Sweet Green Pea Casserole
A creamy green pea casserole layered with cheese, pimentos, and a crunchy cracker topping, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings seeking comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the peas and place them in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add a layer of chopped onion, chopped pimentos, and grated cheese on top of the peas.
- Repeat the layers with remaining peas, onion, pimentos, and cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cream of celery soup over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle buttered cracker crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly and the crumbs are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of sour cream or cream cheese between the layers. If you want to enhance the flavor, sauté the onions until golden before adding them to the dish. You can substitute the grated cheese with a blend of your favorite cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different taste. This dish also works well with frozen peas if you don’t have canned ones on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet Green Pea Casserole as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or as part of a potluck spread. It pairs beautifully with Carey'S Au Gratin Potatoes for a comforting meal. You can also add a fresh salad to the table for a refreshing contrast. This dish is a great vegetarian option, making it perfect for gatherings with diverse dietary preferences.
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 for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Green Pea Casserole contains roughly 113 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. 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 a day in advance. Assemble it without baking and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I use if I don't have cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using heavy cream, sautéed celery, and seasonings. This will still provide the creamy texture needed for the casserole.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it as directed. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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).