Discover the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy Green Pea Casserole—a delightful side dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Bursting with tender green peas enveloped in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this casserole is crowned with a golden, crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan topping for the perfect crunch in every bite. Featuring simple pantry staples like frozen peas, butter, milk, and flour, this recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. With a hint of optional nutmeg for added depth, this crowd-pleasing dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian entrée. Bring warmth and flavor to your table with this irresistible baked classic!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the frozen green peas and cook for 3–4 minutes until they are tender. Drain the peas and set them aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3–4 minutes until it thickens into a smooth sauce.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in the cooked green peas, making sure they are evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
Pour the green pea mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to form the topping.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm and comforting dish!
Calories |
2733 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 159.4 g | 204% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.2 g | 411% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 397 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 6336 mg | 276% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 217.1 g | 79% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.6 g | 134% | |
| Total Sugars | 65.9 g | ||
| Protein | 124.9 g | 250% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.6 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 2484 mg | 191% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 2272 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.