Green And Red Casserole
A comforting green and red casserole combining peas, water chestnuts, and pimentos, topped with buttery bread crumbs for a flavorful side suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the frozen green peas, cream of mushroom soup, chopped celery, drained water chestnuts, chopped onion, and chopped pimento in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 8 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Toss the bread crumbs with melted butter in a bowl and sprinkle over the casserole.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you want to enhance the flavor, try incorporating garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also substitute the water chestnuts with sliced mushrooms for a different texture. For a vegetarian option, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is meat-free.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. It also makes a great side dish for holiday gatherings. For a vegetarian twist, consider serving it alongside dishes like Zucchini Banana Nut Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of vegetable broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green And Red Casserole contains roughly 491 calories, with 10g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 593mg per serving (26% 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 frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen ones. Just blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding to the casserole. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crispness, making the dish even more delightful.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of celery soup or make a homemade version using a roux, milk, and sautéed mushrooms. This will give you a similar creamy base while allowing you to control the flavors in the casserole.
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).