Ingredients

¼ cup butter

½ cup onion, chopped fine

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Thaw the frozen peas while the oven heats.

Step 2: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 3: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Gradually whisk in the half & half, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 7: Prepare an 8×8 baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 8: In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, drained mushrooms, shredded cheddar cheese, and the thickened onion and garlic sauce.

Step 9: Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

Step 10: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 11: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Step 12: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the French fried onions over the top.

Step 13: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.

Step 14: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture.

Substitute half & half with whole milk and a bit more cheese for a lighter version.

Use fresh peas if available, but reduce the baking time slightly since they cook faster.

Try adding cooked diced ham or cooked bacon bits for a heartier casserole.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas work well and offer a sweeter flavor. If using fresh, blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding to the casserole. You may need to reduce the baking time slightly since fresh peas cook faster.

What can I use instead of French fried onions?

If you don’t have French fried onions, crushed crispy fried shallots or toasted bread crumbs make excellent substitutes, providing a similar crunch and flavor on top of the casserole.