If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, this Green Pea Casserole is the perfect recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery cracker crust, it’s a classic family favorite that fits just as well on a holiday table as it does with a simple weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and comforting flavor
- Simple pantry-friendly ingredients
- Crispy buttery cracker topping
- Perfect for holidays and family gatherings
- Ready with minimal prep
- Great make-ahead side dish
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can baby peas, drained
- 1 (2-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
- 1 (5-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed buttery round crackers
- ½ cup melted margarine or butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peas, diced pimentos, water chestnuts, condensed cream of celery soup, and chopped onion.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 1½-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted margarine until well coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the cheese.
- Bake the Green Pea Casserole for 30–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.
- Frozen peas can replace canned peas; thaw and drain well first.
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra texture.
- Sharp cheddar gives the casserole a bolder taste.
- Prepare the casserole several hours ahead and bake just before serving.
- Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, grilled beef, or baked fish.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color.
- For extra cheesiness, increase cheddar to 1 cup.
- Gluten-free crackers and gluten-free condensed soup can be used for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
FAQ
Can I make Green Pea Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain frozen peas well before adding them.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack also work well.
Can I add protein?
Yes. Cooked shredded chicken or diced turkey can turn this into a complete meal.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Similar Recipes
Green Pea Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can baby peas, drained
- 1 2-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained
- 1 5-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of celery soup
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed buttery round crackers
- ½ cup melted margarine or butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peas, diced pimentos, water chestnuts, condensed cream of celery soup, and chopped onion.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 1½-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted margarine until well coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the cheese.
- Bake the Green Pea Casserole for 30–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, grilled beef, or baked fish.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color.
- For extra cheesiness, increase cheddar to 1 cup.
- Gluten-free crackers and gluten-free condensed soup can be used for a gluten-free version
Conclusion
This Green Pea Casserole is a timeless comfort food that combines creamy vegetables, melted cheddar, and a crisp buttery topping in every bite. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or looking for an easy family side dish, this recipe is simple to prepare, wonderfully satisfying, and sure to become a favorite.