Lima Cheese Bake
A creamy, cheesy lima bean casserole with crispy fried onions, perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks, featuring tender lima beans and savory cheese flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over frozen lima beans and let sit until thawed.
- Break the beans apart and drain well.
- Blend the cheddar cheese soup and milk together in a bowl.
- Add the drained lima beans, chopped celery, and parsley to the soup mixture.
- Stir in half of the fried onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven, garnish with remaining fried onions, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese soup mixture. If you don't have frozen lima beans, you can use canned lima beans; just make sure to drain and rinse them well. For a healthier twist, opt for low-fat cheese soup or make your own cheese sauce using shredded cheese. Fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Lima Cheese Bake pairs beautifully with Whole Wheat Cornbread for a hearty meal. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. It also makes a great side dish for barbecue or holiday gatherings, complementing grilled meats or vegetarian options perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Cheese Bake contains roughly 229 calories, with 14g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (101% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and potassium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 552mg per serving (24% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Lima Cheese Bake a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese soup?
If you don't have cheddar cheese soup, you can substitute it with a homemade cheese sauce made from melting shredded cheese with milk and a bit of flour for thickening. Alternatively, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can work, but they will alter the flavor slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Lima Cheese Bake is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the cheddar cheese soup used is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may include animal-derived ingredients.
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).