Peas And Broccoli Casserole
A creamy, cheesy casserole featuring tender broccoli, green peas, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange one package of thawed chopped broccoli in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Cover the broccoli with drained green peas.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, chopped onion, shredded Cheddar cheese, and beaten eggs to make the sauce.
- Pour half of the sauce over the broccoli layer.
- Add the second package of broccoli on top of the sauce layer.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the second broccoli layer.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using sour cream instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or a different cream soup, such as cream of chicken. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz. This dish also works well with fresh vegetables; try adding some chopped bell peppers for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed rice to balance the richness. It makes for a hearty main dish, perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. It's a delightful addition to any American recipes collection, especially for those looking for vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, taking care to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peas And Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 337 calories, with 8g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1125mg per serving (49% 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 vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh broccoli and peas. Just make sure to blanch them first to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole. Fresh vegetables can add a nice crunch and vibrant flavor to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Absolutely! You can use reduced-fat mayonnaise and low-fat cheese to lighten it up. Additionally, using a homemade cream soup made with low-fat milk can reduce the calorie count while still delivering great flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to add the crushed crackers right before baking to keep them crispy.
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).