Peas-Asparagus Casserole
Creamy peas and asparagus baked with cheese and crunchy crumbs, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in flour and cook for a minute.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Add processed cheese and stir until blended.
- Place drained asparagus in the bottom of a buttered 2-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cracker crumbs.
- Add drained green peas over the asparagus.
- Sprinkle with more cracker crumbs.
- Add drained mushrooms.
- Pour sauce over all ingredients.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade cheese sauce instead of processed cheese. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute whole wheat flour for regular flour and use low-fat milk. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for extra texture. If you don't have cracker crumbs, crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs work well as alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
This Peas-Asparagus Casserole makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or can be served as a main course alongside a fresh salad. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light dessert like Ballerina Sugar Cookies for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating, covering with a damp paper towel to keep moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peas-Asparagus Casserole contains roughly 837 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use frozen peas and asparagus instead of canned?
Absolutely! Frozen peas and asparagus can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole. This will enhance the freshness and flavor of the dish.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Peas-Asparagus Casserole is a great option for vegetarian recipes. It contains no meat, making it a perfect choice for a meatless meal. Just ensure that the processed cheese you choose is suitable for vegetarians.
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).