Baked Celery Casserole
A comforting baked celery casserole featuring tender celery, water chestnuts, pimentos, and a creamy chicken soup base. Topped with crunchy bread crumbs and slivered almonds, this dish offers a savory and nutty flavor profile. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings seeking a nostalgic, hearty side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the sliced celery in salted water for 8 minutes.
- Drain the cooked celery.
- Mix the drained celery, sliced water chestnuts, chopped pimentos, and cream of chicken soup in a bowl.
- Place the mixture into a buttered 2-quart casserole dish.
- Melt the butter.
- Pour the melted butter over the bread crumbs.
- Add slivered almonds to the bread crumbs and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the mixture. If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with diced mushrooms for a different texture. Using whole wheat bread crumbs can add a nutty flavor and a healthier touch. For a creamier texture, try adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Celery Casserole pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted pork for a balanced meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to enhance the dish's flavors. It also works well as a hearty side for gatherings, complementing other American recipes like Macaroni And Chicken Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Celery Casserole contains roughly 628 calories, with 8g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1976mg per serving (86% 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 use fresh celery instead of pre-sliced?
Yes, using fresh celery is perfectly fine! Just slice it into similar sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as fresh celery may take a bit longer to soften in boiling water.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, try using cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. For a lighter option, you can mix plain Greek yogurt with some chicken broth to achieve a similar creamy consistency without the added preservatives.
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).