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Southern Green Pea Casserole with Pimentos

A comforting Southern casserole made with sweet English peas, creamy mushroom soup, and a golden breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 125
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole Filling
  • 20 ounces frozen English peas, thawed and drained Frozen peas work best for ease.
  • 1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, chopped and drained (optional) Can be omitted for a softer casserole.
  • 2 ounces diced pimentos, drained For sweetness and color.
  • 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs Can be substituted with panko for a coarser texture.
  • 1 cup chopped celery Can be replaced with green bell pepper.
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of celery or chicken soup for variation.
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine Use olive oil for a dairy-free option.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the thawed and drained peas, water chestnuts (if using), pimentos, celery, onion, and cream of mushroom soup until evenly coated.
  3. Spoon the pea mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  4. Melt the butter or margarine in a microwave-safe bowl and stir in the fine dry breadcrumbs until lightly coated.
  5. Scatter the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
  2. If the top browns quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining bake time.
Storage
  1. Let the casserole rest briefly before serving.
  2. Once leftovers have cooled, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  3. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help the topping crisp up again.

Notes

Serve with roasted chicken, baked ham, or meatloaf. Storage and reheating instructions included for leftovers.