Almond Celery Bake
A creamy, cheesy baked celery dish topped with crunchy almonds and seasoned with paprika and pepper, perfect for comforting family dinners or as a vegetable side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the sliced celery in a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese, pepper, and paprika.
- Top with the undiluted cream of celery soup.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Uncover; sprinkle with slivered almonds.
- Bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the mixture before baking. If you want a crunchier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of soft bread crumbs. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Feel free to include some diced cooked chicken or turkey for added protein, making it a heartier dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Almond Celery Bake makes a delightful side dish for roasted meats or a vegetarian main course when paired with a fresh salad. It complements dishes like Southern Hamburger Pie or Martha's Pecan Pie for a well-rounded meal. Serve it with a tangy vinaigrette salad to balance the richness, or enjoy it as a comforting dish on its own.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals until hot, but the oven method will maintain the crispy topping better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Celery Bake contains roughly 78 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use frozen celery instead of fresh?
While fresh celery is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen celery in a pinch. Just be aware that it may release more moisture during cooking, so you might want to reduce the amount of cream of celery soup slightly to compensate.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make this Almond Celery Bake gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that the cream of celery soup is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy this dish without dietary concerns.
What can I substitute for slivered almonds?
If you don't have slivered almonds or prefer a different nut, chopped walnuts or pecans work well as alternatives. You could also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. These substitutions will still add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.
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).