There’s something irresistibly comforting about baked casseroles that speak of family, warmth, and shared memories. This Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe is just that dish: a bubbling, creamy blend of tender sweet peas, rich cheese, and a buttery cracker topping that’s perfect for gatherings or a nostalgic weeknight dinner. Whether you’re bringing a dish to a potluck or just craving a dose of old-fashioned Southern hospitality, this casserole delivers in both taste and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe is that you probably have almost everything you need already in your kitchen. Each ingredient is essential—offering creaminess, savory depth, or that gorgeous golden crunch on top. Here’s exactly what goes in, and why it matters.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans sweet peas, drained: The star of the show, these lend sweetness and a hearty texture to the casserole.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that helps bind everything together without being too heavy.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Gives the dish its signature velvety mouthfeel and savory punch.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and absolutely essential for that classic, gooey bite.
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped: A little bite from the onion brightens all the rich flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Just enough to add depth without overpowering the peas.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors—taste your base before baking for perfect seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A hint of spice balances the sweet and creamy elements.
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz): These create the golden, buttery crust everyone fights over.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps those cracker crumbs brown up perfectly for extra flavor and crunch.
How to Make Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. Greasing the pan ensures that each scoop of your Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe comes out perfectly without sticking, letting you keep that crunchy topping intact.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained peas, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully combined and creamy—the mixture should be evenly coated. This is your flavor-packed casserole base, bursting with colorful peas and pockets of cheese.
Step 3: Assemble in the Dish
Spoon the creamy pea mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This helps the casserole bake evenly, ensuring the cheesy base gets hot and bubbly right to the edges.
Step 4: Prepare the Buttery Cracker Topping
Grab a small bowl and combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are lightly coated and glistening. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pea filling. The buttery crackers will turn gorgeously golden and crisp in the oven, creating the casserole’s irresistible signature finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Slide the assembled Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot all the way through and the topping is golden brown and crunchy. You’ll know it’s ready when you see bubbles along the edges and smell that dreamy, cheesy aroma!
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set up just slightly, so you get perfect, scoopable servings with a little bit of the crisp topping on each plate.
How to Serve Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a handful of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions on top of your Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe just before serving. Not only does this bring a pop of color, but it also gives a fresh bite that balances all the rich, creamy flavors. If you’re feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or even a little extra shredded cheddar on top will make the dish even more enticing.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a side for ham or roasted chicken, but it’s equally delicious with grilled pork chops, baked fish, or even as part of a vegetarian feast with fresh salads and crusty bread. The mild sweetness and creaminess make it a lovely partner to anything savory or smoky.
Creative Ways to Present
For a potluck, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for a cute, personal touch. If you’re serving at a family holiday, consider doubling the recipe and baking in a large casserole dish. Arrange extra crackers or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side for guests to customize their portions. The Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe is flexible and friendly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any remaining casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, and it reheats beautifully, making leftovers a treat. Place leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and keep that amazing cracker topping as crisp as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. For best results, assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) and cover well. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. If you’d like to restore the crunch to your topping, uncover for the last 5 minutes. For small servings, the microwave works perfectly—just watch to avoid overcooking, which can dry things out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just thaw and thoroughly drain them before mixing in. Frozen peas add a touch of extra color and firmness—but rest assured, the Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe will taste amazing whichever you choose.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish a day ahead and refrigerate, covered, until you’re ready to bake. Add the cracker topping just before baking for the best texture.
What if I prefer a lighter version?
Try using light sour cream and light mayonnaise. You could also swap in Greek yogurt for a portion of the sour cream to cut a little fat while maintaining the casserole’s creamy bite.
Is this dish vegetarian?
The Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe as written is vegetarian-friendly—just make sure your crackers and cheese don’t contain animal-based enzymes if strict vegetarianism is required.
Can I add meat or extra veggies?
Definitely! Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for a smoky bump in flavor. Sautéed mushrooms or chopped bell peppers are fantastic choices if you want more veggies.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe is a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings. With its blend of creamy, cheesy filling and irresistible crunchy topping, it’s comfort food at its best. Give it a try soon—your table will thank you, and so will everyone at your next get-together!
