Pea Casserole
A comforting pea casserole combines tender peas with crunchy water chestnuts, aromatic onions, celery, and pimentos, all topped with toasted bread crumbs for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering a balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked peas with chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped water chestnuts, pimentos, and mushrooms.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Brown bread crumbs in melted margarine and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and top is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and celery before mixing them with the other ingredients. You can replace the mushrooms with any other favorite vegetable or omit them entirely for a simpler dish. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the margarine with plant-based butter and use gluten-free bread crumbs if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This Pea Casserole makes a delightful side dish for a variety of main courses, especially roasted meats or a hearty stew. It pairs beautifully with Our Basic Waldorf Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, serve alongside Yeast Buns or a light soup.
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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea Casserole contains roughly 386 calories, with 12g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (52% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 726mg per serving (32% 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! Make sure to blanch them for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole mix to ensure they cook properly in the oven.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This Pea Casserole pairs well with many dishes. Consider serving it with a protein like grilled chicken or fish, or complement it with a vibrant salad to balance the richness of 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).