Friday Casserole
Friday Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish with shrimp, peas, and noodles, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, offering creamy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the margarine in a saucepan.
- Add flour, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and pepper to the melted margarine and cook to make the sauce.
- Gradually add milk and stir until the mixture thickens into a white sauce.
- Combine cooked noodles, cooked peas, and thawed shrimp in a large bowl.
- Mix the white sauce with the noodle, pea, and shrimp mixture until well combined.
- Refrigerate the mixture overnight.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onions or adding a dash of hot sauce to the white sauce. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. You can also use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. If you prefer a heartier dish, add cooked chicken or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh Green 'Make Ahead' Salad for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, serve with crusty bread or a side of steamed vegetables. A light white wine can complement the flavors nicely, making this dish perfect for a casual Friday night gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Friday Casserole contains roughly 30 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1301mg per serving (57% 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 and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time and cover with foil until heated through to prevent over-browning.
What can I substitute for shrimp in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use shrimp, you can substitute with cooked chicken, crab meat, or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of the cooking times to ensure everything is heated through.
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).