Description
This classic Green Pea Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish featuring tender peas and mushrooms in a cheesy onion sauce, topped with crispy French-fried onions. Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals, it combines simple ingredients with rich flavors in an easy baked casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow the frozen peas to thaw while it warms up.
- Melt the Butter and Cook Aromatics: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add Flour to Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously, cooking the mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Half & Half: While whisking, slowly add the half & half to the skillet. Continue to whisk as the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, indicating it is ready. Then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, drained and rinsed mushrooms, shredded cheddar cheese, and the thickened onion-garlic sauce. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Fill and Spread in Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake Initially: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Add French Fried Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly spread the French fried onions over the top to add a crispy, crunchy texture.
- Final Baking: Bake the casserole for an additional 5 minutes so the fried onions become golden and slightly toasted.
- Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with the satisfying crunch on top!
Notes
- Ensure peas are fully thawed before combining to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce while it thickens.
- You can substitute half & half with whole milk and a little heavy cream for a lighter version.
- French fried onions add a signature crunch; do not omit if you want that classic texture contrast.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: green pea casserole, pea casserole, creamy pea casserole, cheesy pea casserole, holiday side dish, easy casserole recipe
