Garden Pea Mixture
A creamy, comforting pea casserole with crispy cracker topping, ideal for family dinners or potlucks, offering savory flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a casserole dish with Pam or cooking spray.
- Spread the drained garden peas with little onions and the cream of mushroom soup evenly in the casserole dish.
- Crumble club, saltine, or Ritz crackers into melted oleo (butter) to absorb.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the pea and soup layer.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some sautéed garlic or onion to the mixture. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or any cream soup of your choice to better suit your taste. If you prefer a crunchier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of crushed crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This garden pea mixture is a delightful side dish that pairs well with roasted meats or grilled vegetables. Serve it alongside a light salad for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner, consider having it with a slice of Pioneer Bread or a warm piece of cornbread. It also complements other American recipes beautifully.
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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the topping soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Pea Mixture contains roughly 53 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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 use frozen peas! Just blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two before adding them to the dish to ensure they are tender and won't release excess moisture during baking.
Is there a vegetarian option for the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely! Look for vegetarian cream of mushroom soup at the store, or make your own using vegetable broth, sautéed mushrooms, and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. This ensures it aligns with vegetarian recipes.
What can I serve this dish with?
This dish works well as a side for grilled chicken or fish. You could also serve it as part of a potluck spread, accompanied by other comfort foods, like Baked Devil'S Float or Old-Fashioned Oat Cookies, for a heartwarming meal.
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).