Savory Asparagus and English Pea Bake
This delightful casserole combines the tender flavors of asparagus and English peas with savory mushrooms and a creamy mushroom soup base. Inspired by my grandmother's cherished recipe, this dish evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The layers of fresh ingredients are topped with crunchy cracker crumbs and melted cheddar cheese, making it a perfect side dish for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Feel free to adjust the seasoning as you layer the vegetables, adding a touch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavors.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
English peas
16 ounces (drained)
Asparagus cuts
16 ounces (drained)
Sliced mushrooms
8 ounces (drained)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 can (no preparation needed)
Cracker crumbs
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
3
Begin layering the casserole by placing half of the drained English peas at the bottom of the dish.
4
Next, layer half of the drained asparagus cuts over the peas, followed by half of the drained sliced mushrooms.
5
Spread half of the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the layer of vegetables.
6
Sprinkle half of the cracker crumbs and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the soup.
7
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients in the same order: peas, asparagus, mushrooms, soup, cracker crumbs, and cheese.
8
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Asparagus and English Pea Bake?
It is a delightful vegetable casserole that layers asparagus, English peas, and mushrooms in a creamy mushroom soup base, topped with cracker crumbs and melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need English peas, asparagus cuts, sliced mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, cracker crumbs, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Do I need to prepare the casserole dish before adding ingredients?
Yes, you should grease a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
How should the ingredients be layered?
Layer half of the peas, then half of the asparagus, then half of the mushrooms, half of the soup, and finally half of the crumbs and cheese. Repeat these layers once more.
Should the vegetables be drained before use?
Yes, the English peas, asparagus cuts, and sliced mushrooms should all be drained.
What is the purpose of covering the dish with foil?
The foil prevents the cheese and cracker crumbs from browning excessively while the center heats through.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil after the first 30 minutes of baking.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown after the final 10 minutes of baking.
Can I add extra seasoning to the vegetables?
Yes, you can add a touch of salt and pepper as you layer the vegetables to enhance their natural flavors.
Is this recipe considered a main course or a side dish?
This is primarily categorized as a vegetable side dish, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use different types of crackers for the crumbs?
Yes, while standard buttery crackers are common, you can use any variety of cracker crumbs you prefer.
What inspired this recipe?
This dish is inspired by a grandmother's cherished recipe, focusing on comfort and nostalgia.
Do I need to cook the soup before layering it?
No, the cream of mushroom soup can be spread evenly over the vegetables directly from the can.
Should the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Can I use fresh asparagus instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh asparagus, but you may want to blanch it slightly or cut it into small pieces to ensure it softens during the bake time.
What amount of English peas is required?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of drained English peas.
How many mushrooms are needed?
You will need 8 ounces of drained sliced mushrooms.
Is there a specific size for the casserole dish?
A medium-sized casserole dish is recommended for the specified ingredient amounts.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
While it changes the flavor profile, you could substitute with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, vegetable dish, asparagus, english peas, comfort food, family recipe, and healthy sides.
How much cracker crumbs should I prepare?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cracker crumbs.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, its comforting nature and ease of preparation make it a perfect side dish for family holiday gatherings.
How many layers are in this casserole?
The recipe describes two full sets of layers using the ingredients provided.
What is the preparation required for the cheese?
The cheese should be shredded before being sprinkled over the layers.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as long as the cream of mushroom soup used does not contain meat-based broths.
What makes the topping crunchy?
The combination of cracker crumbs and shredded cheddar cheese creates a golden, bubbly, and crunchy topping during the final stages of baking.