Fall Harvest Casserole
A hearty fall casserole combining green tomatoes, Spam, and creamy celery soup, topped with crunchy bread crumbs and cheese. This comforting dish offers a savory blend of flavors perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering, showcasing seasonal produce and satisfying ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 7 x 7-inch baking dish.
- Layer sliced green tomatoes, Spam strips, and cream of celery soup in the dish in that order.
- In a small bowl, combine dry bread crumbs with grated cheese.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top.
- Optional: Add more cheese when removing the foil for extra topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to enhance the flavor. If you don't have green tomatoes, ripe tomatoes can work in a pinch, just adjust the cooking time slightly. You can also substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom for a different taste. To add more texture, try mixing in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside cornbread for a comforting autumn dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or rice. A drizzle of hot sauce can add a nice kick if desired.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes on high.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fall Harvest Casserole contains roughly 837 calories, with 38g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value), calcium (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1528mg per serving (66% 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 tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh ripe tomatoes, but be mindful that they may release more moisture. You might want to reduce the amount of cream of celery soup slightly or bake the casserole a little longer to achieve the right consistency.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the Spam and replace it with a meat alternative or additional vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. You can also enhance the flavor with spices and herbs, making it a delicious option for vegetarian recipes.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
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).