Sweet Pea Autumn Casserole: A Comforting Country Crock Recipe for Fall

Autumn is the season of comfort food, and what could be more comforting than a warm, creamy casserole? This Sweet Pea Autumn Casserole, made with Country Crock, is the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening. It’s packed with seasonal vegetables, tender sweet peas, and a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Seasonal Flavors:** This casserole celebrates the best of autumn produce, incorporating butternut squash, Brussels sprouts (or other fall vegetables), and herbs like sage and thyme.
* **Creamy and Rich:** Country Crock provides a delightful creamy texture and subtle buttery flavor, making the casserole incredibly satisfying.
* **Easy to Customize:** Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what’s available at your local farmers market.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** This casserole evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making it the ideal dish for cozy autumn nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
* 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
* 1 cup vegetable broth
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste
* 1 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed
* 1/2 cup Country Crock, softened
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% work best)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Equipment

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife and cutting board
* Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Sweet Pea Autumn Casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and prepare all of your vegetables. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Trim the Brussels sprouts and halve or quarter them depending on their size. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the cubed butternut squash and Brussels sprouts to the skillet.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
6. Season with dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

**Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce**

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened Country Crock and all-purpose flour until smooth.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Pour the Country Crock mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
4. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in the thawed sweet peas and grated Parmesan cheese (if using) into the vegetable mixture.
3. Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

1. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for added texture. You can also drizzle a little melted Country Crock over the breadcrumbs for extra richness.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
3. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

* **Vegetable Swaps:** Feel free to substitute other autumn vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for the butternut squash or Brussels sprouts.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier casserole, add cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage to the vegetable mixture.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, cheddar, or mozzarella.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Nutty Topping:** Toast some chopped pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them over the casserole before baking for a crunchy topping.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use plant-based milk and a vegan butter substitute for the Country Crock to make this recipe vegan. Nutritional yeast can also mimic the cheesy flavor of Parmesan.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure any breadcrumbs used are also gluten-free.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano in addition to, or instead of, thyme and sage.
* **Use Fresh Peas:** If you have access to fresh sweet peas, feel free to use those instead of frozen. They may require slightly longer cooking time.
* **Breadcrumb Alternatives:** Instead of breadcrumbs, consider using crushed crackers or even fried onion crisps for a different topping.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Pea Autumn Casserole is a delicious main course or side dish. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Serve as a main course** with a side salad and crusty bread.
* **Pair with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork.**
* **Serve as a Thanksgiving or holiday side dish.**
* **Enjoy as a cozy weeknight meal.**

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Country Crock: The Secret to Creamy Casseroles

Country Crock is the perfect ingredient for creating creamy and delicious casseroles. Its smooth texture and buttery flavor add richness and depth to any dish. Unlike butter, Country Crock spreads easily and evenly, making it ideal for creating a smooth and consistent sauce. Plus, it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from sweet to savory.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 30-50mg
* Sodium: 300-500mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-8g
* Protein: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Printable Recipe Card

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