Sweet Pea Casserole
A creamy, cheesy sweet pea casserole with water chestnuts and pimento, topped with crunchy Ritz crackers, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sweet peas, sliced water chestnuts, chopped onion, diced pimento, cream of mushroom soup, and grated cheese together.
- Pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter over the ingredients in the casserole dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 400°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding cooked diced chicken or substituting the sweet peas with frozen peas for a fresher taste. You can also use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to lighten the dish. If you prefer a crunchier topping, try mixing in some crushed nuts with the Ritz crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Pea Casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be served alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. For a comforting dinner, serve it with mashed potatoes or cornbread. It also makes a great side dish for holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Pea Casserole contains roughly 828 calories, with 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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 canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used in place of canned sweet peas. Just make sure to blanch them briefly before mixing them into the casserole to ensure they're tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance the flavor by using vegetable broth instead of water when preparing any additional ingredients. Just ensure all packaged ingredients, like the soup and crackers, are labeled vegetarian.
What can I serve with Sweet Pea Casserole?
Sweet Pea Casserole is versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. It complements grilled meats wonderfully or can stand alone as a hearty side during vegetarian meals. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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).