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–+ servings
English Pea Casserole
English Pea Casserole is a classic mid-century comfort dish combining frozen peas, creamy mushroom soup, crunchy celery, sweet bell peppers, and savory water chestnuts. It’s lightly seasoned and topped with crumbled cheese crackers for a crispy golden finish. This make-ahead casserole is popular for its simplicity, texture, and the unique combination of vegetables and creamy base. Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and makes it a go-to for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 50 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz frozen peas (cooked as directed)
  • 10½ oz cream of mushroom soup
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup celery (chopped)
  • ⅓ cup onion (chopped)
  • ⅓ cup green pepper (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing vegetables)
  • 8 oz water chestnuts (sliced, drained)
  • ¼ cup pimentos (optional)
  • ½ cup cheese crackers (crushed, for topping)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Pea Base

  • Cook frozen peas according to package directions.
  • Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

  • In a skillet, melt butter.
  • Add chopped celery, onion, and green pepper. Sauté until tender.

Step 3: Combine Mixture

  • Add sautéed vegetables, water chestnuts, and pimentos (if using) to the pea mixture.
  • Mix well.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

  • Transfer mixture to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Top casserole with crushed cheese crackers.
  • Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • Serve warm.

Tips

  • Crush crackers finely for a more uniform topping
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg for a traditional English-style flavor
  • Substitute half-and-half for richer texture
  • Use fresh peas when in season for brighter flavor
  • Add chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch
  • Swap green pepper for red for a slightly sweeter note
  • Butter the casserole dish generously to prevent sticking
  • Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving to set
  • Double the recipe for potlucks and family gatherings

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 8gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1100IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword comfort food, make-ahead, peas, potluck classic, retro recipe, vintage casserole
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