Garden Pea Casserole
A creamy, crunchy casserole featuring tender garden peas and mushroom soup, topped with crispy French fried onions. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer a casserole dish with 1/2 can of peas, 1/2 can of mushroom soup, and top with pats of margarine.
- Bake at 350°F until the soup becomes bubbly.
- Add French fried onions as a topping.
- Place back into the oven.
- Broil until desired brownness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider mixing in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese with the mushroom soup. If you don't have French fried onions, crushed potato chips make a great substitute for crunch. Feel free to add your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder or thyme, to enhance the flavor. This dish can also be adapted to fit vegan recipes by using plant-based soup and margarine.
Serving Suggestions
This Garden Pea Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or a hearty protein for a fulfilling dinner. For a festive touch, consider offering it with a dessert like Vermont Chocolate Fudge or Fruit Parfaits to round out the meal.
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 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but for best texture, oven reheating is recommended.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Pea Casserole contains roughly 750 calories, with 3g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1529mg 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 frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute frozen peas for canned peas. Just thaw them and drain any excess moisture before using them in the casserole. This will maintain the texture and taste, making it a fresh alternative.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup, you can create a homemade version using a roux of butter, flour, and vegetable broth mixed with sautéed mushrooms. This will give you a similar flavor and consistency, making it a perfect alternative.
Can I add protein to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that any added protein is cooked beforehand and mix it in with the peas and soup for a heartier dish.
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).