Peas And Asparagus Casserole
A creamy peas and asparagus casserole with cheesy mushroom sauce topped with buttery cracker crumbs and slivered almonds, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a large casserole dish.
- Melt 1 stick of margarine in a large skillet.
- Mix the melted margarine with the Ritz cracker crumbs and set aside.
- Melt another stick of margarine in the skillet.
- Add 6 tablespoons of flour to the melted margarine and cook, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add 3 cups of milk, stirring to create a thick white sauce.
- Add 1 1/2 jars of Old English cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
- Add canned sliced mushrooms (or fresh) to the cheese sauce.
- Drain cans of peas and asparagus; add to the casserole dish.
- Pour the cheese and mushroom sauce over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle the cracker crumbs mixture over the casserole.
- Top with slivered almonds.
- Bake in the oven until heated through and topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or sour cream to the cheese sauce. If you want to enhance flavor, sauté some onions or garlic before adding the flour. You can substitute the Old English cheese with another cheese like cheddar for a different taste. For an extra crunch, you can also mix in some crushed potato chips with the cracker crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or buttery garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it as a side dish at a potluck or family gathering. Browse more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the topping may lose its crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peas And Asparagus Casserole contains roughly 1918 calories, with 41g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 142g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (129% of the Daily Value), protein (83% of the Daily Value), and iron (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1531mg per serving (67% 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 and asparagus instead of canned?
Yes, fresh peas and asparagus can be used for a fresher flavor and texture. Just blanch the asparagus for a couple of minutes and cook the peas until tender before adding them to the casserole. This will enhance the dish and make it even healthier.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for Ritz cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use crushed butter-flavored crackers or even panko breadcrumbs for a lighter topping. Additionally, you can mix in some grated parmesan cheese with the crumbs for added flavor and a nice golden color.
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).