This Green Pea Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish that brings together tender peas, savory mushrooms, and melted cheese in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for family dinners or holiday tables, this dish is simple yet packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Green Pea Casserole is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its creamy texture and cheesy goodness. It’s quick to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and is ideal for gatherings. The crispy topping adds a satisfying crunch that balances the soft filling beautifully.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups half & half
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 32 ounces frozen peas, thawed
- 4 ounces canned mushrooms, drained and rinsed
- 6 ounces French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thaw the frozen peas and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in flour and whisk well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in half & half, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine peas, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and the creamy mixture.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove, sprinkle fried onions on top, and bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy this delicious Green Pea Casserole.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh mushrooms instead of canned for a deeper flavor.
- Swap cheddar with mozzarella or a cheese blend for variation.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of half & half.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Vegetarian
Notes
- You can add cooked turkey ham or beef sausage for extra protein while keeping it halal-friendly.
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, or holiday mains.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 22g
FAQ
Can I make Green Pea Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Green Pea Casserole?
Yes, but freeze without the fried onion topping. Add topping before baking.
What can I use instead of half & half?
You can use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute flour with a gluten-free alternative.
How do I make it vegan?
Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
Similar Recipes
Green Pea Casserole
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups half & half
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 32 ounces frozen peas thawed
- 4 ounces canned mushrooms drained and rinsed
- 6 ounces French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thaw the frozen peas and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in flour and whisk well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in half & half, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine peas, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and the creamy mixture.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove, sprinkle fried onions on top, and bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy this delicious Green Pea Casserole.
Notes
- You can add cooked turkey ham or beef sausage for extra protein while keeping it halal-friendly.
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, or holiday mains.
Conclusion
This Green Pea Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy base and crispy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite on your table.