Easy Sweet Pea Casserole Recipe [best green peas]

Indulge in a delightful harmony of flavors with our Sweet Pea Casserole recipe. Tender sweet peas mingle with creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy crust from French Fried Onions. With the perfect balance of textures, this comforting casserole is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table, offering a delicious twist on a classic side dish.

What are Sweet Peas?

Sweet peas are a type of legume characterized by their small, round, and sweet-tasting green seeds that develop inside pods.

These peas are commonly cultivated for their edible seeds, which are harvested when young and tender.

Sweet peas are often used in cooking, both fresh and frozen, and are popular in various dishes ranging from soups and salads to casseroles and side dishes.

When are Sweet Pea Casserole Recipes served?

Sweet pea casserole recipes are often served as a comforting side dish, particularly during the cooler months or for holiday gatherings.

They pair well with a variety of main courses, such as roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even vegetarian dishes.

Sweet pea casseroles can be enjoyed as part of a cozy family dinner or as a contribution to potlucks and special occasions.

Why is cream of mushroom soup used in many casserole recipes?

Cream of mushroom soup is a popular ingredient in many casserole recipes for several reasons. Firstly, it adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor and mouthfeel.

Secondly, the earthy and savory flavor of mushroom soup complements a wide variety of ingredients commonly found in casseroles, such as vegetables, meats, and pasta. Additionally, using cream of mushroom soup can streamline the cooking process, as it serves as a convenient base that eliminates the need for making a homemade sauce from scratch.

Overall, cream of mushroom soup contributes to the comfort and ease of preparing flavorful casseroles.

What ingredients do I need for this Sweet Pea Casserole?

The recipe calls for 28 ounces of frozen peas that should be defrosted, 2 cloves of garlic that should be pressed, 1 cup of dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, 4 tablespoons of nondairy sour cream, 1 cup of French Fried onions that are divided, 5 ounces of dairy-free cheddar cheese that are also divided, and salt along with black pepper as per your taste.

Make sure to defrost the frozen peas before starting the recipe.

In addition, the French Fried onions and dairy-free cheddar cheese are divided, which means they will be used at two different stages of the recipe. So, please keep all these details in mind while preparing the dish.

How to make Sweet Pea Casserole?

Get a large bowl and set a casserole dish aside. Preheat your oven to 380F.

In the bowl, combine the defrosted frozen green peas (canned peas also work) with the cream of mushroom soup, pressed garlic, sour cream, and about two-thirds of the cheddar and the onions. Mix until all is well combined.

Next, pour mixture into the casserole dish. Give the remaining cheddar and french fried onions on the top of the casserole.

Transfer to the oven and bake everything for about 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly.

Remove from oven and let cool down for about 5 minutes. Then serve.

Variations of Sweet Pea Casserole Recipes

If you want to give more variations to this great side dish, consider the following extras:

• mix some parmesan cheese with the cheddar and give both over the top of the peas
• give the green pea casserole an extra crunch by mixing in some cracker crumbs or bread crumbs in the topping, maybe with two tablespoons of butter
• using onion rings instead of French Fried Onions will also be amazing. Depending on how big the rings are, you could cut them into smaller pieces

Other recipes with peas you should try:

• Southern Black-Eyed Peas Recipe [easy, vegetarian]
• Pea Pasta
• Jamaican Rice and Peas
• Split Pea Soup

 

Share your love for this Sweet Pea Casserole in the comments below and leave a star rating. Looking forward to your remakes on Instagram and Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.