Almond Casserole
A hearty almond casserole combining savory sausage, rice, and crunchy almonds, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings that appreciate bold flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 4 1/2 cups water and 2 envelopes dry chicken noodle soup to a boil.
- Add rice and reduce heat. Simmer for 25 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Fry sausage until brown.
- Remove sausage from pan and pour off as much fat as possible.
- Add chopped celery, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper to a little fat and brown gently.
- Add rice, sausage, and 1/2 cup almonds together; mix well in a 2-quart dish.
- Garnish with the remaining almonds on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of cream or a can of cream of mushroom soup. You can substitute the sausage with turkey sausage or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter dish. Adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand; mushrooms or carrots work well too. This dish can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick Sausage Bread for a hearty dinner. For a complete experience, consider serving it alongside a light white wine or sparkling water to refresh the palate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Casserole contains roughly 1156 calories, with 30g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1579mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply bake it at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes, adding extra time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Any flavorful sausage works well, but a smoked sausage or Italian sausage will add depth to the dish. If you're looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage is a great substitute that maintains good flavor without the extra fat.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate any vegetables you enjoy. Peas, carrots, or even diced tomatoes can enhance the dish. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly if you use vegetables that require different cooking durations.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).