick Baked Macaroni And Cheese. You can also offer crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cheesy Peas contains roughly 976 calories, with 19g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1132mg per serving (49% 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 use fresh peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh peas. Just blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding them to the recipe. This will ensure they are tender and flavorful in the final dish.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use crushed buttery crackers or even breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter for a similar crunchy topping.
How can I make this a vegetarian dish?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure your cream of mushroom soup is free from meat-based ingredients. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
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).