Party Pea Casserole
A creamy, savory casserole featuring peas, water chestnuts, and vegetables, topped with crispy onion rings—perfect for parties or family gatherings seeking comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute finely chopped celery, onion, and green pepper in melted butter.
- Mix the sautéed vegetables with the water chestnuts, mushroom soup, pimento, and party peas.
- Pour all the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with onion rings.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. You can substitute the water chestnuts with chopped artichoke hearts for a different flavor. If you prefer a bit of spice, adding diced jalapeños can elevate the dish. This casserole can also be made ahead and frozen, just adjust the baking time from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great side dish for holiday gatherings. Consider complementing it with Ellen'S Chocolate Cake for dessert to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Party Pea Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Pea Casserole contains roughly 1205 calories, with 6g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 798mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Ensure the mushroom soup is also vegetarian, as some brands might use meat-based broths. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables or using vegetable broth instead of the juice from the water chestnuts.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the Party Pea Casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free mushroom soup or make your own with cornstarch as a thickener. Always check the labels of canned products to ensure they are gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free bread or crackers to maintain the meal's integrity.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole mix a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it just before serving. If freezing, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, and bake from frozen, extending the cooking time by 10-15 minutes for best results.
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).